Alcohol, drugs or sex may have started as fun—a way to be with others, a means to feeling comfortable. But now the preoccupation, planning, avoiding questions, and increasing excuses are harder to navigate. The physical toll is becoming greater and the losses of friends, lovers, opportunities and time piling up. You have seen worse in others. You handle your business. But being abstinent becomes increasingly unwelcome and pleasure without drinking or drugs illusive. The image of the stumbling Bowery bum offers solace to anyone concerned he or she is drinking too much or partying too often. But, do people who have no problem make comparisons to vindicate their behaviors?

Recovery from addictive behaviors is not simply stopping the drugging and drinking. Looking to prove you have a handle on your behavior enables the addiction to repeat the cycle of falling off the wagon. Recovery demands a consistent engagement with treatment, changed habits, connection to sober supports and reconnection to sober activities. Most importantly, faith in your ability to enjoy life without mood changing chemicals or impulsive behaviors needs to be methodically restored. No one was born with a desire to have an addiction. Addiction is a solution that soaks the mind and drains the soul.

No one path to recovery exists but to review your options, please contact self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, the New York State OASAS Hope-Line or contact Jay Pires.

Please note abstinence from sustained and/or extensive alcohol or benzodiazepine use may cause seizure and death and should be medically supervised. Call 911 or go to an Emergency Room if you have any concerns.