Thanks for that. And don’t worry, it’s not square one. Every day of progress is a bit of the puzzle solved. We are humans, and we will have set-backs. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just set some new goals and get the support you need to achieve them! <3

Amy Housewine, I <3 U!

That is a general rule, but not always true. Also, as a former professional in the field of substance abuse, I always try to dissuade the term “alcoholic” because it has no official or medical meaning. It’s a buzzword. The preferred nomenclature is substance use disorder. Each person’s struggle is unique. And, we each…

Two techniques I’ve used to slow it down: Virgin vodka sodas with lime, and filling dark colored beer bottles with water. Ten drinks a week is more than the average person? Ruh roh!

STIGMA! Nothing is better than getting condescended to for your drinking while the person is smoking a cigarette. Also, we will all die, just hopefully we’ll be able to meet our human growth needs while we’re still here.

Ha! I was like, “two drinks is the recommended limit?” Are they smoking crack? Come meet my Slovakian family, LOL!

I’m a person who’s “had it all” and is now sitting barren. I’ve blamed a lot of things, but a big big piece of it for me is that I just let it all go. Just lost the script. Wasted away too many days in anger. Need to get clear-headed.

Aw, c’mon. Now that’s just Judgey Mcjudgerson. You don’t know a thing about this person.

You can drink! It’s practically a human right in this country, thank goodness! But you don’t have to. And sometimes it’s more fun not to (I say as I’m currently drinking alcohol to try to fall asleep with insomnia).

As much as my inner curmudgeon wants to say “screw you” to anyone who has a problem with my drinking, I will admit that I’ve almost always felt better during the periods of time when I’ve abstained. I have to remember that. Keep following that inner voice!

I fully support virgin vodka sodas and lime. It looks the same and tastes almost identical. No-one will know the difference. It has helped me quit for long stretches of time.

THIS. I’m actively drinking heavily. Sometimes very heavily. I was sent to rehab against my will as a teen for smoking marijuana and having emotional problems. A lot of the tenets of AA were actually the INVERSE of what I needed at that point in my life. The “powerless” thing is kind of an ego-deflation device, and my…

I am constantly amazed by the human spirit! <3

Thank you for this history lesson! I had no idea. I am a lapsed Catholic Slovak, but I approve of this message!

No No! I was actually agreeing with you! The victims’ stories are an important part of humanizing these crises! Thank you for saying that. Sorry it didn’t come across as expressing enthusiastic agreement. Tone gets lost on the internet unfortunately!

Very astute analysis! Thank you for such a thoughtful response!

Yes! Sensationalism is taking over. I actually believe that this is an effect of the “society of the spectacle” and the financial world being tied to big data analytics instead of actual value.

Radical community organization, the cessation of drone attacks, outreach, acceptance, an understanding of the effects of the “society of the spectacle,” anti-racism activism, human rights enforcement, valuing people people over capital, sacrifice, loss of fear, reduction of “othering,” forgiveness, amnesty, DIALOG,…

I think somehow REAL opportunities and GOOD education can go a long way. Some will never be converted to the LOVE train, but many can be, and when a community is able to stick together and have hope, then the haters look just like the criminal jack-asses they are, instead of martyrs.

YES! The majority of all people are capable of love. So much violence. I has a sad.