Bethany

I struggled with drinking, self-harm, and binge eating. My drinking gradually became worse, as I used it to escape from a job situation that made me unhappy, as well as an inability to set boundaries and effectively communicate in my relationships.

Recovery began gradually for me. "Rock bottom" happened the day I was kicked out of an amusement park (with my daughter, who has special needs) for being too intoxicated. However, I kept drinking after that. I went through 2 years of therapy and 2 years of working with a dietician before I was able to make a drastic career change and break patterns in my relationships. I also bwgan practicing yoga in a tight knit community, where I met a number of friends who were sober. Only then, was I able to stop drinking.

I have lost 60 pounds, have a job I love, and cope much better with the ups and downs in life! While I still experience a lot of guilt regarding my daughter, I know that I have been a good role model for her, by getting sober. I still go to parties and bars, ordering a diet Coke Shirley Temple and acting crazy without alcohol! The best part is that I don't wake up in the morning, dreading looking at my phone and seeing texts I don't remember sending. Sobriety has lead to a much less stressful life!