The Addicts

xt on his phone. The meeting with his dealer was just

One path led deeper into addiction, further down the rabbit hole of destruc

e of unease. The familiar surroundings seemed to be pul

eduled for the next day. He thought about the possibilit

the agony of detox. He thought about the craving

n to rationalize, to tell himself that just one more fix wouldn'

went through with the meeting, he would be sealing his fate. He wou

decision. He would not go to the meetin

ked up his phone and texted his dealer.

s shoulders. He knew he still had a long way to go, bu

ipation. Tomorrow, he would take the first step toward

the feeling that he was being watched. That the addi

wondered if he had really made a decision, or if th

e text from his dealer seemed to burn a hole in his p

se of help. Alex felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He cou

out a response to his dealer. "I'm

The dealer's response was immediate. "What's

out a final message. "I'm done. I

off his shoulders. He knew it wouldn't be easy,

t, trying to erase the physical reminders of his addiction. He

sense of peace settle over him. It wa

s head. For the first time in months, Alex felt a glimmer of hope. Ma

f determination wash over him. He would face hi

he had in months. He got dressed and headed out the door,

his spirits. As he arrived at the office, Alex felt a sense of tre

r. He was greeted by a warm smile from the rece

felt a sense of hope rising up within him. Maybe, just may