An Open Letter To An Alcoholic | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

An Open Letter To An Alcoholic

Thank you alcoholic, for teaching me things I never thought I would know or feel.

21591
An Open Letter To An Alcoholic
Google

Dear Alcoholic,

Yes, I'm calling you an alcoholic and no, I don't feel bad about it. Many times I have felt bad about calling you that because I didn't want to admit to myself that you were one, but you are. An alcoholic doesn't understand the pain they cause to their family, friends, and loved ones and this is my time to finally say what it feels like to lose someone to alcohol.

You know that feeling in your stomach when you know something terrible happens? When you start to shake because you're that upset? When you've cried too much over the same thing that tears don't even come anymore? Only focusing on that one thing all day and every time you laugh or smile you feel guilty for not being sad? Knowing to make time to calm down from being upset after calling? Knowing that your chosen second over alcohol? Feeling like there's nothing more you can say to make that person want to change? Those are just the emotions to start with when it comes to the ways an alcoholic makes someone feel.

I know what you're probably thinking, "It's not as bad as it seems. I'm only like that sometimes." which is not the case. Everyone knows of a family that has struggled to cope with a loved one who is an alcoholic. I never thought "alcoholism" was an actual disease until I saw it first hand. I thought it was easy to put down a drink and know your limits. Alcoholism is one of the worst diseases there is, especially when the person can't admit they have this disease. It's a disease that can change the best person, into the worst.

So next time you start to take that shot, or drink a glass that turns into a bottle, think about it. Think about all your family, friends, and loved ones that you'll hurt for the actions you'll make. People love you more than that bottle of alcohol does, and know that people are there to help you along the way. You yourself has to want to change, and that's the only way success of defeating alcoholism can happen.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1037
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27027
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11337
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments