By Adrienne

There were many times during my drinking days I questioned my drinking. Especially when my daughter would get upset by it. But even when she became upset, I just wasn’t ready. That desire to quit alcohol wasn’t present.

I had to get to a place where I was going to do whatever I needed to do to get sober.

I was about to lose my daughter as a result of my drinking. She in no uncertain terms said she would move in with extended family if my husband and I didn’t stop drinking.

This sparked a fire in me. It gave me my willingness and desire to stop. I suddenly realised my drinking really wasn’t just affecting me and my husband. It was affecting my relationship with my daughter.

I had often felt like I wasn’t a good mom because of my alcohol abuse, but I didn’t know how to change it. You change it by not picking up that 1st drink.

So that is what I did. I decided no matter how tough it got I wouldn’t drink no matter what.

For months it was about not drinking. I soon realised it was also about creating a life I loved more than alcohol.

I now have activities in my life that actually keep me from drinking because I know if I drink, I won’t want to do those activities that bring me so much joy and hope.

Alcohol is a thief. It took away all my joy, love, and hope and compromised my relationships with those I love most.

Since stopping I’ve gotten so much more joy, love, and hope than I ever could have dreamed possible.

I still have bad days, but I’ve learned to navigate through those bad days, and it doesn’t include the lethal substance known as alcohol.

If you find yourself struggling with alcohol or an addictive substance, you don’t need to go it alone. There is a huge community of people out there on a similar road as you. Talk to your doctor, attend AA, Smart Recovery, Celebrate Recovery; or online groups such as Be Sober or This Naked Mind.

There are many options out there to provide you with help and support. Just don’t give up. There is hope and freedom around the bend.