My friends right now wouldn’t tolerate me drinking — it would be very strange for them. That also is a product of the way you are finally able to filter out people in your life who aren’t very supportive and aren’t very healthy for you. Those people kind of drop away as you get sober and now I’m left with the good people in my life. And that’s a continual process your whole life.
“God and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar’s Journey Through Addiction and Recovery”
And I’m now able to be more present with, and for, my wife of 13 years. My life isn’t consumed by alcohol, drunkenness or desperate thoughts about finding my next drink. That’s just not something I was good at before. I had also stolen from people and I had to pay them back. I’m a family man so it was difficult for me to accept that I had stolen whilst under the influence of alcohol, or in order to become under the influence of alcohol.
- Maria’s battle with methamphetamine addiction left her homeless and isolated.
- Most of our champions went alcohol-free, but all of us can benefit from checking up on our drinking and making sure we’re happy and in control.
My Journey to Sobriety: How Quitting Alcohol Changed My Life
I started volunteering at an addiction treatment facility. 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. As soon as I drank, I became a different person. That, to me, was freedom – but it later became prison.
Jay’s Story
- 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.
- “They didn’t want to put me in a halfway house. I knew I needed a half-way house.”
- The surgery meant that alcohol was digested differently, it was sort of like drinking on an empty stomach.
- If you are concerned about substance abuse issues, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has information on treatment and help available.
- Pooley walks us through a year of her life spent battling alcohol addiction and a recent breast cancer diagnosis, two battles — spoiler alert!
He now volunteers at the rehab center, offering support to others on their recovery journey. I can’t tell you how many messages I got in the beginning from people who told me how I’ve inspired them to maybe not get sober but to live their best life. 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. It’s not like, hey, these are real people and they just do it every day. It’s not like, hey, I’m normal and I have to do this the exact same way you would if you had to do it. The day I decided that I needed help was when I was in the bathroom and looked in the mirror and asked myself what I’m doing to myself.
I was able to stay clean for 22 years after my release of Incarceration, I was doing great. I got involved in Prison Ministry, even was Awarded Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011. “Early on, I was staying sober because of my father.
There is life after addiction. Most people recover
Out of all celebrities out there, no one has been more open on social media and media outlets about her struggles than Demi Lovato. The singer and actress have always shared her struggles with depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and addiction. Her many ups and downs are proof that even celebrities battle with addiction and relapse. However, she’s a prime example of how perseverance can help you get healthy. One day it suddenly clicked for her, and she realized she was having a problem with her drinking patterns.
- It’s not like, hey, I’m normal and I have to do this the exact same way you would if you had to do it.
- She spoke like she wasn’t afraid of anything, but her story of recovery proved she didn’t always exude the same fearlessness.
- I visited Valley Hope to take a tour and I told the young lady that I would be back in 2 weeks to check in to stay.
- Finally, at the behest of his coworkers and boss, he ends up in a rehab that specifically caters to gay and lesbian patients.
- “The time between 1998 and 2005 was especially bad,” she said.
That way, these ACEs no longer pervaded his negative thought patterns. Many addictions stem from underlying issues like trauma, mental health disorders, sober success stories or stress. Addressing these root causes is essential for lasting recovery. For many, the biggest hurdle to mindful drinking can be fear of judgement.
Brandon is also a New York Times bestselling author of the book Dreamseller, an autobiography detailing his addiction and transition into recovery. Additionally, his song “Starting Over,” released in 2012, is an emotional expression of the shame resulting from a relapse. However, it also speaks to his https://ecosoberhouse.com/ motivation to continue pursuing his sobriety. His music also shines a light on his gratitude for sobriety. His lyrics and music are also significantly relatable to those struggling with depression and addiction. Brené Brown is a social work researcher in courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
People in rural areas tend to have less access to health care. Researchers say this data — and this lived experience — contradicts a widespread misperception that substance-use disorder is a permanent affliction and often fatal. “Things that I thought I would never gain again, through the process of recovery I have them all,” she said. “Today I’m a homeowner, I own a car, I started my own business.” But in a pattern researchers say is common, Mable-Jones’ illness eventually eased.
How Drug and Alcohol Abuse Affects Families
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Admitting you have a problem — not to mention actually getting sober — is no small feat. There’s no award for “Most Sobriety Memoirs Read,” so read them for yourself — let their wisdom be its own award (I can feel your eye rolls. I’m sorry.). In addition to authoring two books (her second comes out March 2023), McKowen hosts the Tell Me Something True podcast. Check out our picks for the best addiction and recovery memoirs.
