As always, I'm struck by your writing and your thinking. One point bears repeating, or paraphrasing:
Find a reason to quit; find your line in the sand, the one you've crossed and can't tolerate. So often it's a medical emergency, or a car accident, or a ruined relationship, but it doesn't have to be that dramatic or life-altering. Mine was one simple moment of trying to lift a mug of diet soda to wash down a mouthful of cheap vodka: my hand wasn't just shaking, it was wobbling violently back and forth. I used two hands to get that mug to my mouth without spilling...and started making calls for detox assistance.
I totally get your 'gratitude' in the face of legal trouble, Buck. And it's admirable that you can be thinking of others right now, urging them to find a reason to quit. You're a class act, and I'll be anxious to hear the results from your hearing; obviously wishing you the best...Arp
