Dear Addiction,

Oh, the times we’ve had, the things we’ve seen, the many things best left unsaid. I wish we both knew the many things that would and did happen. There were many, many good times—summers on the beach, winters in Colorado and Montana, springtime in Northern California, and Fall in New England. There were also many, many bad times—waking up in jail, missing my children growing up, destroyed relationships, broken promises, and, bridges which were nuked, not burned. The time wasted, money thrown away, the health left by the wayside—all lost in the name of pleasure.

Many a time, we’ve sat together and seemed to have solved most of the problems plaguing mankind. World Affairs, starvation in Africa, crooked politicians, or the sorry state of pro sports. I’ve seen man land on the moon, the Mets win the world series (twice), two women appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, and, a man of color elected as our President. And, the whole time, I just sat there, watching from the sidelines, participating in spirit only. I’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on you, directly and indirectly—booze, bags, bottles, lawyers, fines—yet, I still wanted and needed you in my life. No more! I quit! Pack your stuff and get out! I’m changing the locks, and there is not a goddamn thing you can do about it.

Just go, don’t look back and I won’t watch you leave, either. Slip away in the night and please lose my number. Don’t try and find me because I’m starting a new life today. It’s been real but not much fun at all. Goodbye.

Sincerely,

An Ex-Addict, age 52