I have heard time and time again “It’s not your problem, its mine! It’s my life and my decision!” The thing is that it is not an issue that only affects the addict but the whole family and community. The numbers of people killed from DWIs each year is astronomical- not all are the drunk drivers but the victims who are killed in the other vehicle. These tragedies affect their families and friends-not just the addict. The addict’s families are also subject to tragedy. Whether it is parents of an addict, spouses or their children. The words and actions of an addict can leave permanent emotional and mental scaring. Many feel inadequate, or feel that it is their fault. “I am not a good enough reason for my dad to quit drinking,” I have heard. “She’s going through a tough time right now, I should not have pushed her.” The reasons do not lie on any other person, they are merely the excuse. It’s interesting but I have come to the conclusion that that is all it ever is-an excuse underlying the real problem- “I am an addict and lost my daily struggle.” Instead it is always, I lost my job, I had a hard day at work, my boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with me, you were mean to me, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that these are all triggers but that still does not make this the reason- it is still ultimately your decision. It’s my decision- do I want to stop smoking cigarettes, will I smoke this cigarette, will I wait, will I quit? (Hey, we all have our struggles to face).

My article may not have much resolution, but the truth is that neither does this problem. There is no magic wand to take away an addiction, no time machine to stop it before it begins no fairy godmother or genie in a bottle. All there is is the cold, ugly, hard, truth and tragedy. However, if you are lucky there may be a second chance.And you never know, if it will be the last, so I suggest taking it. Because that last hit, that last drink can be exactly that-your last- because after that you may die and never have another chance for anything.