Dedication Post: To All My Friends Struggling Or Having Had Struggled With Alcoholism

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WHY I CARE :

For privacy reasons to protect my personal life (as well as others), I will not disclose anything extremely personal about my experiences with alcohol in the past or present. Instead, I am going to focus on those I care about who suffer or have suffered from alcoholism. Through many conversations with these people I care about and from my own experiences, we've found that there are many, many wrong things that people tend to say to those who struggle or have struggled with using alcohol as more than a "partying" means (I did a blog post about this cruel concept that you can see below). And do we believe that fair to [general] them? I do not believe so, and neither do they. As stated by one of my friends while talking to him about how he once depended on alcohol to lessen the stress and sadness in their personal life (after what someone insultingly stated one day to him):  

"You should never call someone an alcoholic if they are still struggling. And you should never EVER call someone an alcoholic if they are definitely no longer one, but obviously had past issues with alcoholism. Talk about a mental tizzy and a stab to the heart." 

This person shall remain anonymous for obvious reasons. I'm not that cruel to disclose names here.

But this friend had a very good point. I could never say something like that to anyone, regardless of my own experiences with alcohol.

***And something else to note:***

You never know WHO may have struggled with alcohol or is struggling with alcohol. Just like you never know who may be struggling or have struggled with bulimia or cutting or bruising or drugs or whatever else. I believe it's best for people to just not judge because one may end up doing far more harm than good, even if it's completely unintentional. The world would be a much better place if people chose to embrace people instead of label them. (ooo I hate labels)

As I posted in my "Can People Please Cool It With The Butterbeer Puns?" blog post from February 7, 2012 about actor Daniel Radcliffe's struggle with alcoholism because of his addictive personality, it's not a very kind thing to make fun of someone for feeling as though alcohol is their "turn-to" means of finding solace. As stated in that post, he no longer resorts to such means, has a loving girlfriend, obviously a TON of money, and has been alcohol-free for a very long time. I have a great deal of respect for him for stepping forward and bringing light to a situation he went through so others may not go through it either (oh the power of celebrity and role model-ism).

But seriously, kudos, Mr. Radcliffe.

(The post is worth reading)

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WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO FOR A YEAR :

 Help my friends who are struggling or still struggling, though I know I've helped a few. Try to show them that they can talk out their problems with me, even if they think my words are mud. Or they may not be. But I'm happy to state that I have generally been my group of friends' DW - meaning "Designated Walker" for a WHILE now. And I don't mind that at all. I'd rather my friends be safe than lying on their backs in the sewers or something. Or seeing some interesting photographs on social media (*cue regrets*). And it's one thing to go to the local bar than it is to drink alone in a darkened room for reasons other than chillaxin' reasons. Or at least, I believe so. Perhaps I am wrong there. I don't know, this is a blog, these are all of my opinions!

And why a year?

That's personal.

Le drink of choice at the moment
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YES, I DO ENJOY A DRINK :

As one of my friends says (based off of "My Drunk Kitchen" - inside joke opportunity!): let's be real for a moment: Regardless of what I've personally gone through with alcohol whether it be good or bad, yes, I do enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time. I am 21, after all and have been since February 28th. I'd like to suggest that people should be careful (especially if heredity plays a factor), though however much one wants to drink is their business. I will, however, do my best to ensure that anyone I drink with drinks reasonably to their heart's content. And if they over-drink, then I will remain with them until they've sobered up. That's just how it goes for me. And I don't mind.

And no judgement or shade casted onto those who use alcohol for whatever means. I cannot judge you. I can only wish for your safety and allow you to know that I am always available to talk to 
(preferably not in a blog post comment, but if I know you personally, feel free to text or FB p/m me. If I do not now you personally - since I am expanding the audience this blog reaches - feel free to p/m me on my Facebook Page or Twitter Account).

Dedicated to all of you who are suffering or have suffered from alcoholism.

My thoughts are with you.

And be safe!

xx

(Where was THIS for my neon-themed newsletter?)
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TO THE READERS :

• Have you ever accidentally insulted someone with a past issue (of something) without knowing it, but later finding out you insulted them?
• What do you think these sorts of slips do mentally to someone?
• What's your preferred drink? 

~xxj