Gina 59 10 / 10 / 2004 • Sober Nation

Name: Gina

Age: 59

Sober Since: 10 / 10 / 2004

Sober For: 19 Years & 209 Days

What it was like?

I was an alcoholic at an early age. A child of alcoholic parents, I learned to handle the disfunction in the same way they did. I used to steal from my mother to get alcohol and inevitably had consequences. For 30 years of my life, the drink took me to many dark places, mostly of my own making. Hopeless, lonely and powerless to change my ways. I was broken beyond measure. In between those 30 years, I somehow managed to raise a daughter and son, albeit with the same disfunction I endured as a child. I still cannot fathom how I did it.

What happened?

More consequences... Nervous breakdown, a suicide attempt , a lost marriage and terminated parental rights. While incarcerated, I was introduced to AA. Alcoholics Anonymous gave me a whole new outlook on my disease and how to cope with it. After jail, I was released to an rehab for 18 months. I was the oldest woman there. I would be lying if I told you it was a piece of cake, for it was not. I had a difficult time admitting I was an alcoholic from day one. It wasn't until I was 10 months sober before I relinquished all control.

What it is like now?

Today, I am blessed. I fought tooth and nail to regain my life. I decided to use the gift of sobriety to help others. I became a certified Recovery Coach and a Stephen Minister. I volunteer at my church with the homeless and sponsor women in the program of AA. I found love again, and have been blessed to have a man who supports my walk everyday. I get excited everyday at the prospect of helping another person struggling with addiction. This is my purpose! I am a woman of grace and dignity today, for all my trials, I am grateful.