Anger Doesn’t Work by Steven Cherry
It’s not linear. It’s not Alcoholics Anonymous that turned things around. Sometimes it’s not what you wanted to hear. There is no timeline. Most days we’re inside of a circle and it’s not even awful, like on TV.
That surgeon was a complete asshole and only wised up after his ugly daughter stopped smoking weed and picked up a habit over the summer. He will find that there is no real help. Just tough love from the same dead-eyed charlatans that wrote you OxyContin at 90/month and sent you on your way.
Refills
Addiction
Refills
Addiction
Early refills
Addiction
No refills
Withdrawal
Dropped
Blacklisted
They’ve washed their hands of you.
The surgeon treated you like a leper and probably still thinks recovery is real and that rehab works. The County Health Department is overrun with addicts giving bad advice. They’re sadists on a power trip who can’t wait to get home so they can get fucked up.
If the dealer doesn’t get your paycheck the court or the hospital will. They will sick some soulless drone on you who, on Sunday, you will find banging on your father’s door. You aren’t a patient, you’re a problem. You are walking, talking proof of their incompetence.
It’s complicated. There aren’t axiomatic phrases or simple answers that will make it all better so quit beating yourself up. You’re just going to have to live your life the best you can.
Steven B. Cherry is an artist currently based in Detroit, Michigan
“Anger Doesn’t Work” by Steven Cherry is part of the fifth issue of UNCERTAIN Magazine – ISSUE5