~ Elusive Feeling ~ 

In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr. Silkworth said, “Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only normal one.” But what is elusive? 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, elusive is defined as “hard to comprehend or define” or “tending to evade grasp or pursuit.” When I think of alcoholism & drug addiction, I believe that individuals start drinking & using drugs because it makes them feel good. But what is this feeling? It could be an internal feeling of peace, an internal feeling of “I’m good enough.” Maybe the voice in their head stops talking or shouting. Maybe the use of said substance(s) gives them a relief from withdrawals. Maybe even it makes them feel as if they are a part of something, such as their social circle. 

There are many reasons why people drink or use drugs, & I believe that this ‘elusive sensation’ is individually defined. I do not think there is a universal approach to understanding the nature of addiction, as each person is different. Therefore, each approach must be different. 

What I do question though is - if we were to look at what this “elusive feeling” is, could we prevent years of heartaches & headaches? Could we prevent eventual overdoses from happening & save lives? Could we prevent relapses? Could we prevent addiction from happening? Could we prevent the destruction of families & save our children, the next generation? 

That is a tough challenge, but here it is – I challenge you to reach out to those in need. Be a part of the solution, & not a part of the problem. 

Peace & love to all 

~ KO