Just read that the actor Brad Pitt, sober for seven years after, evidently, busting up his marriage via a drunken tantrum, has decided that's enough; he has things figured out. "You just have to be professional about it:" This is representational of the reason millions of people who have reason to know will tell you -- should you ask* -- that when the subject becomes an alcoholic rationalizing the next drink, the mind becomes a welcoming, wily, cunning, restive thing that is not a friend. Professionalism is a wonderful thing but you can't act your way out of this pit, Mr. Pitt. But lots of luck trying. Maybe you'll be the one who can do it.
*I realize that nobody asked me. But, in my mind, anonymity belongs to those still in the arena, fighting.
