Dear Harlan,
I have problems with depression, alcohol abuse and marijuana. I can never find the motivation to clean my house or do my laundry. I'm very unhappy about where my life is going, and I feel like I'm losing all my friends because they all think I'm a bad person. I'm a smart guy — is there a book or something I can find practical advice from to help me help myself?
Barely Functioning
Dear Barely Functioning,
The book would be the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book (4th Edition), but you need more than a book. The loss of friends, lack of motivation, and alcohol and drug abuse is more than a problem — it sounds like an addiction. If you don't think smart people can become addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, love, etc., you must be in the midst of addiction. Some the most intelligent, talented and brilliant minds become powerless to all kinds of addictions. The fact that you're so smart and feel so out of control should be the thing that gets you to a group meeting and to a therapist who specializes in addiction. Get some help. Then get all the books you need to get back to where you want to be.
Attention Smart Readers: Please share books and recovery programs that have helped you or a loved one manage addiction.
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