I began drinking alcohol at 12 years of age and being the party guy quickly became my identity. I couldn’t see myself doing anything if alcohol wasn’t involved. At some point in my early thirties, I started realizing that what I called partying had become alcoholism (might’ve been the whole time) and instead of being “happy go lucky,” I was now miserable more often than not. I stayed like this for several more years and my pain and disfunction spilled onto those closest to me. 

When I accepted the fact that I needed to quit drinking and consuming other substances, I looked to an acquaintance for guidance. This was before I knew of Peer Recovery Coaches and their roles, but it’s why I see the value of having someone to talk to who has lived experience of being in recovery. This person proved to me that life without alcohol is something worth pursuing.  

After about sixteen months in recovery, I found myself in a deep funk and didn’t understand why I was there. I felt like I should have been on cloud nine because I was no longer wreaking havoc on my life due to substances, but instead I was miserable. This is when I feel that my recovery really began. Up to this point, I was simply getting by, while abstaining from alcohol. I was surviving, but definitely not thriving. 

I began to explore what inspired me and asked myself who I wanted to become. I realized I wanted to serve others while creating a life that is fulfilling and expansive. Since that time, I have experienced levels of joy that I never dreamed possible, even while going through some of the most difficult challenges of my lifetime. I learned that just because I am now living in recovery, it doesn’t mean that life is a breeze, but with an expanding list of tools and practices, I can better navigate life’s challenges without avoiding them through the escapism that alcohol used to provide.  

I can’t say thank you enough to those who came before me, so that’s why I want to help others find their own path to their own wellbeing.