thing that came to mind while reading your post was -
Would you turn your back on a rattlesnake across the room?
I mean, if it's far enough away not to be able to strike you,
would you turn your back on it and put it out of your mind?
It's still in the same room
and in no cage ...
ok I have to say - I think that's a GOOD metaphor.
or allagory.. I get htose mixed up.
Second thing that came to mind is-
as an example:
I didn't begin 'drinking' until I was 42 years old.
Two three times per year ... tops for the most of my life.
But -
when examined, my behavior, my personality....
is a 'classic' alcoholic personality.
you can see the potentiality in children
when you learn what to watch for.
It doesn't mean they're going to be what we are
but the traits are there.
All or nothing extreme everything
sensitive, artistic, moody, gregarious ...
too much not enough...
So, it's easy to say without a lot of introspection
that I have been an alcoholic
all my life...
even tho I didn't drink like the stereotype demands
until four decads in.
It's a personality, long before it becomes a substance.
When I'm drinking ... I'm just another drunk.
Right out of the Big Book...
fold staple and dig a hole
because I've only got the one destiny.
But I'm an alcoholic... in recovery.
That means my potentiality ... is unlimited.