Kelly Robertson
- Age
- 61
- Sober Since
- August 4, 2014
- Sober For
- 12 Years & 61 Days
01 What it was like
I had a long-time affair with my bestie, Clos du Bois. I loved him so much. He was with me every single day, no fail, for years and he was always there for me no matter what. Sure, there was a lot of planning, hiding and lies but I got away with it for so long. I thought I was so clever - no one had a clue, right? I was really good at the persona I created. After all, I was a First Sergeant in the military and couldn't be found out. I was close to retiring but the pressures ... I had a lot of people who depended on me and I wasn't that bad. I never met my bestie at work but secretly, I couldn't wait to get home to be with him again.
He was with me every single day, no fail, for years and he was always there for me no matter what.
02 What happened
I woke up one day and had a "knowing" that I was close to getting caught. I was just one decision from disaster --ruining my career, my marriage, my life. I knew that I had to break up with my him, my bestie, my confidant, my long-time companion who was always there for me. I was sad because very quickly I realized that not only did I lose my bestie but I also lost all my friends... I guess because they were my drinking buddies. I was alone and afraid but I asked GOD, my guides and angels to give me the direction I needed to live again. They led me to a day treatment program and by day #3, I was balling like a baby, broke down to parade rest. I woke up every day for a month, crazy thirsty with a sober hang-over, but I knew that the break up saved my life. I was a slave to him and he was killing me for years. I hadn't met my military career goals but submitted my retirement papers anyway and went out the same way I came in: Quietly and no party.
03 What it is like now
FREEDOM TO LOVE ME AND KNOW TO NEVER GIVE MY POWER AWAY AGAIN. This song says a lot -- "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way, gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sunshiny day.."
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.



