Overcoming alcohol misuse and finding joy in sobriety

Abby B.

I’m a talkative, adventurous mom of two who has faced some tough challenges, including a decade of alcohol misuse. I started drinking heavily in my late 20s as a way to cope with trauma and stress, but over the next 10 years, it became a crutch I couldn’t escape. My drinking impacted everything—from my marriage and my kids’ emotional health to my own well-being. I had constant paranoia and even psychotic thoughts. The turning point came when I realized I couldn’t go on like this. I held my own intervention, asking my family for help, and admitted how deep my addiction had become. I went through intensive therapy, outpatient rehab, and regular support groups. Today, I’m proud to be sober and have been for over 2.5 years. I now use my experiences to help others who may be in the “gray area” of alcohol use or struggling with the decision to quit. Sobriety has given me back my joy, connection, and sense of adventure, and I’m here to support others in discovering that life without alcohol can be fulfilling and full of possibilities.

Recovering from cannabis addiction and understanding the effects of psychosis

Alice H.

Hi, I’m Alice. My struggle with addiction began in high school when I used alcohol and marijuana to cope with my mental health issues, including psychosis, depression, anxiety, and anorexia. As I continued to use substances, I didn’t realize how much they were worsening my mental health. My psychosis became more intense, and I spent most of my days high to escape from it. It wasn’t until I had a psychotic episode so severe that I was hospitalized that I realized how deeply my substance use was affecting me. I decided to quit cold turkey, and though it wasn’t easy, I found strength through therapy, support from my family, and a lot of inner work. As I moved through recovery, I realized that my psychosis was closely linked to my addiction. Once I stopped using substances, the psychosis began to subside, and I found myself healing in ways I hadn’t imagined possible. I’ve been sober from cannabis since 2022, and now I’m passionate about supporting others who are struggling with both addiction and mental health challenges. I know firsthand how powerful recovery can be, and I want to help others find their own path to healing.

Supporting someone through addiction

Angela V.

I’ve witnessed addiction from both the outside and the edges—close enough to feel the heartbreak, the fear, the waiting, and the deep desire for someone you love to come back to themselves. I’ve supported family members who struggled with drug use and eventually found recovery. I’ve walked beside a partner through alcoholism, holding space for both the chaos and the courage it took to get sober. Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using—it ripples out into every relationship, often in painful and complicated ways. Whether you're the one trying to quit or someone who’s watching someone you love disappear into a version of themselves that feels unrecognizable, the journey is full of hard questions. When do you step in? How do you hold boundaries with love? What does it look like to forgive—yourself or someone else? I’ve seen the beauty of recovery, and I’ve seen the setbacks. I know how isolating it can feel, and I also know you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re in the thick of it or healing from what’s already happened, this space is for you.

How to regain confidence after addiction

Angelo F.

Addiction took a toll not just on my health, but on how I saw myself. At my lowest, I felt like a shell of the person I used to be—ashamed, doubtful, and afraid I had lost my potential for good. Even after I started my recovery journey, I struggled with self-doubt. I wondered if I could be trusted again, if I could rebuild what I’d broken, or if others would ever see me differently. But what I learned is that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you can rebuild. Little by little, I started making choices that aligned with the person I wanted to be, not the person I was in the midst of addiction. I celebrated small wins, acknowledged my growth, and started taking up space again in my own life. Confidence, for me, came from doing hard things, showing up anyway, and realizing I didn’t have to be perfect to be worthy. It’s still a practice—but one that’s now grounded in truth, not fear.

Navigating recovery from addiction and PTSD

Anne M.

I started using substances as a teenager, growing up with a mentally ill, alcoholic single mother. By 16, I had left home, chasing survival in a world I wasn’t ready for. For decades, I stayed "functional" getting my GED, earning a degree in occupational therapy, building a career. But in my 40s, after a brutal divorce and a cross-country move, everything caught up to me. My mental health crumbled and methamphetamine became my way to cope. Recovery wasn't instant. It took learning Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to calm my nervous system, stepping out of constant fight-or-flight mode, and embracing the hard truth that healing isn’t linear. Today, I’ve been sober for over a decade, and I support others by teaching real-world tools like crisis management, radical acceptance, and self-care. My journey is living proof that even when life knocks you down hard, you can find your way back — and maybe even help light the way for others too.

