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My 1st taste of alcohol was at 8, at a cousin’s graduation. I was drinking “punch”. I don’t remember much, but was sick the next day and was told it’s just a hangover and it’ll pass.

High school was no more awkward for me than others. I enjoyed drinking and smoking pot after school and on weekends but not during swim season. My coach, the 1st of many, sat me down with a couple other guys after junior year to express concern.

I swam in college, but my drinking was excessive. I got into trouble, alcohol related and was kept from taking a semester abroad. Another time I got community service.

Shortly after college my mom passed away from Cancer.  I was 22; devastated I began to intentionally use alcohol to cope. I saw others managing to grieve without it, but I wouldn’t. It was October ’95 and the first time I admitted to myself I was an alcoholic.

For 20 years I quit jobs to get a fresh start; and would leave the state over a DUI.

3yrs ago, I got arrested; public drunkenness with my kids on my daughter’s b-day. Dad of the year. CPS, custody case, child support case, and criminal court. That dried me out a few months. I held on for a while; I knew I lied when I said I was done.

Relapse started slowly, but by the time the pandemic started I was laid off and drinking 24/7 again. My kids hated me, so did I. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and couldn’t believe I was so weak.

My kids went to their mom’s and spilled their guts. I was furious at the time, but it saved my life. I began therapy, and begrudgingly, 12 step recovery. I was home; I’d found my people. It only took 47 years, and unfathomable pain and suffering, but I found it and ran with it. It was rebirth. I was so broken I just did whatever was asked of me, and asked what’s next?

It took time but CPS was resolved, and Family court went ok. Criminal court did what it does. I humbly accepted the consequences and kept the ball rolling. I rebuilt myself with a foundation of spirituality and willingness. I worked the steps and help others find their way. It’s not the life I’d imagined for myself; it’s better.

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  • Loosid Team

    We created Loosid with the belief that being sober isn’t the end of the good times, but the start. With over 300,000 members, The Loosid App was designed to not only show the world that sober doesn’t have to be boring but to help this distinctive community of nearly 144 million Americans realize they’re far from alone.

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