Addicted to Sobriety
The Uncontrollable Few Lyrics
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I can't see real straight
Gimme plenty of Vicodyn babe
I was out real late
Don't gimme no work today boss
Need my legal drugs
Get me caffeine on a tray boss
Fill my coffee mugs
Because you're giving me the drugs to improve my health
And you're telling me how I should think for myself
It's time I need a milkshake
Of saturated fat
I fill up my car on lunch breaks
And stop to smell the gas
9 to 5 I work my fingers
Down to dirt and sweat
All I ask you in return is
Just a cigarette
Because you're giving me the drugs to improve my health
And you're telling me how I should think for myself
I've a pharmacy of perscriptions upon my shelf
Alright...
I'll get home and take my shoes off
Hold my breath a lot
Find a spitoon and start to cough
And pour myself a shot
Don't tell me how to live man
I don't take LSD
I'm happy with distractions man
Addicted to sobriety
Because you're giving me the drugs to improve my health
And you're telling me how I should think for myself
I've a pharmacy of perscriptions upon my shelf
At least I've still got all my wisdom and wealth
The lyrics of "Addicted to Sobriety" by The Uncontrollable Few depict the idea that people are casually addicted to substances that are legal, prescribed and readily available. The song describes various scenarios where the singer depends on legal drugs to make it through the day, from needing caffeine to function at work to taking Vicodin to unwind after a long night. The chorus of the song emphasizes the irony of the situation, acknowledging that the singer is addicted to legal substances meant to improve health, while being told how to think for themselves. The last verse of the song emphasizes the societal expectations that people need to take care of themselves and how this expectation goes hand in hand with casual addiction to substances like alcohol.
The lyrics bring attention to a larger issue that is often overlooked, casual addiction to legal substances. The song questions whether someone truly needs their daily prescriptions or whether they have become addicted to them. The lyrics are thought-provoking and force the listener to consider how common casual addiction has become in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't ask me how I been babe
I don't want to answer your question about my well-being
I can't see real straight
My vision is blurry due to drug use
Gimme plenty of Vicodyn babe
I want a lot of Vicodin, a prescription pain medication
I was out real late
I was partying or doing drugs until late at night
Don't gimme no work today boss
I don't want to do any work today
Need my legal drugs
I require my medically prescribed drugs
Get me caffeine on a tray boss
Bring me a serving of coffee with caffeine
Fill my coffee mugs
Put coffee in my cups
Because you're giving me the drugs to improve my health
I rely on medication to maintain my physical well-being
And you're telling me how I should think for myself
My doctor dictates my choices and decisions
It's time I need a milkshake
I have a craving for a high calorie milkshake
Of saturated fat
A milkshake with a lot of fat content
I fill up my car on lunch breaks
I use my lunch breaks to gas up my car
And stop to smell the gas
I am addicted to the smell of gasoline
9 to 5 I work my fingers
I work hard from 9am to 5pm
Down to dirt and sweat
Working hard to the point of getting dirty and sweaty
All I ask you in return is
I only want one thing in exchange
Just a cigarette
All I want is a cigarette
I'll get home and take my shoes off
After work, I come home and take off my shoes
Hold my breath a lot
I have difficulty breathing
Find a spitoon and start to cough
I cough and spit phlegm into a designated container
And pour myself a shot
I pour myself a drink of alcohol
Don't tell me how to live man
I don't want anyone to give me advice
I don't take LSD
I don't use the drug LSD
I'm happy with distractions man
I am content with having distractions or things to occupy my attention
Addicted to sobriety
I am addicted to being sober and not using illegal substances
At least I've still got all my wisdom and wealth
I may not have much, but I still have my knowledge and riches
Contributed by Mason H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anna Lisette
I like to look at human history to get an idea about universal human issues and illnesses. I personally believe ALL disease is genetic and physical. Therefore I reject as extremely cruel, the idea that patients can "think" themselves well which is most of what has been offered in addiction medicine. However as I study the subject more, the higher brain functions enter in. I see the cortex as physical also but now and trying to understand the physicality of thought.
Historically, for instance the Christian New Testament speaks of overcoming the more animalistic side of humanity. Greek philosophers also tried to quantify some of this.
Considering addiction specifically, I have friends who no longer use substances but who live lives of craving and deprivation. In my experience with friends, this is especially so with former tobacco smokers many of whom never seem to be able to forget or to begin life again without nicotine. The political phrase, "tobacco free" in relation to "quitting" elicits bitter, snarling laughs from these people. Many return to smoking because it makes their lives whole again.
