Weighing the Consequences: One Last Drink

Here is the situation; a well-known businessman and entrepreneur approaches you and asks for a small amount of your time to propose a business proposition he thinks you might be interested in. The man explains that he has an investment whereby both of you could benefit. The investment is only $275,000.00, an amount that will require you to mortgage the home in which your family resides, and has the potential of a 100.1% return on your investment. So basically the man is asking that you risk your home in the hopes of making $275.00. That amount of money is definitely a benefit, it might even make life a little easier for a short amount of time; but can the benefit outweigh the risk involved. I think most individuals would decline such an advance. What’s my point…

Let’s look at the addict and alcoholic. Obviously individuals who have gone or are going through treatment for alcohol and/or drug addiction have had some negative motivators and experiences to get them there in the first place. I mean let’s face it, if I had a wash board stomach and extreme strength would I spend all my time and money in the gym? Probably not, negative motivators got me there and positive ones keep me going back. So there were definitely some negatives to get to treatment. Yet, still individuals often have the idea that using or drinking again would somehow benefit them. They desire the benefits that it once had for them. This is especially true during the holiday season when it seems many around us find solace in the joys of alcohol consumption.

Here is my point… You wonder if it’s ok to just have a drink one more time, or getting high again wouldn’t mean it would become a problem. Maybe prescription opiates were what got you to treatment in the first place so drinking is fine; perhaps the inverse of this. Ultimately, this is your decision and only you have control over it. But let me ask you this. What would you really, truly, gain from doing so? Think about that for a while. Can you even outline in an intelligent debate the benefits that are worth the risk involved? I have yet to hear someone do so… Would you risk all that you have or even a 1/8 of it just to have a “good” night; if that’s even what it would be. Not to mention all the negatives that definitely will ensue such as a hang-over.  Your choice; I for one cannot find the logic…

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