Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Daily Fray

I enjoy watching "Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew".
It's an emotional show that reminds me of my daily battle with my addiction of alcohol.
After watching the last show of the season today, I was glad to see that it has a continuation of watching these people struggle with their addiction (Sober House with Dr Drew).
It's interesting to be reminded, that people, no matter how famous, or how rich they are, are still just people struggling to survive and overcome their own self destructive decisions.
I've thought a lot lately about why I stay sober. Discussing it with my friends helps out alot actually.
Foremost, I stay sober for myself. One of the reasons for that is that I can be quite stubborn at times. I'm stubborn in that if I take a drink today, that erases all of those days prior to this day ( if I drink), that I've been sober. I really don't want to start over on day one again. I've started over in so many regards in my life in the last ten years. I look back and realize all the things I've lost and done because of alcohol. Starting over in that regard could make me have to start over in so many other things. It's just not an option for me. That reminder helps me to say no to the urge every day.

It really is true that you can't help someone who doesn't want it. We addicts will make many excuses to continue our addictions. It only takes one really good one to make someone stop, if only for a while to reflect upon what they're doing to themselves and those around them. I wish I could have helped my pop to see that. He was so proud of me and my sobriety. He told me that alot, even while holding a beer in his hands. I don't think he had the strength to stop drinking after losing his wife and his brother within such a short time. It surely took its toll on him.

I have other periphery reasons for my sobriety, but I see it as a selfish thing that I have to do for me. (I chuckle as I write this) One of those reasons is just something as simple as distraction. I give myself something to do other than drink. School has been GREEEEAAAAT for that! It gives me so much more to think about than going down to the liquor store and buying my favorite bottle of Scotch.
I'm reminded of a 5 for fighting song, (that band you hear playing right now). Somebody save me.
I think addicts ultimately have to save themselves. Some, need to be reminded of why they need to become sober and can say those reminding them have saved them. I say those people that have become sober from an addiction, "Give yourself some credit!" You (and I) have reached a point where our resolve and strength and courage have transformed us into someone that we scarce remember... ourselves. To be myself. THAT is the true reason for my sobriety.
Let the Daily Fray Continue!



*****
Quote for the day:

"If there's anything unsettling to the stomach, it's watching actors on television talk about their personal lives." -- Marlon Brando