Overcoming Crisis

People make decisions that lead to success or failure. Sometimes failure can lead a person down a path to a better life that had they never failed, they may not have realized was possible. A person in my life who I am very close to, experienced a significant addiction that ironically once overcome led him to a better life. The addiction led to loss in his life, such as losing his license to drive, family fueds, and financial issues. At his lowest point, he had a turning point that led to his sobriety and a better life. “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Duke Ellington.

In society people are influenced by norms, but people need to try very hard to avoid unhealthy norms such as too much alcohol consumption, or it can lead to a painful life of addictin. A norm in American society is social drinking. Alcohol is typically offered at major events or even over a casual Sunday football game, leading to a constant exposure and consumption for him. Over the years, these influences led to his additiction. These norms supported and fueled the alcholism, because at ever corner in his life, there was the substance that he was addicted to right in front of him. Sobriety woudl be the only way to refrain. In order for him to become sober he had to realize first that he had a problem, second that the lifestyle was leading to failures, and last that he needed to leave the lifestyle to have a better life.

The losses in his life became crippling and he decided to get help with AA groups, returning to church, and support from family and friends. Eventually these changes led to his sobriety and even opportunities such as creating new friendships and even becoming a support to others who suffer from alcoholism. In the end, this crisis led to opportunity in his life.

A well known alcholic who went from failure to extreme success is Johnny Depp. Johnny had mental health issues that led him to become addicted to not only alcohol but drugs. The downward path for him stared when he was still a child. Although Johnny Depp suffered from alcohoism, he ended up with a successful life. His famly and friends supported him and he has maintained his career as a movie star.

Sometimes failure can lead a person down a path to a better life that had they never failed, they may not have realized was possible. My close friend and Johnny Depp are both examples of people who were addicted to alcohol but have overcome the addiction, leading to a better life and opportunity they did not realize was out there before.

“Alcohol and Ulcerative Colitis” by kimerydavis is licensed under CC BY 2.0.