What it was like?

I drank for 30 years alcoholically, the last 10, daily to pass out or run out. The last 8 years I was on various couches. When I was 42, my girlfriend took me to AA.

What happened?

After 2.5 years of trying my way, I did 90 in 90 as AA had suggested. I attended weekly Buddhist classes, which showed me another way than the religious upbringing that I had. Daily meditation and meetings worked for me. Helping others is my means of staying stopped.

What it is like now?

My life is completely different. I live simply and quietly. Most of my friends are recovering addicts, and the rest are people I have met through my Buddhist studies. Each day I have purpose in helping others and trying to be of service, or alleviating the mental see-saw.