Alky No More

Three of my closest friends are alcoholics. One is busy killing himself and the other one has been clean and sober for 20 years now. The third friend used to work as a drug and alcohol counsellor and he thought he knew everything there was to know about alcohol and drug abuse treatment.

This good friend would watch AA Meetings that occurred at the facility, but only as a staff observer. He was too proud to admit he needed the 12 Steps. He eventually went back on the booze, even though he hadn't had a drink for years. And lately we've lost touch again.

The one close friend who is clean and sober and 'in recovery' originally busted after his first alcohol and drug abuse treatment. Later he did a second detox and got seriously into the Alcoholics Anonymous program. And then he married a wonderful woman who he met in A.A.

They've been together a few years now, and go to A.A. Meetings together, several times every week. Without fail.

Both my friends are so much healthier and happier for their relationship, and for the Fellowship that A.A. offers them. It's really great to see.

Now me, I'm a foodie. I'm not an alcoholic, and I'm in a different fellowship. I am an overeater and a food addict. But I've been to thousands of 12 step meetings over the years, and I've done scores or hundreds of AA meetings as well.

There's no difference except the substance the addicted person uses to medicate themselves with. The pain and the self-destructive behaviour is the same. So are the destroyed relationships.

If you really want to get well, please accept this one tip from me... Don't try to do it alone. Be humble. Get yourself some professional alcohol and drug abuse treatment and do the detox and rehab. Dry out.

Then find a fellowship like AA, actually I don't know of anything better than AA, and get yourself a sponsor. That's a more experienced person who is well into their recovery and who can help you work through the 12 Steps.

It's too hard to think about living the rest of your life without a drink; but you can hang on just until tomorrow without one. And with Fellowship like Alcoholic Anonymous, you can stay clean, dry and sober. One day at a time.