"D'abord tu prends un verre puis le verre prend un verre puis le verre te prend."

This quote is a powerful warning about the dangers of alcohol and addiction. It starts with that first innocent sip. Maybe it's at a party, to unwind after a long day, or just to try something new. But, if you're not careful, that drink gains power. You find yourself maybe drinking a bit more frequently—it's still in your control, right? But then, without even realizing it, the roles reverse. The drink starts to control you. You can't stop at just one, and soon enough, it dictates your actions and decisions.

Historically, this quote has often been attributed to F. Scott Fitzgerald, who knew a thing or two about the seductive power of alcohol. Fitzgerald was a brilliant novelist whose life was deeply affected by his struggles with drinking. His perspective offers a personal context that highlights just how easy it is for occasional drinking to spiral into a serious problem.

Let's talk about Lisa. She was a successful graphic designer, loved by her friends and family. On Friday nights, she'd have a couple of drinks with colleagues. It was harmless fun—until it wasn't. She started needing a few glasses of wine to relax after work every day. Before she knew it, she was sneaking sips at noon, just to get through the meetings. She missed deadlines, lost clients, and her relationships began to crumble. What started as a social ritual ended up hijacking her life.

So, how do you apply the wisdom from this quote? Be mindful. If you notice drinking becoming a regular habit or a crutch, it's time to reassess. Set boundaries for yourself—like only drinking on weekends or during special occasions. Keep track of how much you consume and be honest with yourself about why you're drinking. If it's to escape or cope with something, it might be time to seek support—whether that's talking to a friend, a therapist, or joining a support group.

Imagine you're at a cozy get-together. Your friend, Jake, keeps refilling your glass. It's fun, you're laughing, and you don’t notice how much you're drinking. The next morning, you wake up with a pounding headache and a hazy recollection of the night. You shrug it off—everyone does it, right? But now, picture this happening every weekend. Suddenly, it's not just the weekends. It's weekdays, then during work hours. You've handed over the reins of your life to that glass.

See, the message here is a reminder to keep an eye on your habits. We all have moments when we indulge—whether it's alcohol, food, binge-watching TV shows—but it's about recognizing when indulgence starts to control you instead of the other way around. So next time you’re out with friends, or feeling stressed, think about whether you’re reaching for that drink out of habit or necessity. And remember, it's always easier to put down that glass before you feel the need to pick it up again.