I was a binge drinker for 14 years, heavy weekend party drinker who only had long sober bouts during my 2 pregnancies. I quit last year at 35 after I realized that my “binges” were definitely more frequent and the last couple of years, I was binging on 2 bottles of wine 2-3 days per week and blacking out. Yuck. I was feeling horrible most every day and knew my physical and mental health were absolutely taking a big hit. I got sober and never looked back. Upon reflection and instead of just feeling immense guilt and shame for my drinking years, I wonder if there is a way to focus on the silver lining of alcoholism. In a way, I appreciate the simple pleasures of life that maybe some recovering addicts take for granted. I feel an inner strength and determination and see my rise from the Hell that I was living in almost every single day in the end. I learned new coping mechanisms to live with life’s stresses and learned a hell of a lot about myself in the process, a lot of self reflection and self discovery. I realize that alcoholism really isn’t any “gift”, and it’s devastating the havoc it wrecks on so many lives. But I do believe there is something to be said of coming out the other side and getting away from alcohol’s grasp before it absolutely takes us away. It makes us survivors of this horrible disease and at least for me, it makes me appreciate life more. Almost like I’m reliving and learning everything again. Like a rebirth and time spent with loved ones is more cherished, waking up every day feeling well rested a treat, and intimate relationships feel more amazing and carefree and honest. I am trying to move on to the acceptance part of my alcoholism and no longer wish to dwell on anger, anxiety and shame. Being in recovery is everything to me, and I have an overwhelming desire to help others suffering from the overwhelming obsession with the deadly bottle. Maybe my insight and story can inspire others and help them escape the torture alcohol brings, and if I can support even just one person who wants to come to the other side to lifelong recovery, I will feel fulfilled.

Thank you Chloe!! I’ve actually always wanted to write a book!! I started a novel a couple of times, but drinking preventing me from ever having the motivation to finish🙄. Maybe this can be my new sober activity! Much more rewarding than having the neck of a bottle in my mouth to pass the hours away!

Thank you for posting, for me stability is a gift, a hard days work sober, a hard workout, having healthy food, getting errands done, it’s all no longer boring but a victory and I take pride in it all

I believe recovery from addiction makes us humble people. .