The Hypnotist

I used to be a pitiful drunk, sick in body, mind, and spirit. Toward the end of my drinking, I had gin blossoms in my cheeks, neuropathy in my left arm, high blood pressure, and a waxy sheen to my skin. I had frequent panic attacks, and I avoided driving because I couldn't be sure I wouldn't faint. Sometimes, my arms felt as if they were melting off the wheel, and I carried a little paper bag to breath into when the attacks hit.