Changing the Lightbulb

About the Book

“TO CHANGE THE THINGS WE CAN” In surviving substance abuse addiction, it is not so much about the things that can be changed as recognizing the things that are out of our control. What makes addiction a deadly disease is that our distorted thinking wants to pick and choose the battle lines. This closed form of thinking, which is about how much we fight instead of accept, is the reason that millions go to their grave each year as a consequence. Many of those who die are collateral damage to the devastation of our addictions. Medical science has yet to create an antidote for pride, which keeps the addict in the bondage of self. This bondage insures that there appears to be no way out because of our powerlessness to change. It is our pride, which is false and misplaced because of distorted thinking, that tells us that we cannot be worthy unless we can run our own lives. The value that society places on pride only reinforces our distorted thinking. Power to change comes from stepping aside and letting the powers already in place work without interference. This is not an easy task for individuals who have invested all their resources on the proposition that the most important thing is to be able to control the way we feel.

About the Author

Nicholas B. was born, raised, and has spent the majority of his life in Kentucky. He graduated from college with a teaching certificate in 1975. He began an addiction to alcohol at age 13, and although he managed to excel at sports in high school, his GOD-given ability was seriously hampered by addiction at the college level. His various employment experiences include working for State and Federal Governments, Transportation Director, Public Safety Officer, Security, Teaching, as well as a number of supervisory positions related to customer service and personal care. Each and every employment opportunity was affected by his addiction in one negative way or another. He has a Son in his 20s, and was previously married for a total of 8 years during the 1980s, 5 years of which involved a separation. His life-long passion for outdoor sports was often interrupted by periods of debilitating active addiction. As the consequences from actions taken during period of active addiction became worse, depression became an issue. Bouts of drinking often ended in detox, treatment, or periods of incarceration in mental hospitals or jails. Today Nick lives in the country with his new wife and soul mate, along with a 6 year old step-daughter and numerous pets. His primary focus is on recovery and the spiritual journey which enables him to stay alcohol and drug free one day at a time. He enjoys all of life’s miracles to the fullest, and no longer has to wait for one to happen.