What it was like?

My life was hell. Every day was a struggle to find what I needed just to feel "normal". I had friends for years that genuinely never saw me sober. I lost countless opportunities, whether it be educational, relationships, careers, you name it. I kept getting deeper and deeper into my addiction and really had no idea how to pull myself out. It was incredibly scary and I should have died on numerous occasions from reckless life choices.

What happened?

After a serious run in with the law, I was facing felony charges. As part of a wonderful plea bargain for first time offenders, I went to in-patient rehab for 28 days. Hands down greatest life changing event of my life. I learned about my addiction, how I got there, why I chose to use in the first place, and most importantly how to remain sober. I struggled at first after leaving treatment. After a hard relapse, I woke up on the floor of a friend's guest room, using a towel as a blanket and my pants as a pillow. That was it, haven't drank or used since.

What it is like now?

Life is such a gift, filled with opportunities to learn and grow as a person. I no longer have urges to drink or use, and I can focus all my energy in to becoming a better person. I have a wonderful career, my finances are together, I don't ever go hungry or wonder how the bills will get paid, and I have surrounded myself that actually care about me. I'm healthy, and strong. I take care of my body and mind, and love every day as if it were my last. I owe everything I have to my sobriety, everything. Life couldn't get too much better!