I rationalized that the vomiting might be due to food poisoning. By the morning, I was severely dehydrated and could barely stand. I called in sick, the first time ever in my life.

Sober Story: Dawn

In 2007, at age 24, Laura pulled a 180 and went from being an insecure, anxious binge drinker to newly-minted sober 20-something. This scary but necessary step catapulted her into a journey of long-term recovery. She believes in the raw power of storytelling, mental health awareness. A captivating story of a highly accomplished well-known professional in the spotlight who was brave enough to share her story.

The Power of Addiction Recovery: Before and After Photos and Stories

The non-abstinence-based addictions are the same, but you have to open the door to that cage three times a day.” Sounds about right. After an hour-long fact-finding conversation with my mom, I was speechless. I celebrated 23 years sober this month—May 12, to be exact. About a year ago, I was talking to a dear friend who was newly sober, and our conversation shifted something in me. For the first time in my life, I realized that my sobriety isn’t a limitation. Sobriety isn’t even a “have to”—it’s a superpower.

Sobriety Podcasts to Listen to in Recovery

sobriety stories

The second night, I began to have diarrhea with old, digested blood in it. The next morning I awoke with my heart racing, unable to get up off the floor, realizing that this was the end of the run. Yet, throughout this, I convinced myself that alcohol was what made me happy; what made my life a little less meaningless.

The 15 most powerful memoirs about addiction and recovery

sobriety stories

My tremors would be so bad that at times I could barely sign my name, never mind perform the necessary skills for my profession. My hands would sweat so much that I could barely don sterile gloves. I was fortunate at that time to primarily be supervising three highly skilled fellows training in our practice any involvement on my part. I couldn’t wait for the workday to end so I could get to my car and have a good dose of alcohol from the bottle under the seat. These podcasts can provide hours of diverse perspectives about sobriety and recovery. Hearing other people’s stories can provide hope, encouragement, and relief.

  • This book is for everyone, but learning to ‘tame the inner dragon’ is especially helpful to people in recovery.
  • She believes in the raw power of storytelling, mental health awareness.
  • Facing a potential problem and getting sober is not an easy choice, but for millions of people each year it’s a necessary one.
  • Don describes feeling as though he has finally seen the light and he now feels strong in his recovery.
  • She offers generous vulnerability in her lessons and encourages you to find your gift within.

That way, these ACEs no longer pervaded his negative thought patterns. After seventy days, I was discharged and was soon able to return to work under a monitoring contract with PHS. I attended daily AA meetings for the first ninety days. Later, I cut back to three to four meetings a week as I returned to taking call at work.

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. It may also be helpful to https://financeinquirer.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ get to know yourself on your own, first. Spending sober time becoming familiar with your body intimately can help you better communicate your needs to someone else when you feel ready for that step.

  • I again excelled in school, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and several individual honors.
  • Coulter shares her struggles with alcohol use and also the challenges of getting sober.
  • I don’t think I even really liked drinking — it just seemed to make things a lot easier.
  • Growing up, Laura’s parents had instilled in her the values of right and wrong, and what separated the good decisions from the bad.
  • A lot has happened in these nine and a half years.
  • It will hurt (pretty bad at first), but in time you will come to see it as the gift it is—and you won’t waste time getting to know the wrong person.

For a period it was, “I’m an alcoholic,” and that tended to silence anyone (for clarification, I no longer identify as an alcoholic). These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that. Reading a few chapters of a recovery-related book each day can help weave your sobriety or moderation goals into your everyday life. Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House It can provide ongoing reminders of why you’re making a change, and give you new tools to incorporate as you continue on your journey. Plus, you’ll get to read beautiful writing, and expand your worldview and perspectives. If you’re looking for more sobriety resources, check out Monument’s therapist-moderated alcohol support groups and anonymous online forum.