I Don't Need Drugs and Alcohol to Have Fun

I can safely say the title of this post says it all.

I grew up with alcoholism. For twenty years, it was slurred and hateful words, thrown plates (both empty and filled), bruises and black eyes...scared kids, hangovers that could kill a horse, yelling and anger. Some people scoff and say, "It feel good to get drunk". But why? The worse you get with alcohol, you run the risk the next morning with broken relationships or friendships by something you said or did and don't remember it. The drunk thinks he or she is being clever and says whatever comes to mind. But is it worth it to have people avoid you because you insult someone, sometimes badly? I have seen my father lose jobs - good-paying ones, too - by being flippant if the boss called him on something. Most of us need a paycheck to support ourselves or others.

The only pills I take are Bufferin (ibuprofen) for an occasional headache, or Dayquil when I am sneezing or coughing. My sister-in-law is on a plethora of doctor-prescribed drugs because she has a leaking heart valve. I see all these television and printed ads which warn of side effects when you are on some kind of prescription medication. I saw one ad (last night and again this morning) warning against addiction. Bridget has fainted on the job, woken up with pain, been short of breath, and been temperamental since she has taken these things. She screams at the dog he is "STARING at me!" because he is looking at her and saying "I love you" with his eyes.

I would rather be in control of my thoughts and faculties with a clear head and eyes than be medicated or drunk out of my mind.