What an obnoxious falling down drunk woman I once was.
Yep. I’m allergic to alcohol. One drink is like throwing a light switch in my psyche. A mental obsession coupled with a physical compulsion is turned on & there’s no humanly way to turn it off. I craved alcohol physically & mentally and yet….(drum roll, fireworks, cherry coke & confetti…)
On Nov. 11, 2013 I celebrated 25 years of sobriety.
UPDATE: Nov. 11, 2025 I celebrated 36 years of sobriety!
Giving credit where credit’s due it’s only by Gods grace. And help from AA in my early years of sobriety. And my dear friend, Ray. There’s no other explanation. So why did I decide to write about this?
It occurred to me rather than letting those “bad” years go to waste, someone who feels hopeless might find hope in hearing about my life before and seeing my life today.
Now…. I COULD gossip about myself, telling things I remember from those years. I often had “black outs” (which means I didn’t remember what happened) so even if I wanted to tell you everything, I couldn’t. Don’t think I’ll gossip about this ole gal today. Might want to write a book someday! (kidding!)
What I will tell you is this: I was beyond redemption so it seemed. NOTHING could get me to stop drinking. I was a hopeless case. Yes really. It was that bad. I made amends years ago and have forgiven myself. Yet I still feel deep shame and remorse when the heartache and pain I caused those I love & who love me crosses my mind.
Would welcome a “do over” but they’re not available. So instead I’ll share my experience, strength & hope.
1. DON’T GIVE UP! Keep trying to quit if you suffer with this “allergy”. Go to AA, pray to the God of your understanding & remember: NO ONE CAN GET SOBER FOR YOU. They say it’s the “first drink” that gets you drunk & they’re right. Abstinence is the only way for us.
A drink makes nothing better. N O T H I N G
2. If you know someone in that dark place, tell them to keep trying & DON’T GIVE UP! Even if you have to “step away” so they don’t drag you down, don’t give up on them. They may yet someday hand you the moon.
3. Young people: Be wary. Nothing good in the bottom of a bottle and it’s possible you could be allergic to alcohol too. Proceed with great caution.
Now I’m going to pop open a cherry coke and celebrate the fact that as of today I have 25 years & 7 days of sobriety. (Update on Nov. 18, 2025: 36 years and 7 days) But who’s counting….
Thanks so much for stopping by & hope you enjoy these songs having to do with this topic.
DON’T GIVE UP ON ME (A Drunkards Lament)
MY GOD & I - Beth Williams & Stephen Paul Wallace ( 2012)
MY GOD & I - (Lyrics)
Wishing you well,
