It's 4:20am and I just quietly snuck out of the house to go to the all-hours servo. They can be lifesavers. There is only one reason for me to visit so late and that’s to get a pack of V’s or Monster energy drinks. The big ones. I hate to say it guys but they have become a bit of an addiction. I had stopped drinking them over the last few days but I needed something. I don’t drink beer anymore, i don’t smoke pot or cigarettes anymore or do any illicit drugs but the vapes and energy drinks have it over me. Damn I wish I wasn’t ruled by such things, but I am, If I had more incentive I could quit energy drinks right now. Not the case with the vape and this is something that has been hanging over me for years now. I dare say they are more addictive than cigs to quit, The vape never leaves my hand. I know what I desire and it’s so far away from here. I want to be free from addiction! Why can’t I just live nominally.
With both of these addictive substances, it gives me something to look forward to consuming them. I remember my beer‑drinking days: all through the working day I was hanging out for that first sip. It controlled me completely. The other problem with drinking was that there was never an inappropriate time to crack open a beer or a dozen. Night or day… it didn’t matter to me. I would do almost anything to get my hands on that poison. I’ve been through rehab a few times, so I had the tools, but that never stopped me from drinking. At the end of my last stint I left the clinic and walked straight to the bottle shop. Rehab did nothing for me then. Nobody could help me except myself. So I haven’t had a beer since 17 May 2026. I’m not naïve — I realise this is just the start of a long journey — but as things stand I will never pick up a drink again. Even the thought of it now makes me feel sick. Also, no cravings at all: not once have I longed for how nice that first beer might feel. I have a deep hatred for the stuff.
So, I’ve somewhat replaced beer with energy drinks. It’s not the safest swap, but it’s far better than booze. Once again, I could stop these immediately if I had to. One thing at a time, Dave. Vapes were introduced to me by my brother to help me quit cigarettes, and they worked. I’ve followed this pattern for the last three or four years. I’m not trying to be an advocate for vaping, but I haven’t had more than an occasional cough, I promise. I don’t feel awful and I don’t stink of smoke. Vapes have been cheaper — though that’s starting to change — and they’re more socially accepted. Notice how there are far fewer cigarette smokers these days; that gradual shift has helped many people quit. Vapes or cold turkey — one or the other.