- Alcohol
- Mental Health
I started partying a lot once I graduated from High school. I moved out of my parents’ house and into an apartment with a roommate. My first taste of freedom being on my own. At first I only partied when my friends did. But I soon found myself drinking and doing drugs more and more. Until one day I looked in the mirror and realized I was an alcoholic. I didn’t care that I was an alcoholic. I had come to terms with the fact that this would kill me. I didn’t care. This is the power of addiction.
I remember bits and pieces of that final night that I drank. I was afraid to lose my life. I was an empty shell of the person I used to be. I was emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. My addiction had beaten me down. I was afraid that this time I might actually succeed in taking my own life. That night I decided to stop drinking. I still don’t know how that even happened. My only explanation is divine intervention. My Higher Power got me sober that next day.
My dad flew out to help me find an outpatient rehab to attend. From rehab I found support in some recovery groups that I have been a part of ever since.
It’s never too late. There is always time and opportunity to fight for your life. You are worthy of a good life. You matter. You will smile again. You have more strength inside of you than you realize. Trust that it’s there.
Today I have a life I never thought I would ever have. I have great relationships with my parents and brother. I have healthy, strong friendships. I have a great job and am in school working on my degree in Social Work. I’ve rediscovered my interests and who I am. I mean it when I smile, and I no longer feel broken. I’m grateful every day that I get to be sober.