Chapter 1: The Struggles of Addiction

This is a powerful narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked beginnings of problematic drinking. Please show your support and share some love in the comments!

I struggle with excessive drinking. Recently, I achieved 47 days of sobriety, a journey that took me a year to complete.

I am a married woman with three sons, each of whom faces their own health challenges. Our eldest has type 1 diabetes, while our middle child suffers from moderate to severe asthma and GERD, along with having undergone two eye surgeries. When he was just 22 months old, he nearly lost his life to RSV, and it took two years to restore his health. My husband, a soldier, was deployed for a year during this tumultuous period. Our youngest has experienced typical chronic ear infections and unusual spontaneous rashes. Remarkably, these issues cleared up, only for us to discover a year later that he had experienced temporary hearing loss and now communicates at the level of an 18-month-old.

It was during this challenging time that I began to embrace the false comfort of alcohol. The lies started small, but they quickly escalated. I had grown accustomed to sleepless nights filled with checking blood sugar levels and monitoring every minor cough or yell. The bottle whispered promises of restful sleep. We spent weeks in doctors' offices, and the tension in my body was so overwhelming that it ached. Alcohol assured me it would help me unwind. My stress levels soared, leading me to snap at my children—my greatest joys and reasons for living. The bottle claimed it would enhance my enjoyment of life. As I began drinking, I noticed how often people talked about alcohol and its associated fun; it’s a frequent theme in TV shows, movies, and music. No one jokes about going out for a cigarette on a Friday night.

Before long, I found myself waking up on the couch alone, with my family having gone to bed. I began to discover alarming bruises on my body from falls I couldn’t recall. It escalated to the point where I would have conversations with friends and awaken the next morning with no memory of them. A day without a hangover became a rarity. My eldest child started to question why I was always dozing off and why I seemed so forgetful at night. Each morning, I awoke filled with self-loathing, crying and vowing never to drink again. Yet, as the clock struck five each evening, I found myself pouring another drink, convinced that it was the key to happiness and well-being. The issue was that it never ended with just one drink.

My path to sobriety was anything but conventional. I frequently listened to talk radio, where one host passionately urged listeners to strive for self-improvement, dubbing it the "Better Yourself Challenge." I gave it my all, managing to stay sober for a few days before stumbling back into the cycle. Eventually, I picked up a cigarette—just one, at night—when the urge to drink felt overwhelming. It provided just enough of a buzz to quell my desire for alcohol. Once I got through the first week, I began to feel more in control. I now keep myself busy with reading, cooking, crocheting, completing my Psychology degree, and finding solace in Tylenol PM.

But now, I am in control.

Thanks to the courageous guest poster for sharing this honest journey. I wish her continued strength as she navigates her relationship with alcohol. Until next time, I remain The Blogapist Who Says, Read This Memoir.

For professional support, visit Dr. Whiten's practice or check out other clinicians at Best Life Behavioral Health. For coaching, explore Dr. Whiten's services. Order Dr. Whiten’s insightful books, such as "Couples You Meet in Counseling: 7 Common Relationship Dynamics That Sabotage Closeness," "52 Emails to Transform Your Marriage," and "How to Talk to Your Kids about Your Divorce: Healthy, Effective Communication Techniques for Your Changing Family." Don't forget to tune into "The Dr. Psych Mom Show" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform. Join "The Dr. Psych Mom" secret Facebook group for further discussions on these vital topics!

This blog is not meant to serve as medical advice or diagnosis and should never replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you implement this advice and it doesn’t yield positive results, please note that I cannot be held liable. This is merely my perspective, shaped by my background, training, and experience as a therapist and individual. Additionally, all examples involving people or clients are fictional amalgamations, not based on real individuals.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Impact of Alcohol

In the following video, we explore the profound effects of alcohol on the body, brain, and overall health.

Many individuals overlook the consequences of alcohol consumption, which can lead to significant health issues.

Chapter 3: Common Misconceptions About Drinking Packages

In this next video, we discuss the common mistakes associated with drink packages on cruise ships, a topic many people still misunderstand.