Alcoholism involves both the inability to control the amount consumed and powerlessness to stop and stay stopped despite adverse consequences. When I was in college, we all consumed too much! My buddies grew up, stopped excessive drinking and became responsible members of society.

When I left the rehab center they all told me that I was bound to fail without question. They reassured me without even giving me a proper assessment that I was beyond saving unless I blindly adhered to their system. This I could not do. I am a very rational person. The higher power for me would be reason. They thought this to be unacceptable and would not hear such blasphemy.

Arrogant, self righteous and disrespectful are the words that come to mind when we watch someone in control mode.

I am concerned about you. I read in your June 3rd column that you had attended an AA meeting in Boulder and were planning to stop using alcohol and other drugs. How’s that working for you?

Now you are in recovery, have some days, maybe months of not using and abusing substances, not even switching to a different drug or a compulsive process! You have dealt with much of your past, resolved resentments and made amends. Now what? Everyone knows someone who stops using alcohol and other drugs and starts again, months or years later, going back [...]

I want a new drug One that won't make me sick One that won't make me crash my car Or make me feel three feet thick