Matt Linder

I never considered myself to be an alcoholic or to be somebody who had a substance abuse problem. I didn’t drink everyday. I didn’t drink alone. I didn’t do anything that, by my own definition of the term, made me an alcoholic or drug addict.

What I did do was invent reasons to drink. I cultivated friendships and romantic relationships with people whom I had nothing in common with besides drinking. I acted like a 21 year old until I was 35 while my true friends matured around me.

While it didn’t have as much of an effect on me as some others, alcohol controlled my life. I’m so thankful that part of my life is behind me.

I celebrated the promotion of a “friend”, had too much to drink, and totaled my SUV. I wasn’t injured and thank goodness nobody else with me when I went into the ditch. I spent months replaying that moment in my mind and thinking about how many ways it could’ve been worse.

I knew I was ready for a change, a real change. It was hard, I felt very isolated and I was unsure who my friends were or if I had any friends at all.

My life now is better than I ever could’ve imagined. An old relationship rekindled and that has led to a marriage and a family.

I was approached to coach Football and Wrestling at my local high school. I’ve been part of a football team who finished in the top 4 in the state of Illinois and a wrestling team who finished 3rd in Illinois. I’ve cornered multiple wrestlers to state medals including a state champion!