The person who posed the question felt she had been misled. She believed that, even after decades of recovery, some people were “still messed up and acting out their issues.” Those who have been invested in AA swear these promises are realized. Many alcoholism treatment newcomers wonder how long-time members can make these claims when sober members are still acting out.

Some people sober up, but they’re still jerks.

Perhaps some just prefer to behave like jerks. Acceptance of one another and each individual’s right to being sober sucks walk her own path is the solution. Why do people, who have been sober for years, behave inappropriately with alarming regularity?

Sucks Being Sober

As with most problems, the solution is as difficult or as simple as we make it. Sometimes, consider how your behavior has affected others. Or maybe those crotchety old-timers like to complain about life. Or the newcomer has unrealistic expectations and judges others unfairly.

Sucks Being Sober – Single

William Berry is a psychotherapist and teaches at Florida International University. His area of interest is substance abuse and individual happiness.