I started drinking as a teenager and immediately loved it. It brought me countless joyful moments, filled with laughter and good times with friends. I was drawn to every aspect of it—the socializing, the dancing, the music, the dressing up. It wasn’t all bad; in fact, many of those times were some of the happiest. However, I always had a nagging feeling that my drinking was a little “abnormal”; I consistently drank more than others and struggled to stop once I started. I was always the first at the bar and the last to leave.
As I moved into my 20s, I began building what would become a very successful career in sales and products training for medical devices and consumables. I loved every aspect of this work, especially the mentoring and educational facets, working closely with medical professionals on training courses and product development. My skills in communication, influencing and helping people shone through. I thrived in the social aspects of my work too; I worked hard and played hard. However, over time, this lifestyle only fuelled my drinking, and I started to realize that it was becoming detrimental.
I firmly believe that overcoming issues with alcohol (or drugs) is one of the hardest things a person can do, and it’s not something most people can achieve alone. Over the years, I participated in various sober living programs, each offering valuable insights. I also underwent numerous types of therapy, which played a significant role in my journey. After years of trying different approaches, I finally found the right tools that work for me. I’ve been sober for over a decade now.
During my years of sobriety, I’ve spent countless hours voluntarily helping others overcome their drinking problems or change their relationship with alcohol. I’ve also helped to build a sober community around me. It became clear to me that I could channel my people skills into a vocation that I’m truly passionate about. That’s when I decided to train as a Recovery Coach Professional with CCAR. This year, I completed my training and earned my RCP designation. Now, I’m branching out and reaching out to help others on their sobriety journeys. I can put my professional, holistic and interpersonal skills to good use in a way that I love.
My life today is profoundly different because of this challenging journey. I’ve built a sober life that I no longer feel the need to escape from. I bring a wealth of lived experience with alcohol misuse disorder, as well as over a decade of sobriety. I’ve navigated the challenges and triumphs that come with living a sober life, and I’m passionate about sharing my journey and supporting others who are seeking to reclaim their lives from alcohol.
I believe that each person’s journey and needs are unique, and it’s crucial to find a recovery path that suits you and your lifestyle. There are many pathways and communities dedicated to recovery, and it’s essential to follow a plan that you can sustain in the long term. Recovery is a lifelong journey.