We never sampled our drugs because we were afraid of them, but to admit it aloud would have broken the spell

We never sampled our drugs because we were afraid of them, but to admit it aloud would have broken the spell

Augusten Burroughs is a renowned author known for his candid and often darkly humorous memoirs that delve into his personal struggles with addiction, mental illness, and dysfunctional family dynamics. In his works, Burroughs fearlessly exposes the raw and often painful truths of his life, offering readers a glimpse into the chaotic world he navigated with wit and resilience.

The quote, “We never sampled our drugs because we were afraid of them, but to admit it aloud would have broken the spell,” encapsulates the complex relationship Burroughs had with substances throughout his life. As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, Burroughs has openly discussed his battles with addiction and the destructive behaviors that accompanied his substance abuse. In his memoirs, he often reflects on the allure of drugs and alcohol, the temporary escape they provided, and the fear that admitting his vulnerability would shatter the illusion of control he clung to.

For Burroughs, the decision to abstain from sampling drugs was not born out of a sense of moral superiority or self-control, but rather out of a deep-seated fear of the unknown consequences that could result from indulging in substances. The allure of drugs and alcohol was undeniable, offering a temporary reprieve from the pain and chaos of his life. However, Burroughs understood the destructive power of addiction and the potential for it to consume him entirely if he allowed himself to succumb to its seductive pull.

To admit his fear of drugs and alcohol would have been to acknowledge his vulnerability and the fragility of his sobriety. It would have shattered the illusion of control he maintained over his addiction, forcing him to confront the harsh reality of his dependence on substances to cope with the challenges he faced. By keeping his fear hidden, Burroughs was able to maintain the facade of strength and resilience that allowed him to navigate the tumultuous waters of addiction and emerge on the other side with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.