Grateful for this Journey

In the throes of addiction, no road is smooth, it’s jagged, rocky, and perilous. Life rarely follows a straight line — and when addiction takes the wheel, every curve becomes a potential cliff. Looking back at how I lived sends chills through me; surviving that chapter was nothing short of a miracle.

My danger didn’t come from driving a vehicle — it came from attempting to navigate my life while impaired. I existed in a vicious cycle: drinking, coming to, drinking, and passing out. Alcohol was a poison I consumed relentlessly, regardless of the consequences. It was painful and heartbreaking, even when I wanted to stop, I couldn’t  — and I wouldn’t ask for help.

In the grip of addiction, it was easy to blame the world for my pain. Beyond the physical toll of the hangovers, I was suffocated by resentment and a soul-crushing loneliness. I wasn’t just broke; I was broken. Addiction hijacked my mind, leading to choices that cost me jobs, years with my family, and friendships. I lost myself entirely.

Today, I’m grateful, blessed, and forever humbled to be on this journey.  Because of the strength of a 12-step program and a commitment to the work, I’m no longer wandering blindly. Sobriety has given me a roadmap for an amazing life — and to stay on this path I will continue to follow directions.  Thank you for being part of my recovery. 

Happy Love month!  My deepest thanks to each and every one of our outstanding contributors for sharing your expertise and being such a vital resource for our community.

Barbara

barb@togetheraz.com