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Johnnie Wiser

by Michelle Williams
Johnnie Wiser looks over photographs of his grandchildren Thursday at his home in Bradfordsville, Ky. Since Wiser quit drinking 15 years ago, he has grown closer to his family. "They're not scared to come to me now," Wiser said. "If they had a problem, it used to be they'd be scared to come to me."
Johnnie Wiser jokes with his friend Ron at the Little Bit of Country restaurant in Bradfordsville, Ky., Tuesday. Ron and Johnnie spend almost every afternoon together drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes, either at a local diner or on Ron's front porch in Bradfordsville.
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Johnnie Wiser of Bradfordsville, Ky., began drinking when he was 12 years old. At the age of 38, he entered Alcoholics Anonymous and has been clean and sober for the past 15 years, which he attributes to his faith in God. "I have a personal relationship with him," Johnnie said. "Instead of reaching for a bottle, I reach for God."
Johnnie Wiser, right, and his wife Hazel, whom he met in a restaurant seven years ago, eat breakfast at JR's Restaurant and Lounge Wednesday. Although Johnnie is a recovering alcoholic, he often has breakfast in this restaurant, which has a bar atmosphere and serves alcohol in the evening.

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