Living a clean and sober lifestyle allows people to make their own decisions, not decisions based on their physical need for drugs or alcohol. They will regain their self-respect, and find happiness in the things they were neglecting during their use and abuse. Finally, their body will be free of the physical tolls of alcohol and drugs. For someone like Jared, working to end his alcohol abuse will improve his life in many ways. First, working toward change will show his wife, his mother, and the rest of the people who love him that he does not want to hurt them and wants to change. While other problems may exist in Jared's marriage and life, he owes it to himself and those that he loves to try. He might spend more time with his child and wife and discover that he gets joy from things that he did not expect. For example, he might...

He may re-discover his love for his wife. In either case, he will also show them that he does not want to be something in their life that causes them pain and problems. Addressing his alcoholism and improving his outlook on life might allow him to seek out a job that he enjoys. Also, opening the communication channels between him and his family, including his parents and his brother, may give him the support he needs to remain sober long-term. In all, once Jared can confront his issues and maintains the courage to try and free himself from substance abuse he will find joy in his life. While it may seem impossible to that person taking the first steps, moving toward freedom from addiction means the freedom to choose your own path, and your own life.