Dear Skeptic,

I hate meetings. I hate Higher Power. I hate anyone who has a program. To ALL who come in contact with me I wish you suffering and death.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am the disease of alcoholism, addiction, drug abuse, gambling, eating disorders, etc.... I am cunning, baffling, powerful. That's me! I have killed millions and I am pleased. I love to catch you with the element of surprise. I love pretending I am your friend... your lover, your confidant. I have given you comfort, have I not? Wasn't I there when you were lonely? When you wanted to die, didn't you call on me? Wasn't I always there?

I love to make you hurt. I love to make you cry. Better yet, I love when I make you so numb, you can neither hurt nor cry, you can't feel anything at all. This is true glory. I give instant gratification and all I ask, in return, is long-term suffering. I have always been there for you. When things were going good in your life, you invited me in. You said you didn't deserve these good things and I was the only one that would agree with you. Together, we were able to destroy all things good in your life.

People don't take me seriously. They take strokes, cancer and heart attacks seriously, even diabetes, they take seriously. Fools that they are.... With those that know about me, I am such a hated disease, yet I do not come uninvited. YOU CHOOSE to have me. So many have CHOSEN ME over reality, peace and serenity.

I hate all of you who have this stupid 12 Step Recovery Program. Your program, your meetings, your steps and that higher power crap, all of it weakens me and doesn't let me function in a manner that I am accustomed to.

Now I must lie here quietly... You don't see me, but I am here, growing bigger than ever. When you only exist, I may live. When you "live", I only exist. But I am here... waiting. And until we meet again, if we meet again, I wish you continued suffering.

Sincerely,

The Disease