Now and then a serious drinker, being dry at the
moment says, “I don’t miss it at all. Feel better. Work
better. Having a better time.” As ex-problem drink-
ers, we smile at such a sally. We know our friend is
like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his spirits.
He fools himself. Inwardly he would give anything to
take half a dozen drinks and get away with them. He
will presently try the old game again, for he isn’t
happy about his sobriety. He cannot picture life without
alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine
life either with alcohol or without it. Then he will
know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the
jumping-off place. He will wish for the end.