Today was a reminder just how sick a disease addiction

Today was a reminder just how sick a disease addiction is.
Earlier this afternoon I stopped at a convenience store and while waiting in line witnessed a very drunk individual purchasing a 30 pack of beer.
Couldn’t believe what i was seeing, that the clerk actually sold him the beer.
Anyways I followed him out not exactly knowing what I was going to do but thought maybe I could grab his keys at some point.
Thankfully he was only a passenger but I couldnt tell if the driver was also drunk.

First time in my life I turned into a “Ken” and went back into store to confront clerk.
His excuse was he hadn’t thought he was inpeared is why he sold and just brushed me off.
There but for the grace of gods go I but this really got under my skin today.

I was having a late lunch at a local restaurant bar (Cesar salad, chicken nachos,diet soda, I digress). I sit at the bar, I'm solo, it's less awkward for me versus sitting at a table solo (I pray and put on the armor before hand). A dude in a wheelchair approached me, he is a recent amputee.

We got to talking and he was outside with other people drinking and smoking. We talked more about my experience, some recommendations, moving to the area, and other stuff. He asked if I wanted a drink, I politely declined.

He pulled out an airplane size bottle of fireball, telling me he could save money that way versus paying bar prices. He also shared how he was selling his house since the amputation, not earning as much now.

I thought, "Well if you stopped abusing alcohol then..." and I caught myself. I was taking his inventory. Ugh. I didn't say anything outloud my ammends was a prayer for him later on. I'm reminded successful recovery are for people that want it, there are a bunch of needy people that never put sobriety into action.

The clerk should know better and depending on the State/Commonwealth could out the business and him/herself into a situation of liability. I'm glad you gave her/him some guidance on making better choices, i hope it is used.

All this to say i have to watch my intentions and ego when trying to help someone. "My Ego is not my Amigo. "

2 Likes

Thanks for sharing. You hit the nail on the head with “ego not my amigo” great saying!

That’s how a part of me felt attempting to intervene in this situation.
That drunk guy buying more beer was ME! I’ve done that before when I drank.
I still can’t believe the clerk sold to him in that condition. If the man had been driving, every other driver in the road could have been in danger.

I’ve decided to not shop at this convenience store anymore and very grateful it wasn’t me buying a 30 pack or even worst, the clerk selling it to an obviously intoxicated person.