Alcoholism is an Equal Opportunity Destroyer

“Remember that alcoholism is incurable, progressive, and fatal.”

—The Alcoholics Anonymous Slogan

On Facebook, I saw the photo of a handsome young man, sporting a cheerful smile on his face. Underneath the photo, his obituary was posted. Wondering if he died in a car accident or overseas fighting our enemies, I opened the obituary and read it. When I did, I was deeply grieved. He died of a drug overdose while drinking — just like so many other young people in America. What we as a society are seeming to misunderstand is that alcoholism is an equal opportunity destroyer.

This is something that happens far too often in our society. We’ve all known someone who has died from an alcohol or drug related death. Perhaps you’ve known someone like this. I’ve known quite a few. In my twenty-three years of recovery, it seems like I have heard of situations like this on an average of once a month. Because these deaths happen sporadically, it’s always shocking, but it shouldn’t be. Instead, they are predictable, and we need to recognize this for what it is.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we say alcohol kills. We believe it, but few take this aphorism seriously—not as seriously as they should, not until it’s too late. There’s a reason for this.

Alcoholics and drug addicts engage in magical thinking. Regardless of how far down the ladder they have gone, they believe they will beat the odds, learn to drink or drug successfully, and live to a ripe old age. They all believe this, but it’s almost never true. Pointing to one person who has made the news by living to 105, while drinking bourbon everyday, alcoholics believe they will be that person, but it’s far more likely that they will die decades before their time by choosing to pursue a path of self-destruction. If you think my admonition is hyperbole, think again.

Because we live in an era where foolish political leaders—those who are anxious to be popular among millennials—champion personal indulgence—the problem is getting worse rather than better. Like the lemming rushing over a cliff, believing the ocean is just another lake, we are headed in the wrong direction at breakneck speed, producing a wake of destabilization, destruction, and death. In this legislative and administrative game, where fools legalize folly, your children and grandchildren are being put at risk. Oblivious to the heartache and suffering at the other end, the welfare of our youth is not the number one priority.

Because our nation glorifies alcohol, especially in music and on TV, minimizing its potential destructiveness, kids by the millions start drinking before have a clue about life. Now, marijuana is getting the same type of glorification. Meanwhile, obituaries like the one I mentioned continue to pop up across the nation — day after day, year after year.

You can listen all of the music you want or watch TV shows that minimize the destructive effects of alcohol and drugs, but none of it is true. Just ask the families of those who have lost a son or daughter to alcohol or drugs. They will tell you, “Alcohol kills” — just like we do at AA.

If you want something different for your life — or for the life of someone who is at risk — join me in the following prayer:

Father,

I see the way our society is headed,

Racing pell-mell toward certain destruction,

But this is not what I want for my life.

I want something different—something better.

I have been so misled and confused,

Believing lies that champion the path of destruction,

But I no longer want to pursue the foolishness of folly.

To create change that will last a lifetime,

I will need Your help to cement my resolve

And make it permanent. On my own, I cannot do it.

Father, help me see reality for what it really is,

Rather than believe the deception of others.

Let me enjoy life and get a natural high

From loving and serving others, rather than

Pursuing the selfish path that has brought me

Nothing but heartache and a wasted life.

Thank You for being there for me, never leaving,

Amen.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction—Proverbs 1:7 (NAS)