Christopher

Topics: Substance Abuse; Alcohol Abuse

“I started using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism when I was in 7th grade. For the next 8 years, my abuse took me to several places that as a child and a young adult, I never thought I would be at or doing.   After a while my addiction was the only thing that defined me. Through my active addiction, my friends lost interest in spending time with me because of how destructive I could be. My family lost all hope that I was ever going to live to see my twenties.  I was arrested on many occasions, I failed out of school more than once and suffered several physical se backs like heart attacks and massive weight loss.

My recovery started when I finally quit fighting myself and asked for help. Willingness, honesty, and open-mindedness were paramount in my recovery, along with a whole lot of work. The decision that I had to make was if I wanted to live a complete life or follow my path to the bitter end. First I went to rehab in PA. Then I went to Alcoholics Anonymous and followed the program of recovery they had outlined. Today I volunteer at the Salvation Army which is a great rehab facility. Even today I stay very involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and work with a sponsor as well as sponsor many men. I have friends who know all of my secrets and keep me accountable.  Above it all, God keeps me connected to recovery. Today I live an amazing life!!!”