Writing About My Alcoholism, Not Yours

Speaking From the “I,” Not the “You”

Photo of the author, from his files

I can remember shutting down when I was young whenever someone would lecture me.

I simply withstood it until it was over. I knew I was in trouble or something like that, but when I was a child I couldn’t take the tone of voice and being held prisoner until the lecture was over. This blocked any message from getting through.

I’ve always responded to encouragement and to recognition.

When I talk about alcoholism, I mostly speak from my own experience. I will comment and hopefully enlighten by highlighting stories in the news that I believe speak to our shared experience from time to time.

I’m not an expert on alcoholism or addiction, and I’m not a doctor or a scientist or a mental health or addiction professional.

I’m simply an alcoholic/addict who has stayed clean and sober for 34+ years at this point.

I can’t tell you what to do, and the last thing I want to do is to give a lecture. My God, what a waste of time that was when I was in the throes of my using years and I had someone come down on me.

I will make suggestions here and there. I had a ton of suggestions given to me by alcohol counselors, therapists, and people whom I met that were…