In order to get my life under control, in order to remove the sickness and dysfunction of the alcoholic and the addict, I had to remove them from my life. Period. I have found no other way that brings me peace or serenity. And to remove them from my life, I have had to learn how to stand on my own two feet, in ALL areas of my life. I have had to learn how to be completely self-supporting and self-reliant. I have had to give up things in the short run in order to have peace and serenity in the long run. Alcoholism and addiction do not equate to peace or serenity. I would continue to be dysfunctional as long as I remained in a dysfunctional relationship, with a dysfunctional person.