By Adrienne Kaliszak

When I decided to quit drinking alcohol, I hadn’t given much thought to what a huge endeavor I was embarking upon.

I think I believed I would quit drinking and that would be the end of it. I quit, I’m done, I’ll never drink again.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

First, let me say I had many attempts at quitting alcohol, so they weren’t one and done. I learned about myself with each attempt and when I’d attempt again I would use what I learned to propel me forward.

So don’t get discouraged if you’ve quit drinking and relapsed. Think about all you learned while you were sober and what you learned about yourself when you drank again. When you’re ready, go at it again.

When I stopped drinking this last time, I was aware of how the grips of alcohol let go a little at a time. Being free from addiction takes a whole lot of time, perseverance, and patience.

If you’re able to go with the flow as they say and enjoy the journey it will make it more enjoyable and less of a battle.

In the early days, time goes by impossibly slow it seems. I know for me all I wanted was to make it through the day, so I’d have another day sober under my belt.

As my thoughts became clearer and I began getting healthier I wanted to do more than exist. Plus, I developed more energy as time moved on, so I wanted to enjoy the days.

I would crochet, practice the flute, do yoga, meditate, go to the park, go for rides, and meet with friends.

I began writing consistently, which also was an awesome way to cope with the feelings and thoughts I had around sobriety. Many people journal.

My self-esteem improved not only from stopping alcohol but also from living a life I am proud of.

No, breaking free of addiction doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen. Believe in yourself as well as something bigger than yourself. Have hope and faith.

Reach out when you’re struggling and know that the struggle will end.

You may have spent a lot of time on your addiction, now spend that time on your recovery.

Be kind to yourself, willing to recover, and persevere even when it’s difficult.

You will be helped. You are not in this alone.