It was a dark and stormy night.
Just kidding! I heard long ago that line was the most popular opening line in literature. So I just had to use it!
Seriously though, my name is Robert and I am an alcoholic. My sobriety date this time, and hopefully the last time, is September 1, 2017. For that I am eternally grateful. The impetus behind writing this blog is to share my trials and tribulations on my way to sobriety. My goal for this blog is for it to be a place that I can put my thoughts down where it might help others and thereby help myself. I will add regularly. Most will be personal recovery related, but who knows what will come out of my head!
It was a long and circuitous path to get where I am now. The disease of addiction is a progressive and fatal disease. There is NO cure. I am now and always will be addicted to alcohol. That is a difficult concept to wrap your head around. Trust me I know! It certainly was for me. Doctors and scientists have discovered that addiction lies in one part of the brain. The amygdala. This is the most primitive part of the brain. It controls all survival instincts. Fight or flight, eating, breathing and even sex. One basically has no control over this part of the brain. You can hold your breath, but when you pass out, you will start breathing again. Addiction is just like that. You may be able to temporarily stop. But the next drink you take will lead you right back to where you were when you stopped initially.
Ok, I will stop with the science lesson. I felt it was important to have a basic understanding of what addiction is and what it isn’t. It isn’t a matter of will power! Now on to what you hopefully came here for. The story of my road to addiction and my travels through that minefield on my way to recovery.
You know, it takes a real man or woman to admit they have issues and to publicly announce those issues make me respect you more! I’m proud and honored to know you and I will support you on your way…. Praying is what I can do from NC but I’ll be right here if you need me. Thank you for your honesty to yourself and others!