I’m a former drunk too! 10 years without a drink one day at a time. I knew I had a problem long before I quit…I just couldn’t stop. I recently read Blackout and we share so many of the same stories. I’m born and raised in Texas, went to a private Christian college, and spent much of my 20s running around NYC pursuing my dreams of becoming a PR princess. I’m a high achieving, perfectionist drunk. I did everything I could (therapy, prescription drugs, moderation management 😂) to keep the label “alcoholic” far way from me. That status scared me more than the slow death that I was hurdling toward. I finally hit my bottom after a 3 year stint with an abusive boyfriend and a night in jail after we nearly killed each other. I was a 34 year old suburban “wine mom” with young kids and it was all very gross. This really is a selfish disease and there is still some shame surrounding my behavior. However, I try to shift that negativity into inspiration for helping others know that they too can take the easier, softer path 🫶🫶🫶
I’m ashamed to admit that I have not read your book, Sarah. This makes me want to read it! I would love to know your thoughts on the philosophy behind programs like “one year no beer” that claim that people can *actually* change their relationships with alcohol. (I would argue they might be able to, but alcohol is never gonna change their relationship with them.)
I did a year of sobriety also, back in my mid 30s after a particularly bad couple of years. I did change my relationship with alcohol and now I am a moderate drinker. Somehow I’m able to do that, but the recovery talk is still ingrained with me, so I often feel guilty when I drink a few days in a row or over indulge.
I’m a former drunk too! 10 years without a drink one day at a time. I knew I had a problem long before I quit…I just couldn’t stop. I recently read Blackout and we share so many of the same stories. I’m born and raised in Texas, went to a private Christian college, and spent much of my 20s running around NYC pursuing my dreams of becoming a PR princess. I’m a high achieving, perfectionist drunk. I did everything I could (therapy, prescription drugs, moderation management 😂) to keep the label “alcoholic” far way from me. That status scared me more than the slow death that I was hurdling toward. I finally hit my bottom after a 3 year stint with an abusive boyfriend and a night in jail after we nearly killed each other. I was a 34 year old suburban “wine mom” with young kids and it was all very gross. This really is a selfish disease and there is still some shame surrounding my behavior. However, I try to shift that negativity into inspiration for helping others know that they too can take the easier, softer path 🫶🫶🫶
I’m ashamed to admit that I have not read your book, Sarah. This makes me want to read it! I would love to know your thoughts on the philosophy behind programs like “one year no beer” that claim that people can *actually* change their relationships with alcohol. (I would argue they might be able to, but alcohol is never gonna change their relationship with them.)
I did a year of sobriety also, back in my mid 30s after a particularly bad couple of years. I did change my relationship with alcohol and now I am a moderate drinker. Somehow I’m able to do that, but the recovery talk is still ingrained with me, so I often feel guilty when I drink a few days in a row or over indulge.
Bravo/Brava. More please. (Signed: Southern California Alateen Chairman, 1971)
Alateen! An underrated program! -- SH
That red dress is hot!
I would love to hear these narrated. Possibly with a postscript on how they held up.
Good idea. Gonna clone myself soon. -- SH