The Molecule of More

THE MOLECULE OF MORE

on to other things. Alcohol no longer played a central role in their lives. But

Andrew, for whom a bar was like home, kept at it. When he found someone

he was interested in, he drank faster. Under the influence of a bright pair of

eyes the world became a more exciting place, fueling his enjoyment of alcohol.

He knew that his drinking had become a problem when his morning

hangovers made it hard for him to give his best at work. His sales began to

slip, and his therapist advised him to take a break from drinking. The ther-

apist recommended that Andrew try it for thirty days so he could experience

what it was like to be sober. The therapist knew that if a heavy drinker can

do this, he usually feels better—clearheaded, full of energy, better able to

enjoy the simple pleasures in life—and that this feeling increases motivation

for long-term sobriety. On the other hand, if a drinker can’t achieve thirty

days of sobriety, it’s an indication that he no longer has full control of

his drinking. That can be an eye-opening experience that may persuade a

drinker to get alcohol out of his life.

Andrew tried it, and had no difficulty abstaining—except when he was

in a bar looking for someone to sleep with. There was something about the

place, something about the familiar experience of the chase, that triggered

powerful cravings. His therapist became more concerned and felt Andrew

met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. He asked Andrew to try going to

a few Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Andrew disagreed with the diagnosis. He was focused on overcoming

his compulsion for anonymous sex. He was confident that if he could get

that under control, he wouldn’t have to go to bars anymore, and the alcohol

problem would take care of itself. The therapy took a long time, and despite

repeated discussions with his therapist, his drinking increased. Eventually,

though, he attained his goal. He met someone who captured his interest, and

to his delight the interest didn’t fade. After a few fits and starts he completely

gave up one-night stands. He no longer went out to bars much, but he was

surprised to find that the drinking continued. The drinking had wormed its

way into his brain, rewired his circuits, and now he couldn’t stop.

Like a guided missile, addictive drugs hit the desire circuit with an
intense chemical blast. No natural behavior can match that. Not food,
not sex, not anything.