Member-only storyI’ve Been to Hell, I Like Seattle BetterThe Emerald City beats the flames of addictionAndy Spears2 min read·Jun 13, 2025--10SharePress enter or click to view image in full sizePhoto by Ben Dutton on UnsplashMy recent trip to Seattle was everything.Sun.Relaxation.Sitting and reflecting.And walking.9 miles one day. 6 miles the next.A chance to think about where I was — yes, this beautiful city and maybe, one day second home — and also, where I am in life — looking back over previous visits and all that has happened in the times between.Seattle’s Space Needle Points to Dreams Gone ByA reflection on 20 years of dreaming of the Emerald Cityadvocateandy.medium.comI didn’t know during that first visit to Seattle, in 2005, that I’d end up starting a journey to Hell just 10 years later.My 5-Year Journey on the Highway to HellAnd a note on how I found a way outmedium.comBack in 2005, I wasn’t a drinker.At all.