It’s always bewildering when drinkers congratulate me on my sobriety, saying how proud they are of me. Meanwhile, they themselves can't live without booze. It's actually really annoying. It's like a crack addict congratulating someone who no longer uses crack. As if there's nothing wrong with using crack, but something wrong with those who can't “control” their crack. See how twisted it sounds? You don't need to be an alcoholic to have a drinking problem. Meaning, you don't need to drink every single day to be addicted to alcohol. Most social drinkers are addicted to alcohol and wreak havoc on the lives of many. It's finally been proven, there are zero benefits to drinking. It's also been labled the most dangerous drug of all drugs when you take into account the ripple effect. Drunk driving fatalities, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, etc. It's no surprise to me since I've used most every drug out there, and have been around all types of drug users to see the effects each one brings.
I have only met 2 people in my life who can stop at one drink. The majority can't. Those who say they don't have a drinking problem, I say try going 3 months without a drink, or better yet, stop after one drink and see how it goes. Most drinkers can't imagine it, let alone do it. Drinkers who congratulate those of us who no longer drink, believe they are “special” because they can "handle their alcohol", but upon observation they obviously can not. Anyone who can't have fun or get through life unless they use alcohol are drug addicts. And the mere thought of others who are able to function and enjoy life without alcohol, makes drinkers defensive. So they pat us on the back and try convincing us that they can take it or leave it. Sure they can..these addicts need to feel superior and in control, through denial, in order to protect their fragile egos. Addiction kills pride, and people with injured pride try building themselves up through denial and silly lies. Sadly, they also like to deny the chaos and misery they bring into the lives of everyone around them. Drug addicts are extremely selfish untrustworthy toxic people.
But shouldn't I show more compassion to addicts, since I was once one myself? No, I don't need to show compassion for drug addicts living in denial because they are dangerous selfish deceitful liars who bring great harm and destruction to the lives of many. I do, however, have compassion for addicts who admit they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and are making efforts to get sober, and better their lives. These are courageous people of integrity worthy of much respect and admiration. Drug addicts are not the victims, they are the perpetrators. Until they admit the harm they cause with a desire to change. The true victims are their loved ones and all who come in contact with the addict. These victims suffer greatly because the addict has no intent on changing or stopping, and NO amount of compassion will make them change.
