All I Want to Be

One of the first things I learned about alcoholism is that it is a disease which, among other things, wrecks my physical health. I know that in my case one of the early rewards of sobriety was the return of a feeling of physical well-being. (It took me about six weeks to be able to eat soup with a spoon, or drink a cup of coffee without rattling the saucer.) Early on I was told that I should be conscious of other aspects of my physical health; that it is wise to consult with a doctor in case other problems exist; and that good health habits should be part and parcel of my sobriety. Nowadays I firmly believe that when I am feeling lousy physically, I am setting myself up for a slip or perhaps a dry drunk.