I was watching ESPN this morning and I noticed a couple of sports figures are coming forward and opening up dialogue about their depression. There seems to be a outpour of positivity and support for them and their well being and that makes me very happy. As someone who is a recovering alcoholic I would like to tell a brief story of my struggle and lend support for whoever in this community may need it.
I'm 28 years old and my struggle began when I was 21, but have probably have had the tendencies of an addict from the time I was little. I started self medicating for depression with alcohol at 21 because that's when I could go to the store and get bottles at will. At first I was able to hold down jobs while drinking everyday but only after work. This progressed into drinking before work and at work until one day at the age of probably 25 I started feeling really strange at work and went home. Come to find out my body was withdrawing only after not drinking for a couple hours. I knew I had to stop.
I decided that I would never drink again and quit my job and went through a nasty withdrawal process. I swore I would never put myself through that again. Unfortunately that's not how an addicts brain works. The next few years were defined by two lenthy rehab stays, two emergency hospital visits, a dwi, and more blacked out beinges that I care to remember. So you get the picture it became life or death for me.
I never quit trying to get better and that's the most important part of recovery. It has gotten better and better and better. Setbacks are inevitable but right at this moment I am more happy than I've been since I can remember. Everyday I work on my mental and physical health and the old determined me is back. I am on a treadmill about 2 hours a day, I meditate, do yoga, play music and I'm proud to say I will be a buisness owner within the next couple of months. I've reached the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm here to start a conversation and lend a helping hand to anyone in this community who may need it. It helps to say things publicly and not be ashamed but please pm me if you aren't ready to discuss in that setting. I'm an open book and just want to help in any way I can. Thanks UU!
I'm 28 years old and my struggle began when I was 21, but have probably have had the tendencies of an addict from the time I was little. I started self medicating for depression with alcohol at 21 because that's when I could go to the store and get bottles at will. At first I was able to hold down jobs while drinking everyday but only after work. This progressed into drinking before work and at work until one day at the age of probably 25 I started feeling really strange at work and went home. Come to find out my body was withdrawing only after not drinking for a couple hours. I knew I had to stop.
I decided that I would never drink again and quit my job and went through a nasty withdrawal process. I swore I would never put myself through that again. Unfortunately that's not how an addicts brain works. The next few years were defined by two lenthy rehab stays, two emergency hospital visits, a dwi, and more blacked out beinges that I care to remember. So you get the picture it became life or death for me.
I never quit trying to get better and that's the most important part of recovery. It has gotten better and better and better. Setbacks are inevitable but right at this moment I am more happy than I've been since I can remember. Everyday I work on my mental and physical health and the old determined me is back. I am on a treadmill about 2 hours a day, I meditate, do yoga, play music and I'm proud to say I will be a buisness owner within the next couple of months. I've reached the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm here to start a conversation and lend a helping hand to anyone in this community who may need it. It helps to say things publicly and not be ashamed but please pm me if you aren't ready to discuss in that setting. I'm an open book and just want to help in any way I can. Thanks UU!