The First Drink or Drug

"It's the first drink or drug that gets you drunk or high (dysfunctional)." This Twelve Step Program truth is the subject of some controversy to the person new to recovery who may argue that it's the 8th or 9th drink or hit (depending upon the drug and one's tolerance) that produces dysfunction, not the first one. The point is, of course, that if you don't take the first drink or drug you can't get drunk or drugged. Also, the first use can start, or increase, the cravings and compulsions to use. So, don't take the first drink or drug.