Recovery, in their own words

October Archives

Recovery stories from people whose sobriety date falls in October — real accounts shared to remind anyone still struggling that they are not alone.

Aaron Dominguez 34 10 / 7 / 2017
Age 34Since 10 / 07 / 2017

Aaron Dominguez

I couldn't lie enough. I couldn't hide enough. I couldn't drink enough. I couldn't be angry enough. I couldn't manipulate enough. I couldn't hate myself enough.

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Taylor Reichelt 30 10 / 10 / 2015
Age 30Since 10 / 10 / 2015

Taylor Reichelt

Absolutely horrible I woke up at 27 hopeless and strung out on heroin meth and crack cocaine.

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Joe 45 10 / 5 / 2015
Age 45Since 10 / 05 / 2015

Joe

Fun at first. Then it went to pure hell. Couldn't hold a job, relationship, and became completely isolated. Consumed by craving, obsession, and hating myself for it all.

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Tom 50 10 / 14 / 2007
Age 50Since 10 / 14 / 2007

Tom

It was like being alive, but not living! I just was depressed and unhappy.

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Sarah 34 10 / 2 / 2013
Age 34Since 10 / 02 / 2013

Sarah

Felt spiritually dead, empty. I knew I could no longer drink if I wanted to live.

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Kerri Quinn 45 10 / 24 / 2010
Age 45Since 10 / 24 / 2010

Kerri Quinn

I was filled with fear and confusion. I am a reasonably smart woman with a strong will. I couldn't figure out how to stop. I'd make a promise every morning that today was the day... and fail...

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Renae 28 10 / 3 / 2015
Age 28Since 10 / 03 / 2015

Renae

I started experimenting with substances at a young age, a normal age to do those things. I did it to have fun and explore. I didnt know the rabbit hole I was heading down. I started to look...

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Jay 32 10 / 15 / 2017
Age 32Since 10 / 15 / 2017

Jay

Very lonely. I would go weeks where the only time I would leave the house would be to get food, smokes and rum. I spent years wallowing in depression and self pity.

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Vanessa Day 33 10 / 15 / 2014
Age 33Since 10 / 16 / 2014

Vanessa Day

I was an absent mother and an unreliable wife. Everything I did, and everything I thought, revolved around alcohol. It was exhausting. Most people in my life avoided me at all costs, and rig...

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Travis Kestell 37 10 / 15 / 2009
Age 37Since 10 / 16 / 2009

Travis Kestell

Was always searching for something that wasn't there. Thought I could find happiness.

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Perry 50 10 / 18 / 2013
Age 50Since 10 / 19 / 2013

Perry

It was like a rite. As soon as I could I would start drinking and drink until I passed out. Every day, and triple the amount on weekends. Not paying bills so I could buy.

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