What it was like?

Alcohol gave me a very euphoric feeling but I'd always crash into a deep dark depression and self-loathing afterwards. It got to the point where I'd black out every time I drank and that was just pretty much a nightmare that I couldn't seem to wake up from. Deep down I truly wanted help, and wanted to be free from my addictions but I was afraid of trying and failing. What if I disappointed everyone? I believe that a lot of addicts feel this way deep down. (So please, don't be quick to write someone off or give up hope on them!)

What happened?

I am not proud of this, but I crashed and totaled my car driving drunk. This was my wake up call! From there I put myself in a program called Teen Challenge. I simply brought myself to a place where getting better was my only option, and there was no turning back. I surrendered. I stayed in the program for two years. There was so much unconditional love there that was SO healing for me! I have not done drugs, drank or smoked cigarettes since I walked through their doors in November of 1999-what a miracle!

What it is like now?

Life is beautiful. I moved from Massachusetts to my favorite state in the country, Colorado. I love my life with my husband and two beautiful daughters. Now I see and experience life through the eyes of my children and it's so joyful! Addictions can try to rob you of finding any kind of enjoyment in life but you can get it back. I'm living proof of that. And it just gets better and better! Thank you for reading!