For as long as I can remember, I have been drinking. I was never one to have a glass of wine with dinner, or to have a beer with friends. I was the one who would drink until I couldn’t remember my own name. I had no idea of the consequences of my actions until I was diagnosed with Alcohol-related liver disease.
At first, I was in denial. I thought that it was just a temporary issue, and that I could just drink less and be fine. I was wrong. My doctor told me that I needed to stop drinking entirely, and that I would need to make some major lifestyle changes if I wanted to get better.
I was scared and overwhelmed. I had no idea how to go about quitting drinking. I was used to having a drink every day, and I didn’t know how to cope without it. I was also embarrassed to tell my friends and family that I had a problem. I felt like I had let them down.
I started to research different ways to quit drinking. I read stories of people who had been in my position and had been able to quit. I also looked into different support groups and rehab centers. I knew that I needed help if I was going to make it through this.
I decided to start attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. It was a difficult process, but I was determined to get better. I was surrounded by people who had been in my shoes and were willing to help me. I was also able to talk to my doctor about my progress and any concerns I had.
Slowly but surely, I started to get better. I was able to stay sober for longer periods of time and I started to feel healthier. I also started to become more active and I was able to do things that I hadn’t been able to do before.
It’s been a long road, but I’m proud to say that I am now sober. I still attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and I’m surrounded by a supportive group of people. I’m also able to talk openly about my experiences with my friends and family. I’m grateful for the support I have received, and I’m thankful that I was able to make it through this.
My name is Joe, and I’m an alcoholic in recovery.