There is no easier or softer way

One of the most difficult things about being a recovering alcoholic / addict, is that I cannot escape reality when reality sucks, or when reality is hard.

Many of us rely on a drink or a joint, or whatever, to take the edge off when we can’t handle what is. 

There is nothing wrong with this panacea, so long as it isn’t ruling or ruining your life in the process.

For me it did both of these things for many years. I became powerless over alcohol and a variety of other substances, and I become a slave to these urges, which dominated most of my waking hours.

Sometimes all I want to do is to escape the discomforts of life for a while, but I have to remind myself that escape through chemical means is no escape at all, but rather an entrapment which will only lead to much greater pain and discomfort. 

I need to remind myself of this daily, and sometimes multiple times in one day.

For me there is no escape from life on life’s terms. 

While I find this a very difficult thing to accept at times, I also feel a great sense of fulfilment and satisfaction from facing and dealing with discomfort when it comes knocking, rather than trying to avoid it.

For me sobriety is the only way to handle life. There is no other easier and softer way.