daxemus

I am in Vegas for work. I am someone in early sobriety (20 days today). Those two things are very difficult together.
There is an attractiveness to things that are addicting, it's all a phony, fraudulent allure, but exists nonetheless. So, I found the nearest sober place to spend most of my free time. I started my walk to there and encountered "party" after "party" on the street. Attractive. Deceptive.

Then I saw this: a man who appeared homeless, tattered clothes, hard sleeping face, holding a sign, "Pay me $20 and I'll let you kick me in the nuts as hard as you want." It sickened me because that is the desperation of this disease. What sickened me more was the line of men who were willing to do it. The crowd of people chanting consent and approval. That is the disease of addiction. Not the billboards. Not the pretty bottles. Not the boisterous laughter. I am going to bed sober. That man is sleeping God knows where, feeling God knows what... But for the grace of God go I...

freethinking

What a great post. Thanks for sharing that.

Raider

That is horribly sad and sick.

FreeOwl

the very fact that this is a thing that happened is truly tragic on so many levels...

but good on you for seeing the sign in it and for holding your strength in sobriety.

I'm headed to Vegas next week for work. This will be my second 10 day trip there in sobriety. It's amazing what one sees in recovery in a place like that.

Thank you for the reminder that will help ME stay sober on my upcoming trip to the Sin City.

JaylaaKent

Awww this is so very sad - I wish he had family or someone to help him