Over the years, drinking has been a coping mechanism I've favoured. Perhaps it's juvenile but it works. One complication is that my friends also utilise this mechanism. We've practised to the point that it is now a fine art.

The difficulty arises that even social drinking takes on mammoth proportions. One beer invariably turns into 25 drinks. Of course this level of intoxication has consequences. All of my relationships has been founded upon drunken events, with predictable results.

I had thought I could ease off, but it seems only abstinence will work. It all dawned on me last Thursday. The first time I weaned myself out of an alcoholic depression I used cigarettes extensively. At least now there is no depression. Oh and I might be able to save a penny or two (and keep off the smokes).