There MUST be PHYSIOLOGICAL CURES found for addictions that will shut down forever the lifelong "in recovery" programmes.
David Gonzalez
I take pride in maintaining composure, easily prohibiting myself from NOT being mad at any screen im watching. BUT, at 1:09:40; this PENURIOUS BROAD ask perhaps THEE MOST ASININE QUESTION regarding "empathy" towards those dealing with addiction...🤦♂️.
TBH, it was almost as shocking to hear the speaker's response (@1:10:20). He said "you absolutely do..."
FIRST OF ALL:
Didn't she hear him say that IT'S AN ILLNESS?! So, why would a human ask for advice on tolerating people whom they "really really don't like..."?! And according to her, she has "good REASONS" to be mad/disappointed with the addict.
May I point out that she suggested more than just one reason, to be angry with someone HE JUST SAID HAS NO CONTROL OVER CERTAIN PARTS OF THEIR BRAINS?!
SECOND OF ALL: SYMPATHY was the correct term she should've used.
Yet, it is a known fact that it's easy to feel compassion for those who haven't given you more than one "good reason" to cause your disgruntlement.
But VERY HARD TO START FEELING THAT EMOTION for some you "really really" don't like.
You gotta ask G-D Himself for that kind of love...
(just getting this outta my system: ARE YOU STUPID, or you really don't know that you CAN NOT KNOW ANOTHER INDIVIDUALS PAIN UNTIL YOU YOURSELF HAVE EXPERIENCED IT - THAT'S WHAT EMPATHY IS!)
PENURIOUS BROAD ask perhaps THEE MOST ASININE QUESTION regarding "empathy" towards those dealing withaddiction...🤦♂️.
TBH, it was almost as shocking to hear the speakers response (@1:10:20). He said "you absolutely do..."
FIRST OF ALL:
Didn't she hear him say that IT'S AN ILLNESS?! Now, why would a human ask for advice on tolerating people whom they "really really don't like...". And according to them, they have "good REASONS" to be mad/disappointed with the addict. May I point out that she suggested more than just one reason, to be angry with someone HE JUST SAID HAS NO CONTROL OVER CERTAIN PARTS OF THEIR BRAINS!
(And I'm just getting this outta my system:
IS SHE STUPID, or does she really not know that you CAN NOT KNOW ANOTHER INDIVIDUALS PAIN, UNTIL YOU YOURSELF HAVE EXPERIENCED IT - THAT'S WHAT EMPATHY IS!!!)
SECOND OF ALL: SYMPATHY was the correct term she should've used. Yet, it is a known fact that it's easy to feel compassion for those who haven't given you more than one "good reason" to cause your disgruntlement. But VERY HARD TO START FEELING THAT EMOTION for some you "really really" don't like.
You gotta ask G-D Himself for that kind of Love...
HairoftheDog
This is hands down one of the best descriptions of and lectures on addiction that I have ever heard. Including the mentions of co-morbid conditions such as ADHD.
Jonny Susi
As an addict and a student of neuroscience this lecture is absolutely gold, thank you for this :)
Senia Tuominen
I never truly understood my father's addiction until I saw this talk. I feel so much more compassion and empathy for him and all the suffering he went through, and still goes through, as a person struggling with addiction. It has helped me forgive so much of the pain he has caused me. Thank you Dr. McCauley, your humor and insight are a gift.
Sangeeta Lambh
Senia how is uur father now
Frankko V
Im sure the pain that he caused u because another reason why he gets high trying to numb the feeling of disappointment for failing the person he loves most in the world im glad you say you understand hut trust me your not even close to understanding him im not trying to be w dick but whatever u think it is its 10 times worse more intense but im glad you say that u understand him and dont hold a grudge against him he didn’t choose that over you theres way more then that theres way more happening
Over Comer
I'm the person who hated painkillers but became a food addict after a deployment. I wear my addiction. Getting help finally. Weight isn't coming off but I have more peace and less anxiety than I have ever experienced in my 54 years. Addictions suck. And by the way I heard a pastor say ALL people have an addiction of some type. Might not be a substance either. It might be a feeling or a perception.
Shana Westhoff
See an endocrinologist .
Nina deRochemont
🙏 thank you!!! What an eloquent presentation!! So refreshing to have such a dedicated, intelligent and compassionate advocate for recovery.
Dennis Adams
Good vibes are the best medicine. When in rehab and miserable, I was lucky to be there with some funny, cool people. It really helped, I even got a few laughs in while feeling terrible, and man laughter is a potent cure for depression
Sean Elliott H.
Can humanity PLZ find a few thousand more of this guy in the world?! ❤️