Heather

I considered myself a “normal drinker” up until about 13 years ago. 13 years ago I was 27 and going through a divorce with my high school sweetheart and father of our two children. I felt broken and lost, that is when the drinking started getting a heavier, it got worse and worse as time went on. I had started drinking because I thought I needed it to have fun, to relax, to get me out of my shell, to be more outgoing. I am an introvert, so the alcohol definitely seemed to help. It also helped me cover the pain of the divorce, it helped me not feel the feelings and emotions.

13 years later it came clear (unfortunately after too many "rock bottoms") that it just wasn’t working for me anymore, it wasn’t fun anymore. My relationship with alcohol was becoming obsessive, I couldn’t get enough. "One was too many and a thousand wasn’t enough" really does describe my drinking habits. It was controlling every aspect of my life. I failed every time I tried to moderate or cut back. I was always tired, became lazy, crabby, short tempered and over weight....just simply unhappy and unhealthy. I started to hate my life, I felt unworthy, I felt like a piece of garbage. I woke up one day after too much drinking the night before and decided I was done. I wanted to take control back and something had to change....ME. I had to change, and so I did.

I made a commitment to myself and have got to say it’s the best thing I could ever do for myself, I’ve never felt better. I wake up every morning clear headed and ready to start my day. I am a lot more active, not so tired and lazy anymore! I still have my crabby/irritable days from time to time, but this has improved immensely. I've even lost a very much needed 40 pounds :) Giving up alcohol is hard, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done/still doing, but 100% worth it. Yeah, I gave up alcohol but got my life back!! I am learning to truly enjoy life alcohol free, so far I am succeeding with this new lifestyle (one day at a time) and I couldn't be happier.