I used to be an avid reader. I'd stay up into the wee hours of the night to finish off a book and gladly suffer being tired as long as I could finish the chapter or book. I studied English literature in university solely out of love, knowing full well I didn't want to be a teacher and that there weren't a ton of other opportunities out there in the field (and there weren't though the degree has been useful in other ways). I could focus on the words so intently that the world stopped existing around me. After getting hooked on cocaine shortly after university, I found I lost the ability to keep my eyes on the page. I'd read, then re-read, then re-read a paragraph and then realize I'd retained virtually nothing. I average one book every two years now.
Audiobooks do not appeal to me. I don't care for podcasts either. Not for lack of effort on either, they just really don't jive with me. I'd rather have music in my ears than words.
I wouldn't even know where to begin trying to repair the damage and I don't even know if it's possible. It's sad. I can focus on a screen but I hate reading books on the computer/tablet/phone. I have no idea if this will come back to me when I clean up completely but I doubt it because even in the times where I took longer breaks, I still couldn't do it. I can focus on plenty of other things and do still read the news but gone are the days where I'd see a 10 book series and get excited. My books are decorations and supports to balance out furniture on my uneven floors.
What a waste.