It can be so tempting to numb your misery with alcohol. But unfortunately, alcohol doesn’t solve anything at all. On the contrary… often it only adds to your problems. And when you get used to this escape, it is extra hard to get rid of it after a while. Fortunately, the writer of this week’s experience story has succeeded in doing so, after a particularly difficult period in his life. Nothing but respect for the hero in this impressive story of alcohol and adoption:
What do you do in everyday life?
I am a 35 year old male, adopted from Sri Lanka. I am the father of a beautiful daughter who lives with her mother. I have been working for the government for some time as a guidance and safety officer. Fortunately I have no history of drug use, but apart from that I lost all and had nothing for four years. I lost everything and and ended up homeless in the gutter. The adoption was difficult and complex for me, and it has been an unconscious but profound process that showed its marks in my life.
But four years later after fighting hard, my life is back on track in all areas! Every step you take brings you closer to your goal, and all steps together can take you anywhere. I now have my own social rental home and a job with the government. I also have a car again and a bit more financial freedom. I am also slowly open to love again and after being single for a year and a half. I am mentally and physically fitter. Now I am alcohol-free and I am also slowly reducing tobacco. This is the time to break all chains!
What did you mainly drink and how much/often?
I mainly drank beer, wine and rosé. I drank at least six days a week. It was a pattern in the off-peak moments of my life for years.
How long have you stopped drinking alcohol?
I have now stopped alcohol for more than 100 days, purely on my own.
Was this your first attempt?
This was my first sincere attempt.
Why didn’t you quit alcohol sooner?
Mental pain and anesthesia (PTSD) held me back. And there are endless waiting lists in mental health care and addiction clinics.
What have you experienced as the biggest benefits so far?
No more hangovers and lame feeling.
And what do you miss the most?
Sometimes the intoxication.
So: what do you miss least about alcohol?
The stench and being self-destructive.
What do you do when you have a hard time and still want to drink again?
Then I drink non-alcoholic drinks.
What do you drink as an alternative if you no longer drink alcohol?
Juice or sometimes non-alcoholic beer.
How do you plan to deal with alcohol in the future?
I’ve stopped for good.
Do you have any tips or advice for people who also quit alcohol?
Persevere and push through your mental and physical pain limits, even if you are left to your own by specialists. Find solutions and keep going!
Finally: what do you want to say to anyone who is still in doubt whether they should stop drinking or not?
Alcohol destroys your soul and heart! Including your relationships and it acts like poison in your own body and mind. Seek help and if there is no help, and use your willpower! Realize that the first weeks can be hellish and it will be a hard process mentally. You will suddenly start to feel the fears, irrational thoughts and everything that you used to numb with alcohol before. But keep on going. Meditate, learn and try, and just keep on going!
I send everyone a lot of light and love. Even though the path is lonely, dark and wet: give yourself the warmth!
And with those beautiful words I thank you very much for this beautiful contribution to Alcoholfreedom. It’s great that you found the strength to turn around those 4 years and face the future in freedom again. I wish you all the best and am happy to know that such strong people like you are now working for our government again!
If someone else, after reading this story, would also like to share his or her experiences about quitting alcohol with us: please let me know! Just leave your e-mail at this page and I will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
