I have used alcohol off and on most of my life to cope. But, I quit it because I just got tired of hating myself and wanting to drink myself to death. As long as you can love yourself nothing else matters.
I was ostracized for my parents divorce, not being Catholic, and having German ancestry. I was a high school dropout, teen mom, and married with two kids at 20. I have spent much of my life battling nearly crippling depression. I got help, online support, CBT, and medication have saved my life.
I am 42 now. Been sober 4 years now and I never knew my life could be so beautiful. Sad things, scary things, life still happens and yet I am grateful. I have my husband, kids and dogs, a roof over my head, clean clothes, and food. I am a very fortunate person.