Scott

Topics: Substance Abuse; Bullying/Internet Safety

 “The consequences I dealt with as a result of drinking were jail, fines, loss of driving privileges, a 3.5 inch scar on the side of my face, crashed cars, loss of friends, making a fool of myself at a wedding, and many other social consequences. I lost most of my friends as a result of drinking. The relationship I had with my family suffered greatly. They no longer wanted to spend time with me and stopped inviting me to be with them. I started drinking at age 12 and continued until the age of 23. At first, I thought drinking made me happy, fun, and more attractive. It soon made me depressed. Alcohol took over my life and no one wanted to be around me. I felt very alone. After I realized alcohol was ruining my life I asked for help. I went to Cottonwood de Tucson, a 30 day treatment center when I was 19. The treatment center helped me a lot. I also attend a 12 step program. The group gave me advice and tools for life that I needed to make sure I never take another drink. Currently, I am still active in Alcoholics Anonymous. I work with a sponsor, attend meetings on a regular basis, volunteer my time, and sponsor others who are trying to stay sober. Recently I graduated from college. I have a successful job. I enjoy scuba diving, playing board games, reading spy and murder mysteries, and dating. My life couldn’t be better.”

“I was very young the first time I bullied another child. I remember it felt completely normal. I did not feel I did anything wrong. I continued to actively bully until the end of elementary school. At the end of elementary school I started to feel bad about how I was treating other kids. I noticed kids did not like the way I treated them. The worst part of being a bully is knowing that I put others through so much pain. After I stopped the bullying behavior I gained more friends. I also began sticking up for kids I used to bully. I realized I could stop others from being emotionally or physically attacked if I stepped in. I see a therapist to overcome issues that led me to bully at school. I maintain my behavior by monitoring my actions. I can still act out, but when I do make a mistake, I apologize for it as soon as possible. I am much better now. The most important thing is I feel better about myself and who I am. I do not need to put others down to make myself feel better.”