A wonderful writing, Seizan. Good for you for being sober for so long.

The reasons why I resonate is because many of my friends, at least two exes and several relatives had - and still have - severe, and lethal, addictions.

I had to let go of many people who did not want support for their sobriety, or a new lifestyle without crutches. Otherwise I would have become their enabler, a role I was not ready to play. (Well, I did it for a long enough time... and to a certain point: once it became clear that they were not helped and only sunk deeper into their habits, because there was someone who loved them; which to an addict, translated to having a fan who was endorsing their choices. So that had to stop, on my end.)

I hope that your article inspires many readers to start a fresh chapter, without alcohol and substances.

I can state that substances are dangerous, unhealthy, that they cause premature deaths, debilitating illnesses and extraordinary dysfunctions.. and that sobriety is a lot more fun than it sounds: it is good to be clear-headed, to not cope with days feeling like utter crap, it is good to be able think things through, to notice emotional signals and to include feelings into every type of decision making. Even pleasure is felt more intensely in sobriety than under the influence.. and compared to being hooked, needing something to just get through the day.

That message coming from a person who has conquered out-of-control drinking is much stronger, though.

Enjoy your success. That is something to feel good about. Good luck to you this year and in the future.