
Thomas Winkelman
- Age
- 31
- Sober Since
- August 27, 2015
- Sober For
- 11 Years & 36 Days
01 What it was like
Demoralizing and hopeless like going through life being a fraction of who I was capable of being. 17 years living lost and broken only to be saved by Grace and freed from the self made prison of guilt, shame, anger, and hatred.
Demoralizing and hopeless like going through life being a fraction of who I was capable of being.
02 What happened
August 26th, 2015 was the last time I was broken on the inside. I overdosed in an Elementry School parking lot which lead to my arrest and several charges...then God came into my life and transformed me into the man I had always dreamed about becoming
03 What it is like now
I don’t even have words to describe or articulate how amazing my life is now. All I can say is that I have true freedom, inner peace, a purpose and a life that I wake up excited to live every day. I now pass my eternal burning torch to other addicts for a living as I have been shown a new way to live!
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.



