
Dale Palmer Smith
- Age
- 34
- Sober Since
- March 17, 2016
- Sober For
- 10 Years & 201 Days
01 What it was like
Going through 2 rehabs back to back for a total of 98 days was by far the most painful & labor intensive event I have had to undergo. The first focused on the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I had a really difficult detox there but gathered a very strong foundation on the Big Book and coping skills. The second was geared towards childhood sexual trauma. Learning how that trauma has affected my life and gathering coping skills and experiencing freedom from it. Everyday will be a battle for my life. If I relapse, I believe I will die.
Going through 2 rehabs back to back for a total of 98 days was by far the most painful & labor intensive event I have had to undergo.
02 What happened
Yes there is a solution but it is something that is a daily process. I have lost everything but have gained the necessary foundation I have always longed for. My higher power laid me on the operating table. It absolutely sucked but now on the other side I love myself. I have always hated myself. If I hate myself how can I fully love others? If I don't take care of myself how can I take care of others?
03 What it is like now
The man I was built to be has emerged from the shadows and the things I love in life are all brewing into a beautiful concoction.
More sober stories
View all →Choose your next step
Find support for your own recovery
Understand sobriety
What is Sobriety? Understanding Your Path to True Freedom
Explore what sobriety truly means in this enlightening article, delving into its journey beyond physical abstinence to emotional and psychological freedom. Discover how therapies like CBT, DBT, and MAT, along with a holistic approach, are key to overcoming addiction. Learn about sobriety's positive impacts on relationships, mental health, and overall well-being, highlighting the profound sense of freedom and fulfillment it brings.
Take the first step
Getting Sober: How to Start Safely and What to Do Today
If you want to get sober but do not know where to begin, start with the immediate questions: how to stop safely, who to ask for help, and what support you will need in the first few days.
Support your recovery
Staying Sober: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Recovery
Once you stop drinking or using, there is still work, family, stress, and free time to figure out. Staying sober involves building routines and knowing who to call when you want to use again.
Explore warning signs
Signs of Addiction by Substance: When to Ask for Help
You may have noticed changes in your own drinking or drug use, or be worried about someone close to you. Start with the substance involved to read about warning signs and where to get help.



