Actually it’s quite the contrary, I DON’T think I’m better, I think I’m worse than you. I am the alcoholic, remember?
I’ve been approached with this type of response in regard to my decision not to drink anymore. I’m still getting used to how to broach the subject when around people who do drink and I’ve gotten all kinds of mixed responses.
From “I’m proud of you” to “I couldn’t do that” to “so you think you’re better than me”.
No, I don’t think I’m better than you…not even a little bit….not even at all (yes that was a slight movie quote pull from 10 Things I Hate About You).
The last thing I really want is for people to be uncomfortable or feel like I’m judging them for drinking. After all, my sobriety isn’t about YOU! It’s about ME and my inability to control MY drinking. It has NOTHING to do with you and I REPEAT, it has NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!
I don’t count your drinks, I don’t judge you when you stumble or start to slur your words, I don’t even care that you drank every night this week.
YOU don’t owe ME any explanation for why you drink.
I’ve found that a lot of people will explain their drinking to me after I tell them that I am sober. Like, I don’t really drink all the much myself. Or I only drink once a week. Or I only get drunk every now and then. The worse being people who clearly ARE drunk telling me they are not.
For the record: It’s completely acceptable that you drink. Most people drink. Most people drink a normal amount. Sometimes people drink too much on a given night and that’s okay too.
Again, I’m not here to judge you and your drinking. I assume most people are perfectly fine.
I say most people because there are some of us who are alcoholics and cannot control how much we drink and it’s not normal what we are doing to ourselves and those around us.
But we alcoholics are the exception, not the rule.
So, just in case you were wondering, I don’t think I’m better than you because I don’t drink. I don’t care how much or how often you drink and you don’t owe me an explanation for your own behavior….
Unless of course you are worried you might have a problem and need someone to talk to. In which case, lay it on me I’m here for you boo.
This has been a public service announcement from one alcoholic to the general public lol
Also here’s a little jam I’ve been into recently about addiction…warning, this jam hits hard af.
“‘Cause the bad’s been slowly getting worse
And this fast lane living, it’s a curse
Better tell me what’s your life worth
I think it’s time for a change”