In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be celebrating thirteen years without a sip of alcohol. September 30, 2012, was the day everything changed for me—a day I finally surrendered and chose a different path. Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like thirteen years have gone by. In some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago, yet the memories of the pain, the depression, and the overwhelming weight of addiction are still so vivid.
I can still remember the mornings filled with regret, the nights that seemed endless, and the cycle that felt impossible to escape. That feeling of desperation is something I carry with me—not as a burden, but as a reminder. It’s important not to dwell on the past, but it’s equally important not to forget it. Forgetting would mean risking losing sight of how far I’ve come and the strength it took to get here.
Recovery has been more than just putting down the bottle. It has been about rebuilding my life, learning to face challenges head-on without trying to numb them away, and finding joy in the simple, ordinary moments. Over these thirteen years, I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible. I’ve gained clarity, strength, and a deep appreciation for second chances.
There were times I didn’t think I’d make it this far. But here I am, living proof that change is possible. We do recover. 💪 And if my story can serve as encouragement to even one person who feels stuck in the same darkness I once lived in, then sharing it is worth it.
To anyone still struggling: you are not alone. The road to recovery isn’t easy, but it is absolutely worth it. Hold on, take it one day at a time, and remember that freedom is possible. Thirteen years later, I’m living proof.
