Can I get wasted once in a while?

Question:

Hey, Stanton. Ok, I haven't gotten really drunk in a while. But for some reason, the only thing I had on my mind for the last couple of weeks was drinking until I got totally wasted, and I don't know why all of a sudden I'm like this. What do you think?

Anonyous

Stanton's Answer:

Dear Anon

Are you missing telling me something — like you used to get wasted regularly or that you're in recovery? You know, some times people need to let loose.  Just make sure it's in a safe environment where you can't do any harm to yourself.  In a sense, one of these "programmed" relapses is what AA is all about — you slip and then come back into the fold to start anew counting your days of abstention.  It may be better than thinking endlessly about getting wasted.

Best,
Stanton

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