Name: Donna

Age: 54

Sober Since: 08 / 24 / 1989

Sober For: 34 Years & 226 Days

What it was like?

I only drank to get drunk. I swore I wouldn’t touch the stuff. I watched alcoholism consume family. “That is not going to be me”

What happened?

I loved a great party. Very rare for me to drink alone. At the age of 23 someone took my inventory!! Had an intervention and was told I was an alcoholic. “No way, not me. You’re an alcoholic” He said “yes I am”. Oops ? When I heard “alcoholic” first picture in my mind was my mother. I AM SOOOO NOT LIKE HER!!! The ONE person I never want to be like. When I was active, I was running through life letting opportunity upon opportunity pass me by. I had goals and dreams before I picked up my first drink. My disease had something else in mind for me.

What it is like now?

Life has thrown some daggers my way this year. A bunch!! If not for AA, my sponsor, and my church family I don’t know where I would be. Since getting sober I have not had an urge to pick up. I was pretty young for back then. I have heard it all. I listen and learn. I do not want to go through some of the things I have heard from other recovering alcoholics!!! I am grateful to be sober for more than half my life. I have lived my dream of going to college. I have a Sociology Degree from Rutgers University. My proudest moment. Also my Daddy’s proudest. He cried at graduation. He and my sponsor were there. I lost my dad this year. He died suddenly. Worst pain I have ever experienced!! He is my Best Friend. He never gave up on me. Encouraged me to follow my dreams. My biggest supporter, fan, HERO!! Since Dad was buried in November 2019, I have lost 4 other close friends. Still...no desire to drink. I may want to run and hide sometimes, but I know today that people love me!! I have so much support from AA and my church. If I were still drinking that support may not be there. I would either be drunk or dead. Today I choose life. A sober life!!

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