The CDC defines excessive drinking, for women, as 8 or more drinks a week. Excessive drinking comes with a plethora of health risks that have been well-documented. Over 52,000 people died alcohol-induced deaths in 2021, up 34% from pre-pandemic levels. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis were up as well, claiming more than 56,000 lives last year.

A fifth of vodka holds 17 standard 1.5-ounce drinks, costs $7.84, and will get you through the day without withdrawing. If you are me. Were me.

Five days of medical detox comes to $11,000. Plus thirty days of residential treatment at $800 per day, $24,000. $35,000 for a life. My life.

In 2019, less than 10% of people who’d suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the last year received any treatment.

Why was it cheaper for me to stay sick than it was to get the help I so desperately needed to get well? Who can afford to get better? People are literally dying to get into treatment.