- Alcohol
My name is José and I’m an addict. I’ve been clean since May 1, 2004, that’s about ten and a half years. I’m here to tell you my story and how I was able to stop drinking, using a 12-step support program. My first drink was when I was seven years old. My father would share from his drink so I could taste what it was like.
The first time I had a drink by myself was when I was 15 years old. I remember because it was the birthday of a friend from school. I’m from Puerto Rico and the drinking age here is 18; but because my parents were so strict, I didn’t go out to “party” till I was 21 years old. My real drinking started at age 22.
In the beginning it was ok; I would go out and come back home with just enough alcohol in my body that my parents wouldn’t notice (or at least that’s what I thought). At around age 24 I had already graduated from university and started working. For the first four years I was able to keep a job, but I would always mess up and I would get fired because I would arrive drunk.
From age 28 up until the beginning of age 32 I drank like there was no tomorrow. One day without me noticing it, I lost it all. I lost the trust of my whole family, all of my friends, my house, lots of jobs and a few girlfriends.
On May 1, 2004, I was taken to my first meeting. That night I surrendered, grabbed a white key tag and got a sponsor. I did 90 in 90 (90 meetings in 90 days) twice. When I was seven months clean, one day I woke up with no desire to drink and that’s when my recovery started. For those seven months I dedicated myself completely to the program. On my eighth month clean I decided that it was time to start doing the steps. After four years being clean, I completed all 12 steps of both groups I attended.
Today I’m a GRATEFUL recovering addict and I live to tell you my story. My sponsor always tells me that I should share my story because it may save somebody and because I could be an inspiration to others. I hope my story helps many and may God bless you all.