The Madame Bollinger effect We have a tendency to imagine that

Recovery
#1

The Madame Bollinger effect

We have a tendency to imagine that using has the magic property to improve everything, be it during good or bad times. We say we can never enjoy social occasions unless there's that drink in our hand - that those good times can never be as good, whilst the bad times will be unbearably difficult. Yet there is no drug, beverage or behaviour in the universe that somehow enhances our best moments and helps us get through bad ones at the same time; it's just totally illogical and based on a strange belief that the effect is always positive. These are polar opposites, yet we believe them with absolute faith despite the obvious evidence. On the contrary, bars filled with drunks are not happy places, and no chronic gambler is happy. My three-month relapse was caused by falling for this delusion after a serious accident. Just like Madame Bollinger, "I drink it when I am happy, and I drink it when I am sad..."

TODO: Think before you drink.

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#2

Wow, I really appreciate you sharing this reflection. The Madame Bollinger effect perfectly captures that irrational contradiction so many of us fall into. It’s crazy how we give substances or behaviors a magical quality they don’t actually have and then that illusion becomes such a dangerous trap.

Your point about bars filled with drunks really hit home—those aren’t happy places, and deep down, we know it. Yet when we’re in the pits of our addiction, the delusion is so strong it’s hard to see clearly. I haven’t been into a bar since every entering recovery and the further I’m removed from them, the less I have any desire to go into one.

Your post served as a strong reminder that I needed during the holidays - to pause, think, and challenge those old beliefs before taking action. It’s not easy, but your reflection gives so much hope that awareness and reflection can help break that cycle.

Thank you for putting this into words—it’s something I’ll be sure to remember.

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