I Drank

Sergeant Frank Furillo talks to his Wife Joyce about his alcoholism and….

A seriously powerful moment in (Hill Street Blues) Television for anyone who suffers from the disease, also perhaps for people who watch (or have watched) a loved one suffering. Or perhaps someone who just doesn’t get it.

I cried uncontrollably while watching and decided to upload for others as many people don't understand this disease, the battle we face daily.

People often mistake Alcoholism for a selfish act of a person wanting to have fun too often. People think “they did it to themselves”, and yes we did, but we didn’t choose to become lifelong slaves to a poison, which destroys your health, your relationships, and many aspects of your life that is taken for granted.

I know there is people who believe that a lifetime of punishment is appropriate, maybe I am wrong in thinking but I know that any grief you give an Alcoholic is nothing compared to the constant self loathing we give ourselves.

I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me, or others, but there is another side to the story, and out battle isn’t easy.

Help someone before they get there.
Understand that people who do suffer from this do not do so by choice. It is agony, and we live with it for the rest of our lives.

This is from my heart; usually I try and pretend everything is OK.
It isn’t, and never will be, but realising that, facing it daily, knowing that yesterday was OK, and all being well tomorrow will also is the way to overcome the daunting task of the days, weeks, months, years, and decades ahead.

Ari