“One day at a time”: a journey through addiction

By Emilie Syberg

Alcoholism can create chaos, loss, and even despair. Many battle the addiction up to the breaking point before finding the way out. Overcoming alcoholism, however, can lead to a singular grace, a new life, and a more profound understanding of self. On a recent Chicago morning, Paul talked about his past, present, and future journey through alcohol addiction, his love of the bass guitar, and the importance of the punk rock band the Sex Pistols. To protect his privacy, his last name—and his face—are withheld from this essay.

Paul searches for albums at Reckless Records on Broadway. (Emilie Syberg/MEDILL)