Guest Contributor – Samantha
My name is Sam and I’m an alcoholic. Today I am 142 days sober. I work a 12-step program, I have a sponsor, I go to meetings, and I am incredibly proud of the sobriety I have built.
This past year was the most challenging of my life. I lost both of my parents, who were my best friends. My mom passed away in April from lung cancer, and my dad passed in October following a difficult battle with cancer and its neurological complications. During that period of intense grief, my drinking became a way to numb the pain, but it quickly became unmanageable. I realized that I was no longer the person, the mother, or the professional I knew I could be.
I reached a point where I knew I needed help. I took an honest look at my life and walked into my first meeting. Since then, I’ve been to a meeting almost every day. I have a sponsor, I do service, and I finally have a Higher Power in my life that keeps me grounded and accountable. I am also working with a psychiatrist and a therapist to manage my mental health properly, ensuring I have the tools to handle life’s challenges without a drink.
I am so blessed to have a sober husband who supports my journey completely. He’s been my rock, helping me balance our busy household of four children while I dedicate time to my recovery and helping others in the program.
Looking back, I realize I spent a long time just surviving. Today, I am actually living. By surrendering and doing the work, I have reclaimed my self-respect and reinforced the foundation of my career and my family. As a nurse, I understand more than ever the value of health, accountability, and presence. I share my story because I want anyone else struggling with grief or addiction to know that there is a way out. 142 days ago, I was lost; today, I am found, sober, and at peace. Sobriety hasn’t just given me my life back—it’s given my children their mother back. I’m choosing a life of presence every single day, and I wouldn’t trade this for the world. My name is Sam, I am a grateful recovering alcoholic, and today, my life is beautiful.
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