First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you

First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you

F. Scott Fitzgerald, the iconic American author known for his novels such as "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender is the Night," had a tumultuous relationship with alcohol throughout his life. He was known to be a heavy drinker, often consuming excessive amounts of alcohol at parties and social gatherings. This quote, "First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you," perfectly encapsulates Fitzgerald's own personal struggle with alcoholism.

For Fitzgerald, alcohol was both a source of inspiration and a destructive force in his life. He believed that alcohol fueled his creativity and helped him to write some of his most famous works. However, he also recognized the negative impact that alcohol had on his health, relationships, and overall well-being. As he famously wrote in his novel "The Crack-Up," "Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work... seem to come from outside."

Fitzgerald's own experiences with alcohol mirrored the progression described in the quote. He would start by taking a drink to relax or socialize, but then the drink would take a drink as he continued to consume more and more. Eventually, the alcohol would take control, leading to reckless behavior, poor decision-making, and ultimately, a downward spiral into addiction.