I once remarked to friend of mine that I often wondered how I got through those years of thoughtless drinking and yet never got a DWI. He, another alcoholic in remission, told me that he often wondered himself. And then to capitalize our good fortune, we told tales where, if there was justice in the world, we would have been charged and spent at least a night in jail.
I know that for at least fifty per cent of my drinking life, (I quit drinking for at least the fourth time when I was forty, I've been sober since.) I was fairly safe because I was white, male and wore a suit and tie. Thanks to Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD, and other organizations things changed. A tightening and an insistence on enforcement of the laws is the norm in many communties. We read of men, and it is usually men, who receive multiple DWI's and still drive. It's a great news story, but a rare event.
Alcoholism is a terrible disease. Because for so many years, we looked on alcohol abuse as a personal failing, the research is sadly behind the issue. We think some of it genetic. We know that, as with drug abuse, some of it is self medication in a vain attempt to deal with other mental problems like depression. We also know that the vast majority of people are responsible consumers and don't have a problem.
With the increasing chances that marijuana will be legal in many states, (It will be hard to resist the tax revenue the pot business produces.) we need to understand that while it might be a gateway drug to harder stuff for some, it will be a Saturday night mild buzz for the vast majority. While many will use it responsibly a few will need help for the trouble it will cause them.
Remember my philosophy. Most of the problems in society are caused by 5% of the people in that society. Depending on the problem, you might be in the 5%.
We are almost settled in our new home in Appleton. That means if you walk through the living area of the house it looks like people live there and might be expecting a photographer from "House Beautiful". My wife is a professional interior designer, among other talents.
However, do not look in the basement or out in the garage. There lurk the boxes and plastic totes that haven't been... let's say, dealt with. I know we will take care of things in the garage. After all, winter is coming and our car will need shelter.
The basement? Remember when I told you that stuff that stays unpacked actually seems to breed with other unpacked stuff? We might be taking some risks in that department.
We are entertaining guests. They are not allowed in the basement or the garage.
I know that for at least fifty per cent of my drinking life, (I quit drinking for at least the fourth time when I was forty, I've been sober since.) I was fairly safe because I was white, male and wore a suit and tie. Thanks to Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD, and other organizations things changed. A tightening and an insistence on enforcement of the laws is the norm in many communties. We read of men, and it is usually men, who receive multiple DWI's and still drive. It's a great news story, but a rare event.
Alcoholism is a terrible disease. Because for so many years, we looked on alcohol abuse as a personal failing, the research is sadly behind the issue. We think some of it genetic. We know that, as with drug abuse, some of it is self medication in a vain attempt to deal with other mental problems like depression. We also know that the vast majority of people are responsible consumers and don't have a problem.
With the increasing chances that marijuana will be legal in many states, (It will be hard to resist the tax revenue the pot business produces.) we need to understand that while it might be a gateway drug to harder stuff for some, it will be a Saturday night mild buzz for the vast majority. While many will use it responsibly a few will need help for the trouble it will cause them.
Remember my philosophy. Most of the problems in society are caused by 5% of the people in that society. Depending on the problem, you might be in the 5%.
We are almost settled in our new home in Appleton. That means if you walk through the living area of the house it looks like people live there and might be expecting a photographer from "House Beautiful". My wife is a professional interior designer, among other talents.
However, do not look in the basement or out in the garage. There lurk the boxes and plastic totes that haven't been... let's say, dealt with. I know we will take care of things in the garage. After all, winter is coming and our car will need shelter.
The basement? Remember when I told you that stuff that stays unpacked actually seems to breed with other unpacked stuff? We might be taking some risks in that department.
We are entertaining guests. They are not allowed in the basement or the garage.
Comments
Post a Comment