Gaining strength after addiction, trauma, and starting over

Ashley R.

My journey through addiction and recovery has been full of challenges, growth, and transformation. I served in the military, where an injury led to being placed on prescription fentanyl for pain management. Over time, that dependence turned into a full-blown addiction. After leaving the military, I struggled to access prescriptions and eventually turned to street drugs. A DUI arrest became my wake-up call. I entered inpatient treatment for 90 days, followed by intensive outpatient therapy, and have been clean ever since. At one point, I also battled severe alcohol dependence that landed me in the ICU for detox. Now, after over 5 years of sobriety, I'm a proud mom of two, married for over 15 years, and passionate about supporting others in recovery. I attend 12-step meetings regularly, sponsor young women, and believe deeply in the power of therapy and connection. I'm here to share my story and help you find hope and strength in your own journey.

Shifting your self-identity to break free from pornography addiction

Ben E.

Addiction can feel like a part of you that’s impossible to shake. For years, I turned to pornography to cope with deeper insecurities. It started as a way to escape, but it soon became a prison. I realized that to truly break free, I had to stop seeing myself as someone who “needed” the addiction. The turning point came when I reached out to my parents and my bishop, and I took the bold step to join a recovery group. With the help of a therapist, I started to rebuild my life. I learned that true freedom comes not just from breaking the habit but from changing the way you view yourself. I had to believe that I was worthy of love, success, and freedom without relying on the addiction. This shift in self-identity was the key to my recovery, and I’ve helped others do the same. By coaching people through this process, I guide them to understand that their identity isn’t defined by their addiction, and that they have the power to create a new, healthier narrative about who they are.

Overcoming drug use and rebuilding trust with family

Beth B.

I started using marijuana in middle school, and it quickly escalated to harder drugs like cocaine and LSD. By my senior year of high school, I realized I was on a path that could end my life. It wasn’t until I found faith that I was able to turn things around. I moved away, got out of the toxic environment, and surrounded myself with people who supported my recovery. While navigating school and life’s challenges, I still felt the weight of trauma, including the loss of my mom to cancer and raising my nephew. But through all of this, I remained focused on building a better life. After getting my degree, I found my passion for helping others who were going through similar struggles, creating a safe space for girls and working with people in recovery. The hardest moment came when my marriage ended after I discovered my husband’s drug abuse and the abuse of my children. I realized then that I couldn’t keep going back to toxic cycles, and I chose to focus on my children and my healing. Today, I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on, staying sober, and helping others do the same.

Navigating family dynamics during addiction recovery.

Calvin N.

When I first started my recovery journey, my relationships with family were strained, especially with my kids and co-parents. The emotional toll of addiction had left scars, and trying to rebuild trust felt like an uphill battle. My decision to leave my job and focus on therapy, even after changing therapists multiple times, was one of the hardest choices I made, but it was necessary for my healing. Sobriety became my foundation on December 18, 2020, but learning to reconnect with my family and rebuild trust took time. I realized that recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction; it’s about repairing relationships and being there emotionally for those who’ve been affected by my past. I now support others in similar situations, offering guidance to parents and family members who feel like the damage is too great to overcome. The key is patience—both with yourself and with those you love.

Finding hope through mental health challenges and sobriety

Celso Y.

In my early 20s, I was working long, stressful hours in retail and started drinking heavily on the weekends just to cope. It wasn’t long before I began experiencing hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Accepting that diagnosis was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. On top of that, alcohol had already been a big presence in my life—my mom is a recovering alcoholic, and many family relationships were strained because of drinking. After years of struggling, I made the decision to get sober in 2020 and committed to therapy and peer support groups. Every day, I work at maintaining my mental health and sobriety. I still deal with the effects of cerebral palsy and mental health challenges, but I've found that helping others, especially my family and peers in support groups, gives me purpose. I believe deeply that no matter how heavy life feels, there is always a way forward.

Finding real recovery after long-term heroin and fentanyl use

Clayton J.

