My substance abuse is done".
There were things that were kept secret for a really long time, like my substance abuse.
I had a good job, was married, and largely had my substance abuse issues under control.
Like most patients assigned to my substance abuse clinic these days, John, a stylish 22-year-old cosmetology student, did not arrive voluntarily.
The psychiatrist asked the questions I expected - about my childhood, my family and friends, my work, my involvement with the transgender community, my mental health, my substance use and my sexuality.
"For many years, I've been able to successfully address my substance abuse issues, which for anyone is a lifelong process, through strict adherence to counseling and regular attendance at meetings," Mr. Klein, 60, said in a statement.
My "fear" is my substance, and probably the best part of me.
The meaning of my days is the measure of my substance - moral, mental, physical, emotional, financial, artistic - given away, freely and joyously.
"I fought duels to slay others, I lost at cards, wasted my substance wrung from the sweat of peasants, punished the latter cruelly, and deceived men.
(Jeez these are a lot of addiction analogies for someone who's never been an addict. But then again, I guess I am, but my substance of choice is an imagined future).
