Just go to rehab

I cannot even begin to tell you how annoyed I am at the moment.

Two people I know are upset over the fact that liquor stores are still open during the pandemic.  Now, I'm going to come right out and say that I don't understand their outrage.  But then, I've spent almost all of my life in Las Vegas and here you can get whisky, vodka, tequila and the like at freaking CVS, okay?  Liquor stores are for hard-to-find items and that occasional better price.  

Anyway... my point.

Person A commented that alcohol wasn't essential unless you were an alcoholic which is a valid point.  However, they continued on with 'then just go to rehab!'.  Person B agreed with them wholeheartedly.  

Okay, so maybe they're lucky enough to have never had to deal with an addict, let alone live with one.  If that's true, I'm happy for them and grateful they've never had to experience what I did as a kid.  Because an alcoholic who is mean when they're drunk is a hell of a lot meaner when they can't get their fix.  And honestly, I'd have rather dealt with my dad's drunken rages than his sober ones.  

Also, they don't bother to take into account that a lot of addicts don't think they need rehab.  Plus, not everyone can afford it or has insurance that will cover it.  Never mind the fact that so many insurances won't cover the full treatment and a ton of people get dumped out of rehab before they're ready which only leads to relapses.  So, honestly, how can you 'just go to rehab' in this case?  I wouldn't be surprised if the rehab centers were already overloaded for this very reason.  

Let's not forget those with mental health issues that cause them to drink in the first place.  Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder... the list is endless.  Rehab won't make those demons disappear.  Besides, alcohol is cheaper than therapy and prescriptions, especially if you have no or crappy insurance.  But, we've already covered that, haven't we?

'Just go to rehab' is such a privileged and, let's face it, WHITE thing to say (and I say that as a very white person).  Which is why I'm so surprised this person said it considering they struggle financially.  But I guess when you can go without something - whether it's alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or whatever - it's much easier to think that others can, too.  

Maybe I ought to stop.  Or apologize?  I don't know, but all of this struck me so wrongly.  Things are never so black and white.  I mean, even 'just go to the store' isn't always a simple process.  But I digress. 

Rant over... I hope that if you're reading this you are safe and healthy and coping better than I seem to be.  <3