As of last call last night I have been clean and sober for 20 years. It blows my mind. The loss of my wife and the resulting spiral nearly ended me. I thought I was gonna die. I did some shameful things, but I didn't drink. Those were the darkest days of my life. It feels good to be back on an even path again. I have a new wife and we are closing this week on our new house. I'm letting my mom and my sister (who has terminal cancer) live in my old house. The hard times, it seems, are not over. But at least for now my self-distructive behaviour is.
Many congratulations, J-Rod. A lesser man, or even a pretty strong man in general, would have fallen off the wagon, and I'm not sure anyone could have blamed you. You've got some kind of inner strength. Well done.
That's a fantastic achievement and a testament to your strength of character, J-Rod. I hope things get easier for you in the future.
Congratulations on your new marriage and your sobriety! Sorry to hear about your sister's illness though. I lost my dad due to cancer.
Congratulations on this achievement J-Rod, I'm not sure how long you struggled with the addiction, but I know you've had plenty of stressers that could have aided to you relapsing. I'm not going to add to the whole a lesser man or woman would have relapsed in those conditions, because frankly, I've seen close friends go through addiction, and know that falling of the wagon can happen to anybody. I am, however happy to hear you've been able to keep your sobriety through tragic times, and situations. [image=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86WeI4xdfaE/Tq7sG2w4dLI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Yhwf0SbrEc8/s320/happy20thbirthday.jpg]
Thanks guys. I'm not sure that strength has much to do with it. I'm not sure that's how this deal works. I've had mentors, who've taught me how to do this, ultimatley fail. I suspect it has more to do with a simple willingness to go to any length. Faith, hope and when all else fails plain old stubborness. And a bit of luck...a weak moment doesn't meet opportunity. I'm not here to say,"Hey look at me!" I'm just here to show you guys that there is always hope. If I can do this, anyone can.
I certainly don't take this as a "look at me!" thing. Twenty years of sobriety is a long time and worth celebrating, particularly for anyone out there struggling with addiction or who has gotten clean and is more toward the beginning of a path like the one you've walked.
Good on you. So you visited a dark place but didn't drink... Please elaborate. What did you do? Drugs? Spend insurance money on hookers? Murder homeless people? I need to know so I don't make the same mistakes.
LOL...the details are unimportant. I lost a lot of my integrity and many of those closest to me lost some repect for me. I didn't care if I lived and I suspect part of me hoped I didn't. And I lived like it. I was horribly selfish and hurt many people.
Congrats on your achievement, J-Rod. I'd suggest a drink to celebrate, but I guess that wouldn't be appropriate
That is a fantastic accomplishment, and I'll reiterate what the others have said, people have relapsed over less. Congratulations.
I like to drink/have a fondness for it, but am responsible enough to stray away from reaching addiction. I understand how one can get down that path, and respect the hell out of anyone who is able to get off it/keep it together for their remaining days. Many congrats, J-Rod. Los Angeles Lakers: Drama, guaranteed.
