a little of my story

[okietiger]

I had my first drink when I was a teenager, my older sister took a friend and I to a keg party and we got pretty wasted. At that time i didnt really like the taste of beer but I did like the effects of it. I did not drink every weekend but on summer vacations we would go to South Carloina on vacation. We would have parties on the beach or wherever we could. I didnt really start drinking everyday till I got into college and havent let up since. I didnt really concentrate on my studies and I did not graduate college so I moved back to my home town and started working full time for my father. I finally got my own place so that meant freedom to drink and party every night. I was not responsable for paying my bills or my everyday duties. All I cared about was partying. I got married to a woman who was also a drinker and that didnt last. I lost numerous friends due to my drinking and so on. After nine years working for my father I became unemployed. I sold most of my possesions to get money for beer. I was more worried about how i was going to come up with the money for beer then I was about food and other things. My health took a turn for the worse, I suffered a stoke, I made excusees as to why I suffered the stroke, I did not want to work but I wanted the money to support my habit. I went from job to job always having a excuse to quit. I had always found another better paying job before quitting. So that wasnt really a problem, but I had nothing to show for these jobs. I started lying to myself and family about the simple things. I couldnt have a lasting relationship because I always drove the women off with my drinking and lying.

After being laid off did I start to realize that maybe I had a problem but was still in deniel with myself it took a good six months of being bent over everynight with stomach pains did I finally realize that I had a problem so I started praying to god to please give me a sign that I had a problem. So on June 11 2005 after having a couple of beers I had the worse stomach pains I have ever felt did I know that I had to quit drinking. I forced myself to throw up the alchohol and I went to bed knowing that I had had my last drink.

The first 30 days was tough, I didnt sleep at all, I went to my first AA meeting, got a sponsor and started working on my steps. My emotions were a total rollercoaster. But I knew what I felt I had to do. During that forst six months I ended up in the hospital with high blood pressure, found a job, continued going to meetings and getting support from family and my true friends.

My life has turned around completely since I quit drinking, 7 months of being without a car I was given one from someone from my church. I found a better job and I am slowly getting things which I didnt have. I have a much closer relationship with my family and my higher power. I am happy, I am not as moody. I have a amazing woman in my life right now. I have bought a newer car. and I wouldnt pass that up for anything. I know I can take that first drink again but I do not want to go back to the old me. The new me is so much better. and for the first time I love myself which I never have done.

[mellotripp]

I can relate so much to your story. I have a friend in the program that also had a car given to her. At the time, I felt a little jealous thinking that why? doesn't that happen to me. Today, I do not question the work of God in that manner. For I know that if I stay sober, my own sobriety is his ultimate gift to me. All I have to do is enjoy it.

[free2bunme]

thank you so much for sharing your story. so very glad that you are here!!!