What's nearly as annoying as the sound of your parachute failing to open?...it's the constant whining of the monkeys of addiction and abuse on your back.

In my own attempt to deal with post-military grief and insecurity, I adopted some of these monkeys as pets. They're kind of cute when they're small, plus they had the added benefit of distracting me from my inability to deal with my emotions. Unfortunately, young pets ultimately grow bigger, and depending on the pets you've adopted, become quite a nuisance.

Substance abuse and addiction cannot occupy the same space as health, wellness and serenity. Ask me how I know this. Many folks today think that they can flirt with alcohol, drugs, pornography, (insert your favorite compulsive behavior here), and walk away unscathed. Some can, most can't. You don't catch an addiction like you catch a cold. You acquire it.

Compulsive behavior can be defeated if the will is present. In my case, as with many others, I was fortunate enough to have the help of a fellow traveler and a higher power, which for me is Jesus Christ. I suppose one could do it alone but sometimes it's just not that easy to pull yourself out of a ditch. But once you're back on solid ground, and you make a habit of sharpening your senses to esteem all that elevates clarity of body, mind and soul...you can leave the circus behind.