For 15 years, I lived in active addiction, using heroin and fentanyl from the time I was 14. Despite multiple attempts to get clean, I never truly committed to recovery. I’d use up resources and burn bridges, but nothing ever stuck. I didn’t know how to make recovery real, and I was just going through the motions of life. It wasn’t until I made the decision to actually want to live, to find meaning in my life, that everything started to change. Recovery became possible for me when I realized it wasn’t just about stopping my drug use, it was about finding a deeper purpose. In February 2022, I celebrated three years in recovery. I now live with intention and purpose, and every day I make the choice to stay sober because I believe in the life I’m building. I’ve found fulfillment in helping others as a Certified Peer Specialist, guiding them to see that recovery is not just about quitting, it’s about choosing to live with meaning. I truly believe that when you decide to embrace life fully, recovery becomes not only possible but worth everything.

Leaving an abusive relationship and getting sober

Courtney K.

I’ve been through a lot, and my journey has shaped me into someone who is passionate about helping others. After leaving my first marriage, I found myself battling addiction to opiates. I knew I needed to make a change, so I got sober in 2017, but life wasn’t easy after that. I remarried and ended up in another toxic relationship that was emotionally abusive. I struggled deeply with depression and anxiety, which I only realized through therapy. I decided I couldn’t continue living that way, so I made the hard choice to leave and get sober for good. It wasn’t an easy path, but through the process, I’ve reclaimed my life and learned so much about myself. I now co-run a sober women’s group with over 30,000 members across the world, and I’m here to offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate ear to anyone struggling with similar challenges.

Navigating the challenges of sober living after homelessness and cocaine addiction

Deborah C.

After years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, I hit rock bottom and found myself homeless. I had lost everything: my home, my job, and most of my relationships. The pain of being at the bottom was overwhelming, but it also became the turning point for my recovery. I attended outpatient programs, AA meetings, and Cocaine Anonymous, and slowly began the process of rebuilding my life. The challenge wasn’t just staying sober; it was surviving each day, finding a sense of purpose, and learning to live with stability in a world that felt like it had fallen apart. I got low-income housing and began receiving SSDI benefits, which provided a foundation to start over. Through all of this, I learned that staying sober requires much more than just not using substances, it requires a shift in mindset and lifestyle. I learned to be patient with myself, seek help when needed, and build a new life one step at a time. Today, I run a successful dog boarding and walking business, and I’m proud to say I’ve been sober for over 16 years. I know how hard it is to rebuild from nothing, but I also know it’s possible, and I want to share the tools and mindset shifts that helped me along the way.

Loving someone who struggles with addiction to cocaine and alcohol

Dyra P.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. when I was five. My childhood was shaped by the reality of addiction, my cousin was using cocaine and I’d watch him sleep all day and stay up all night. He was kind, but deeply ashamed, and I remember how hard it was to see someone I loved struggle so much. My grandfather also struggled with alcoholism and eventually died from liver failure. Watching two people I cared about suffer like that taught me that addiction isn’t about being bad, it’s about being stuck in something painful. It hurts the person using, and it hurts the people who love them too. I barely drink now because of what I lived through, but I’ve never stopped believing there’s hope for people who use. I’ve shared my story with friends who were drinking heavily, and sometimes it helped them pause and think differently. I’ve been that listener for others who are hurting: someone who doesn’t judge, who gets it, and who knows what it’s like to love someone who can’t seem to stop. If you’re going through that now, I’d be honored to sit with you in it.

Navigating sobriety in lgbtqia+ spaces

Gabe V.

I used to drink for all the reasons that felt justifiable at the time—social anxiety, not feeling comfortable in my body, not being out, and trying to fit into spaces where alcohol felt like the ticket in. At first, it was weekend binge drinking. Then blacking out became so normal, it stopped scaring me. But deep down, I knew something needed to change. After a hard conversation with my husband, I decided to quit. I joined an online sobriety community and, like a true overachiever with ADHD, dove headfirst into podcasts and self-help books. I did relapse three months in, thinking maybe I could “moderate”—spoiler alert: I couldn’t. But that stumble gave me clarity. I’ve now been sober for over a year, with nine strong months of continuous sobriety, and I host support groups including a weekly LGBTQIA+ meeting I started from scratch. I know firsthand how deeply alcohol is woven into our community spaces, and I want to be a real, judgment-free voice for anyone trying to rewrite that narrative. If you’re sober-curious, starting fresh, or just need someone who gets it, I’m here for you.

Finding recovery after using at a young age

Haley S.

