"Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate." AA, "How It Works", page 62.

"In my three decades of practice I have never met a substance abuser who was not driven by fear. These forms of fear start with being afraid of not having enough of the chemical; fear of being kept from the chemical, trying to avoid people who might confront the user about the chemical or even the fear of being exposed as an addict or alcoholic. (Lets not forget the fears resulting from lies and misdeeds; guilt.) ...Let me be clear here; the fear does not have to be real. It can be imagined and projected; many substance abuser become quite paranoid as a result of their use and because of the shame related to their past misdeeds. These fears result in flight to their chemical shelter."

--"Addiction: Am I Powerless?", Emmanuel S. John