When I started my recovery journey I can admit that it was somewhat forced upon me. This wasn't to say that I was unwilling and completely null to the fact that I had an issue with my alcoholic consumption and tendencies, but I definitely was reluctant to enter the world of meetings, "rehab," and the works related.
In my mind (and still to this day) when I hear the term "alcoholic" I still envision a homeless man passed out nearby a liquor store or gas station, barely conscious and gripping the brown bag of liquid sustenance. I rarely think of the mother with her "because I deserve this" nightly wine, the businessman entertaining prospective clientele, or myself: the teacher who used alcohol to cope with stress, aide with sleep, and "get through it all."
In a society where alcohol is socially commented to be a reliever of all things, or a "cheap escape," because we can't all afford to take a vacation whenever we please; it became the norm among colleagues to comment on having a drink on a regular (nightly) basis. Little did I know, or did my colleagues know that I was slowly spinning out of control. My one drink a night became two, became four, became six, transformed into hard liquor... but nobody was the wiser. We would laugh in the staffroom about needing a "nightcap" or parents would gift us liquor during the holidays for "putting up with my child," while missing out on the bigger picture. I was functioning in that I came to work, I performed my duties, and there were no complaints. However, this lifestyle I was leading lead to my nervous breakdown when my coping mechanism was taken from me.
When my family got involved I fought hard. In my mind I didn't have a problem. People around me drank just as much as I did, and functioned just as well. If they didn't have a problem, then neither did I.
All I knew about meetings, rehab, and things in relation to recovery were the mysterious celebrity postings on TMZ and movie clips. These were nothing I wanted or needed to be a part of.
When I was finally admitted to a government-run program one of the first classes I attended showcased this video. I found it enlightening and took many notes. I keep it in my back pocket and enjoy revisiting it even after 2 1/2 years of sobriety from alcohol. I find it sends I gentle message about society's use of alcohol.
Take a watch and please let me know what you think. :)
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