One year ago today...
 

I had my last hangover. I had been almost a nightly drinker, vodka and diet Pepsi for eight years straight. I started from what I believe now to self medicate for depression and stress relief. Lots of black outs, embarrassing behavior, fights with the hubby, a teenage daughter that distanced herself from me, memory loss and wasted time. These are just a few things I could list, I could go on. About six months before I made the decision, I started visiting the hospital at least once a month, sometimes once a week. The Anxiety was taking over me. Nocturnal panic attacks had become the norm. I started alternating hospitals and found myself looking around to see what Dr was attending, hoping not to get the same on as the previous visit. I never lied about my alcohol use. And finally one visit the attending Dr asked me if I thought it was the alcohol, of course I said no. But truthfully it was the question that made me think. And then realize that I was making myself sick. I didn't want to die. I stopped drinking. Finding this site was the best thing to happen. I was on it for hours at a time. It gave me the information and support I needed to make it through those first few months. I learned what to expect, understand symptoms, and most importantly know I wasn't alone.
It's been a year of change physical changes. I have experienced-
Severe Headaches
Shakes
Anxiety
Blurred Vision
Muscle Pain
Dizziness just to list a few. I have seen every Dr possible. Again I don't want to die, I have too much to live for. While I still have some periodic symptoms, things are like night and day. And know it just may take a bit more time to heal. I just also know I could never drink again.
My relationship with my family is now wonderful. My husband completely supports me and we spend more time together. My daughter actually wants to do things with me and my son is so proud. Tonight they made me dinner, had a cake for me and gave me a whole bag of chocolate gold coins.
I want to thank each of you here. You have enriched my life in ways you don't even know. I want to encourage everyone wanting to quit or in the beginning of your recovery, you can do it. Dig deep, find your reason. Everyone here is in my prayers. Thank you for reading!

Congrats on the first of many sober years. :scoregood


Why don't you put your sobriety story on the Stories of Recovery forum? Maybe your story can help someone else. :)

Congratulations on one year! What a HUGE accomplishment. Best wishes for many more. :-)

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Congrats, your story is so inspiring.

Congratulations on one year!!

:a122:

Very proud of you iluvdisney. :)

Congratulations on your wonderful YEAR of sobriety!

Congratulations Iluvdisney :)

D

congrats on your first year. well done

Iluvdisney, 1 year is so FANTASTIC, congratulations, rootin for ya. :egypt:
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608...d=1.9&rs=0&p=0

excellent milestone! many more will come! :c011:

Congratulations! One year is wonderful! :)

:hb6

I can feel your smile from here, iluvdisney, and quite right too! Be proud, it's a fantastic achievement and a new life for your whole family :c007: :c014: :c007:

Fantastic!! :You_Rock_

Thank you all!!

What a beautiful post, Iluvdisney. It made my day. I wrestled with some urges to drink today. Your story was all the reminder that I needed to bring me back from the ledge.

Thank you. And congratulations.:bday7

Wow- what an accomplishment!

way to go!!!

what a wonderful success story.

Here's to MANY more.

:)

Thank you for the inspiration.