
John Richards
- Age
- 36
- Sober Since
- October 26, 2011
- Sober For
- 14 Years & 343 Days
01 What it was like
I was homeless. I had no family, no friends, no nothing but the clothes on my back. My life was completely unmanageable.
I had no family, no friends, no nothing but the clothes on my back.
02 What happened
I got a gift of desperation. I went to treatment center and followed all the suggestions given to me. Change you must or die you will, so I had to change
03 What it is like now
Beyond my wildest dreams. I could never have thought I'd have the life I do. I'm a functioning member of society today. I'm a husband and a homeowner. I have a good job and i am everything that I never thought I could be. I can't let my gifts of sobriety take my gift of sobriety. I stay vigilant with my sobriety because this is a insidious disease.
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.



