Hey I'm Stephen I'm a grateful recovering alcoholic. I'm in recovery the last 3 years. I started drinking at a young age 12 or 13 years of age because I was bullied in school and my parents split up when I was only 3 and a half. I come from an alcoholic background my father is also a recovering alcoholic he's my inspiration my role model wouldn't be in recovery without him. He brought me in the rooms of AA I came in right before my 29th birthday I'm nearly 32 now I probably wouldn't of seen my 30th birthday the way I was going mentally I was at rock bottom. I knew I needed help and I wanted the help I would go on two or three days benders no sleep no food just constantly drinking and taking drugs I wasn't living I was just existing but at one point in life I thought that I was living the dream but in reality I was living my worst nightmare getting in a lot of trouble fighting arguing with people didn't think I was doing any harm to anyone only myself i thought it was normal alcohol and drugs turned me into a different person before I was quite and shy wouldn't say boo to anyone but I hated the way I was and I drank and used on that today it's not like that I can be myself and I can accept who I am today I have peace of mind that`s priceless I'm blessed to be alive I appreciate all the simple things in life. I have learned so much in my nearly 3 years in recovery unfortunately I'm not 3 years sober i`m nearly 18 months now had one slip or relapse but thank god It only lasted for one day and I got back in the rooms. I have a life beyond my wildest dreams today. I have been away to Spain three times in the last two years two family weddings, concerts, plays, I have an amazing relationship back with my father and my whole family. I am back working in a charity shop for over two years now recovery has given me so much back in life. I couldn't hold down jobs or relationships in active addiction because alcohol and drugs just took over my whole life.
My advice to anyone out there struggling with drink or drugs or any addiction would be to reach out don't be afraid it's ok not to be ok sometimes but there is light at the end of the tunnel just take that first step and talk to people ask for help life gets better one day at a time when you put down that drink or drugs believe me I thought my life was over when I stopped but it was only starting And it continues to get better once I keep doing the right things and take life one day at a time because in reality that's all we have we could be here today and gone tomorrow.
Today I love to help people and carry the message of recovery to anyone suffering inside or outside the fellowships.