Alcohol, alcoholic, Apollinarian

The author of the book is a recovering alcoholic who voluntarily underwent treatment. A well-known figure in the construction industry, he writes under a pseudonym. The main storyline, drawing from his experiences in rehab, is framed as an alcoholic's handbook – a manual with elements of non-fiction. He wrote the book primarily for those who feel they are on the edge, or who sense they are approaching it. It's also for those who are still hesitant and afraid to make a decision. For some, it will provide interesting information; for others, it will simply be an entertaining read.

Alcohol is an extraordinarily socially tolerated drug. The consequences are systematically trivialised. The public is unable to discern the fine line between excessive consumption and addiction. Besides, the transition is usually very subtle. Therein lies the betrayal. Uncontrolled use can happen to anyone, at any age. Neither intelligence nor education plays a role. It is a serious, currently incurable disease that, if neglected, leads to death. Of the author's original group of eighteen in rehab, four men were already dead after six months.

On top of the still-lingering effects of Covid, we've been hit with the burden of war, and alcohol is the most accessible remedy for stress and depression. We currently hold the bronze medal for alcohol consumption per capita, just behind Lithuania and Austria. Let's not aim to be the best.