“Alcohol is like a harmful lover”... Surgeon’s advice on overcoming addiction

A video has been released featuring the confession of a surgeon who overcame alcohol addiction and now helps others struggling with the same battle. On the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block', hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon Lee June-seo appeared to share his past experiences with alcohol addiction and his journey toward sobriety.

“Reducing alcohol intake is not easy”... The rationalization of addiction

Lee revealed that his encounter with alcohol while playing in a rock band during his college years was the beginning of his addiction. He explained that he once mistakenly believed drinking heavily was a way of 'becoming stronger,' much like building a tolerance, and failed to recognize the warning signs of addiction. He recalled a major incident during his second year of residency when he was found in a restroom at Incheon Station after a company dinner, leading to his father receiving a call from the police; however, at the time, he dismissed it as a mere episode and failed to feel any sense of alarm.

Lee explained the typical 'rationalization' process experienced by those with alcohol addiction. After drinking the previous day, one might vow not to drink again the next morning, but the cycle repeats as they seek out food to soothe their stomach around lunchtime or return to drinking sessions citing social obligations. He described this by saying, "An alcoholic's day is a continuous process of consuming alcohol."

“Alcohol is like a harmful lover”... Metaphors and methods for sobriety

Lee compared the difficulty of quitting alcohol to a 'harmful lover.' He advised that limiting the frequency and duration of meetings with alcohol leaves the door open to becoming a victim again at any time, so it is much easier to cut ties completely. He added that instead of only thinking about the refreshing feeling (the highlight) felt when drinking, one must also consider the hangover and pain experienced the next day (the end of the movie) to reduce cravings.

To maintain sobriety, he suggested 'filling the blanks.' He explained that once one decides not to drink, time becomes vacant, and if one feels bored during this time, it can lead to cravings again; therefore, it is safer to fill that time with constructive activities such as reading or walking.

“It's not that you are weak; you can do it if you are together”

Now in his second year of sobriety, Lee shared that after quitting alcohol, his emotional fluctuations have decreased and a sense of deep satisfaction has arrived. He expressed concern regarding the social atmosphere where alcohol is consumed romantically and offered words of comfort to those struggling to quit. He emphasized, "It is not that you are unable to quit because you are weak, but because alcohol itself is inherently like that. It is difficult to do alone, but if you are with people who have had the same experience, you can do it 100%."