The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is human connection.” – Johann Hari Author, Chasing the Scream
It finally happened in 2008.
For a long time after it was over, I referred to it as, those two long weeks in ’08. And while I was in the middle of it I referred to what I was doing as, a social experiment.
It was more significant than two weeks might imply and it had nothing at all to do with any social experiment.
Plain and simple.
I relapsed.
I had long ago accepted my status as an alcoholic. In fact, I stopped drinking for good, during the last three months of my senior year of college. As the years went by though, I often wondered if I was REALLY an alcoholic. Maybe it would be different now, maybe I could drink like a normal person after twenty-two years without a drop.
I got my answer during those two weeks in 2008, which was a resounding HELL NO! I could not drink moderately and I knew that if I did not stop as abruptly as I started, I would lose everything.
I waited eight years to share this experience publically because the mental obsession that the relapse triggered was so terrifying. Every time I thought about telling this tale in hopes that it might help someone else in pain, it felt too soon, until now.
Speaking of helping, if you think you or someone you love may have a problem with alcohol below are 20 questions that Alcoholics Anonymous suggests will help to gain clarity.
- Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
- Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
- Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
- Is your drinking affecting your reputation?
- Have you ever felt guilt or remorse after drinking?
- Have you ever gotten into financial difficulties as a result of the drinking?
- Do you turn into lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?
- Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s welfare?
- Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
- Do you crave or a definite time?
- Do you want a drink at the next morning?
- Does drinking cost to have difficulty sleeping?
- Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
- Is drinking and jeopardizing your job or business?
- Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?
- Do you drink alone?
- Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
- Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
- Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
- Have you ever been to a hospital or institution because of drinking?
According to AA, if you answer affirmatively to even one question, you may have a problem with alcohol. According to me:
I chose to interview a new pal, Andrea Owen as a part of this week’s podcast on addiction because she has her own recovery story that inspired me to share mine. We met last summer when w
e were both facilitators at Soul Camp East, and immediately connected. Andrea is an author and certified life coach. She helps women get what they want by letting go of perfectionism, control, and isolation, and instead teaches them to choose courage. She has also written a book that I love, 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life.
To hear Andrea’s inspiring journey through addiction in addition to the full account of my 2008 relapse saga, tune into today’s episode of Hello Freedom.
If you know you have a problem with any addiction, I pray that this podcast will inspire you to get help. You are not alone.
You can Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or TuneIn
Show Notes:
- How alcohol replaced her other addictions
- The progression of her alcoholism
- Why and when she quit drinking
- How she relapsed
- What she misses about drinking
- Her advice for other moms and women who are struggling
- Why sobriety and recovery is very scary
- The importance of surrounding yourself with good people
- The power of emotions
Links Mentioned:
- Rebekah Borucki shared Andrea’s post on FB which inspired me to tell the 2008 tale!
- Check out my friend Patty Powers
- Check out Andrea’s book, 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life
- Connect with Andrea:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
*image courtesy of ClaraDon
Terri and Andrea, I appreciate you bringing this conversation to the light. Thank you so much.
Cathy-
I’m so glad you’re here and the episode resonated with you! xo
Wow. This podcast was really amazing, and very timely. I have recently decided to give up drinking and it has been difficult with the culture that surrounds it in my friend group and workplace.
Thank you for such an honest conversation. It was very inspiring to hear two admirable and successful women discuss their struggles with addiction. It’s not often that we get to hear stories with such honesty and vulnerability. Thanks for opening up the conversation, Terri. Love the podcast!
You can do this Stephanie. At times it may feel hard but stay focused on what you really want. Keep coming to this page for inspiration and know that you will find people who support you and live the lifestyle you desire. No matter what, keep taking care of you.
Thank you so much for this. Such a honest conversation – my hope is that your honesty can reach young moms everywhere. Andrea share about tears of joy watching her children enjoy each other – that she would have missed had her drinking continued was so poignant.
Freedom=courage and I would add vulnerability. We need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to feel.
I am so glad you enjoyed the podcast, Diane. On behalf of both Andrea and myself, thank you for your kind words.
Great timing for this, thanks so much! I decided to get sober this week!
Wonderful! What divine timing! You may find this interview helpful as well https://terricole.com/elena-brower/ . Keep taking care of you.
Great honest conversation and share.
It’s a solo journey going sober. Easier leaning on God more so than other people. “Love many-trust few.”
Yoga & meditation (Insight Timer) are great replacements.
I have 8 years non-drinking and no plans of return.
My relationship family andself have flourished as a result. I’ve never been in better shape mentally or physically.
Thank you Andrea and Terri. Freedom=courage. Free Bird. xxx
Incredible, Joan. Thank you for sharing your story and tips to stay sober. Eight years, wow! It’s so helpful for people who are struggling to know that recovery is possible! Keep taking care of you and shining your light.
Terri, thank you for your honesty. I appreciate you and your blogs.
With love and light
Ruth