And I think that’s what putting something out in the media does. It puts it into the public eye and passes a value judgment on it and says this is good or this is not good. And most recovery stories are through the lens of rehab, where you might not get to see the beautiful life that you find in sobriety. And the fact of the matter is that now I don’t have the option to run away or not pay attention to something that’s bothering me.
- This was initially responsible for her sobering up.
- At three years of sobriety, I buried my best friend in the world.
- Stay dedicated to your recovery plan, even when faced with challenges.
- About eight years later I managed, with virtually no withdrawal discomfort/anxiety, to stop smoking and drinking, which began a cycle of sobriety/relapse lasting the next twenty-nine years.
Anthony Hopkins
Although my wife doesn’t drink, I couldn’t go to places where alcohol was served and I became a bit of an introvert. At our family Christmas in 2016, I noticed there was no alcohol and a few hours in I asked my father why they weren’t drinking. I realized my family had collectively decided to abstain from alcohol https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for my sake. It was very emotional and it absolutely meant the world to me.
Comprehensive Programs
Katie’s successful path to recovery began by looking outside of herself. At her core, she knew something was still not right. When she was working at Recovery Centers of America, something happened that changed her path for the better. “My father passed away with 35 years of continuous sobriety. Even when he was in recovery, we didn’t talk about it. Speaking with Katie, the first thing you’ll notice about her is her confidence.
- In this personal story of addiction recovery, Step 4 plays a vital role, as the individual confronts their past, develops self-awareness, and builds a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
- Medical support can help keep you safe and as comfortable as possible during the detox process.
- Back in 2017, self-titled party animal Dawn Comolly decided to go a whole year without alcohol.
- Loving and encouraging family and friends can definitely help support your journey to become sober.
- It all started on a typical evening drive back home from a date with my wife.
- By the time he was 26, he was completely hooked on crystal meth.
- My marriage was in a really bad way, my weight had spiralled out of control and my blood pressure was dangerously high.
How To Get Help & Recover From Addiction
At this point, Becki wasn’t committed to becoming substance-free, just staying warm and off the streets. To remain in treatment, though, she had to stay clean. This was initially responsible for her sobering up.
How your life changes when you quit drinking?
Sometimes I would abstain for a week or two until I was convinced I could handle my liquor. Try as I might I never could for long as a couple of beers turned into a couple of drinks and soon I was only drinking beer as a chaser after a long pull off of a big bottle. A friend who I love and respect had moved away from AA and into LifeRing.
- “Today I’m a homeowner, I own a car, I started my own business.”
- Many times when we see posts about sobriety, it’s always famous people or before-and-afters of people being a mess and then cleaning up their lives.
- The path of sobriety felt like an uncharted territory, filled with uncomfortable feelings and unknown challenges.
- However, the specters of alcoholism and substance abuse cast shadows early in his career, damaging his professional choices and personal relationships.
- At that time, I conceded that I was a drug addict, but I couldn’t accept that I was an alcoholic.
These stories, written by real people sober success stories with diverse backgrounds, delve into their struggles with substance abuse, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal moments that led them to seek help. Each narrative provides a unique perspective on the power of the AA program, the importance of community support, and the profound impact of embracing the 12 steps in their lives. These personal reflections serve as a beacon of hope for others on similar paths, illustrating that recovery and a fulfilling life after addiction are attainable.
A Look into the Lives of Those Who Sought Drug Abuse Treatment
Jules’ alcohol use started affecting her everyday life. It hindered her from doing the things she loved, it certainly damaged the relationships she had with her loved ones. “I was able to stay sober for 9 months – meetings every day, praying every day, really in the middle of the program. One of the things that breaks my heart is that I was not always there for my family as much as I feel I should have been. Like too many people, substance use disorder had taken over Gina’s life – that is, until one day when she found the inner strength to ask for help.
After a couple of weeks, I wanted to be honest with myself. What would happen after the three months were over? That’s when I made the life-changing decision to stop drinking alcohol forever. After about 2.5 years of using these methods followed by an emotional bottom and the termination of a long-term relationship, I went to an AA meeting around the corner from my apartment. This was a popular meeting hall I learned about during my time at Valley Hope. It became my homegroup, and I’m still friends with many people from that meeting hall today.