Yesterday, I hit a significant milestone that I wanted to share with everyone.
1,000 days of sobriety!
September 8, 2021, I decided to quit alcohol completely.
I had been doing it for so long that I had grown tired of it all. On that day, I swallowed my pride and shamefully admitted to loved ones I needed help. The darkness and depression were too much. The weight gain and other health issues kept getting worse. I was constantly feeling terrible and hated to wake up every single day of my life. But I kept pouring alcohol into my body every day to take the pain away or to survive.
My twenties were incredibly bleak.
During those years, I struggled with my alcoholism. I tried to quit a handful of times, swore of hard liquor and pledged to only stick to beer. But eventually, I caved in and went back to the excess I desired. I eventually stopped writing all together and before I knew it my passion had gotten away from me. Looking back, I cringe at the memories of the hangovers, blackouts, and the regrettable things I did while under the influence. I experienced alcohol poisonings and vomited blood. Would sleep for days and not eat. So many times, I couldn't be left home alone for a weekend because I would drink so much, I'd pass out and not wake up and when I did, I was pouring another shot. Despite these negative experiences, I found solace in the company of alcohol during my loneliest nights and darkest days. It became my only friend and one true love.
It turned me into a liar, a manipulator, and robbed me of so many opportunities.
I stood at the end of a road with two options. I keep going this route or decide to make a change.
It wasn't easy at all; it was real hard pill to swallow. But I did it and I voluntarily admitted myself into treatment. After going through the challenging detox process, I started journaling, and I continued to do so throughout my first year of sobriety. I often find myself flipping through those entries as a reminder of the obstacles I overcame. I can honestly say that life has improved significantly since I stopped drinking.
I've gained so much in life just by making one major decision. I have a stronger relationship with my wife. I finally became a dad to a beautiful little girl. I'm a published author now. My health is the best it's ever been. I lost a lot of excess weight and got out of my depression.
I don't regret taking that first drink. All my experiences led me to this moment and molded me to who I am now. Without the heartache and pain, I wouldn't know how lucky I am in this moment. It's always a struggle but it does get a whole hell of a lot easier. I used to count the days and keep track and now I barely do that. Now I just live my life and instead of alcohol being my passion....
It's being a husband, a father, and a published author.
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