Substance abuse

[Snail Shell]

For those who didn't know, I work at a local Beer Store in Toronto to support my drawing habit. Every day I sell beer to people who I can see abuse it. They need fixes of various amounts, some as often as 3 - 4 times daily. It woudn't bother me so much if I wasn't the one selling these people their vice.

Until tonight, it was my little concern about alcoholism and I dealt with it. One of our regulars came in for the third time today and ordered his beer. Except this time he was visibly drunk. Glassy eyes. Slurred speech. Trouble keeping balance. Everything. In keeping with provincial law, I told him I wasn't going to serve him and asked him to leave the store.

As expected, he was understandably upset and started making a scene. Shouting, swearing and pounding on the counter. Standard issue drunk I thought until he decided to pull a 7" hunting knife out of his pocket and started waving it around, mostly at me. The police were called and the man was taken out of the store.

I'm writing this as a cautionary tale and as a plea to anyone who has taken the time to read this. If you or anyone you know has a problem with alcohol, other controlled substances or any other addictions to the point where they'd start pointing a hunting knife at someone else just to get their fix, please get them professional help and do whatever you can as a friend to help them get through it. Life's too short already.

Thanks for your time.

Snail Shell

 

[F.L. Atlanta 10]

7" knife? Hell, I have one that is double that length plus an inch in overall length, but yes, abuse of drugs and alcohol leads to a short life. Sorry to hear that this happened to ya Snail. Substance abuse is very ugly.

 

[Journia]

He drinks baccardi,
When I hi leave.
Oh hes a wavin'
a knife seventeen,
oh hes a licqour digger,
way over there,
man knows how to drink...
More to come as inspired.

 

[ftmench]

For those who didn't know, I work at a local Beer Store in Toronto to support my drawing habit. Every day I sell beer to people who I can see abuse it. They need fixes of various amounts, some as often as 3 - 4 times daily. It woudn't bother me so much if I wasn't the one selling these people their vice.

Until tonight, it was my little concern about alcoholism and I dealt with it. One of our regulars came in for the third time today and ordered his beer. Except this time he was visibly drunk. Glassy eyes. Slurred speech. Trouble keeping balance. Everything. In keeping with provincial law, I told him I wasn't going to serve him and asked him to leave the store.

As expected, he was understandably upset and started making a scene. Shouting, swearing and pounding on the counter. Standard issue drunk I thought until he decided to pull a 7" hunting knife out of his pocket and started waving it around, mostly at me. The police were called and the man was taken out of the store.

I'm writing this as a cautionary tale and as a plea to anyone who has taken the time to read this. If you or anyone you know has a problem with alcohol, other controlled substances or any other addictions to the point where they'd start pointing a hunting knife at someone else just to get their fix, please get them professional help and do whatever you can as a friend to help them get through it. Life's too short already.

Thanks for your time.

Snail Shell

I'm a part time bar tender...I know what you are saying, and some of these drunks are my friends...hang in there.
D

 

[Cbarton]

Don;t feel any guilt about it on your end. He has to take responsibility for himself. HE won;t stop until it hurts him in a way that wakes him up or he realized what he is doing to himself. Until then, he won't stop.

 

[TKLVR181]

*Hugs SS* I know what it's like to watch people drink themselves to death: Mom is a raging alcoholic. She doesn't get knife-waving mad, just yells at my sibs to leave her alone. One time told my brother to get the f*ck back in bed when he was two: another time told my sister (ten at the time) that she "didn't believe" she could act as a career like Jessie (sis) had just stated she wanted too. Mom and I got in a fight over that one.

But anyway, I eventually moved out of the house but it still bothers me. So yea, that's my take on alcohol.

 

[Camel26]

I'm just glad you're ok SS...*hugs*

Alcohol is a nasty addiction...but Ky is right...that guy needs to hit rock bottom before he can ever realize there is an issue...

I'm sorry you went through that...be careful babe...

 

[Big_Dogg85]

I definitely know what you go through Snail...and for the record the absolute longest a knife can be in Ontario is 3". When I work any big event, like a hockey or concert, at Scotiabank Place there is always the chance that someone is going to drink too much or come in drunk and start a scene. I've had to break up countless fights at hockey games and personally eject numerous drunk patrons. (As Scotiabank Place during an event is technically a bar: having people who are drunk there is illegal and they HAVE TO BE removed)

I also agree with both Camel and ky in that the person would have to hit the lowest of lows to realize he has a problem. I sincerely hope that something like this doesn't occur again with you Snail. 🙂

 

[BigNorm]

7" knife? Hell, I have one that is double that length plus an inch in overall length, but yes, abuse of drugs and alcohol leads to a short life. Sorry to hear that this happened to ya Snail. Substance abuse is very ugly.

yeah, that's a Bowie Knife, named after the famous Texan Jim Bowie, help defend The Alamo. anywho, wow, SS you must be in hunting country, cause them kinives are like small swords, good for scaring the piss outta people, skinning a buck, or making a man-shishkabob.

if you need another reason not to drink. Watch Rescue Me on FX. one of the best damn shows around.

 

[tickle_fan031]

OMG that's awful SS--just glad that you're ok*hugs*

 

[Journia]

new song.

Se-ven inches in a dead man's chest
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

 

[Cbarton]

yeah, that's a Bowie Knife, named after the famous Texan Jim Bowie, help defend The Alamo.

Actually, the knife was invented by his brother, if I remember my history triva right...

 

[Snail Shell]

Many thanks for your best wishes and support everyone. I know that it's his issue and he's got to deal with it. It's just kinda despressing to see it up close. Alcoholism runs in my family too, so more fun and excitement to live with.

Life goes on right?

Snail Shell