I started using substances when I was very young, mostly because I wanted to fit in. I was constantly masking who I really was to avoid feeling like a burden or being called weird. Even when I felt anxious or scared, I’d force myself to go along with the crowd—drugs included—just to feel accepted. By 14, I had already been through enough to realize something had to change. I entered a recovery program just two months sober, only to find out it was tied to a cult. After two years, I left that environment and had to relearn what true recovery looked like, this time on my own terms. Now, I’ve been sober for almost six years. Along the way, I’ve watched friends overdose and suffer from long-term damage. I’ve also seen how powerful it is when someone finds the right support. I’ve helped others navigate early sobriety, including taking a close friend to her first 12-step meeting, where she found her own community and healing. Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all—what matters most is creating a safe, nonjudgmental space. That’s what I try to offer anyone starting out.

Finding recovery after addiction takes everything

Holly C.

I started drinking when I was 14, and by the time I was 15 or 16, I was blacking out regularly. I made scenes, lost control, and kept drinking through it all. In my late 20s and early 30s, alcohol became part of my daily life, and by my late 30s, I was also addicted to prescription drugs. My addiction destroyed everything — my home, my family, my friendships, and even the pets I loved. In 2010, I hit rock bottom and tried to get sober. I relapsed that same year but got back up and started again. On February 23, 2011, I began my true recovery journey, and I’ve been sober ever since. Living the 12-step recovery program and staying connected to the AA community has completely changed my life. Today, I sponsor other women in recovery and have had the privilege of sharing my story across the country and the world. I know how hard it is to feel like everything’s lost — and I also know what’s possible on the other side.

Finding your first steps in recovery

Jenna C.

I never imagined myself getting sober. Honestly, I had already planned out my death—I didn’t think there was any hope left. After twelve years of nonstop partying, I found myself at 29, sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wasn’t trying to get sober, not really—but something shifted. I picked up the phone and asked for help. That one small moment cracked the door open, and it saved my life. Since then, recovery has become the foundation of everything I do. It hasn’t always been easy—my journey has been shaped by trauma, mental health struggles, chronic illness, and growing up in a family deeply impacted by addiction. I understand that recovery isn’t a straight line or a one-size-fits-all process. Now, I help others find their own way through it. Whether it's meeting someone where they are, supporting someone in a violent relationship to take their first steps toward safety, or walking alongside someone questioning whether they’re ready—I've been there. I offer honest, compassionate support to anyone wondering if it’s time for a change. Sometimes, all it takes is one small sliver of hope. I’d love to help you find yours.

Navigating recovery from opioid addiction

Jessica C.

By the time I was 15, I was already seeing a psychiatrist and using drugs to cope with my anxiety. As my social anxiety worsened, so did my substance use—eventually spiraling into a dangerous dependence on opioids and benzos. When I went to detox, the amount I was taking could have killed someone twice my size. Recovery didn’t come easy, but it came—one painful, hopeful step at a time. I’ve now been sober for over 10 years. Throughout my recovery, I leaned on 12-step programs, spiritual healing, and the support of people who didn’t give up on me. I’ve worked in the mental health field ever since, helping others on their path to sobriety, including friends detoxing in my own home and family members I’ve loved through rock bottom. I know how overwhelming and isolating addiction can feel—and I also know what it’s like to make it through. I want to be that calm, non-judgmental presence for anyone facing addiction, because I’ve been there, and I believe in your ability to heal.

Healing from domestic violence while protecting your children's well being

JoAnne C.

As a recently remarried mother of three teens, two of whom are neurodivergent, I’ve experienced my share of challenges, especially after the loss of my children’s father to cancer. Navigating grief alongside parenting has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been an opportunity for immense growth. Before this chapter, I spent years as a single parent, raising my children on my own. During that time, I faced significant challenges, including managing anger issues with one of my children. Seeking support through doctors and groups was crucial in helping me address these issues. I’m also a survivor of domestic violence, and though I carry mild PTSD, I’ve worked hard to heal and grow. Over the years, I’ve become a life coach, guiding others through their own life transitions, especially those who are navigating grief, single parenting, or coming out of toxic relationships. I want to offer my experience to others, particularly mothers of toddlers and pre-teens, those experiencing the challenges of homebirthing, and survivors of domestic violence who need support in moving forward.