What would be the harm of using in moderation?
 

What would be the harm of using in moderation?

Which way lay safely? Which way life? -- Jacques Lusseyran

Newcomer
What would be the harm of using in moderation? The rest of the world does it. I have to admit that I feel deprived, even somewhat resentful.

Sponsor
When I was free to use in moderation, how moderate was I? Was my relationship with certain substances and behaviors easy and comfortable, one that created no problems for me or others? Was it easy for me to stop, once I got started? Was it easy for me to stay stopped, if I chose to? It's easy to slip back into denial about the seriousness of my problem, once I've gotten some momentary feelings of control.
Some of us consumed our addictive substances in smaller quantities than others did. Some of us are taller or thinner or shorter or younger; some spent more years in school; some can enjoy strawberries without breaking out in a rash. I can easily point to the differences between me and others; there are plenty!
Or I can go to meetings, listen, and see if there are feelings with which I identify. The addictions that call to us will always be there, if we decide to go back to them. For today, there's no hurry to return to old habits. Let's keep an open mind, as we go through today without putting our recovery at risk

I look honestly at my previous life and remember what feelings and situations got me here. For today, I give myself the chance for recovery.
--If You Want What We Have