Young Alcoholic stems back a few years ago when I had this brilliant idea; I was going to create a website. Not just any website, but one directed at alcoholics, and young ones at that. It was meant to be a portal through which they could connect with others in similar situations. They could read stories, engage in chats, link to help facilities, watch videos, access medical advice and so much more.
It was quite the animal and my overly ambitious mindset had me running in circles. In the end it seems I would spend more time trying to teach myself how to create this super website versus actually dealing with any relevant content. Outgunned, my dream slowly slipped away and out of sight. Well, maybe not totally out of site. I had created the name – Young Alcoholic – and established a logo, and even kept up a Twitter account and Facebook page despite the minimal posts.
Fast forward to today and the fire has been re-ignited. Truth be told it never entirely extinguished, but rather fluttered meagerly for a while. The reality is that I’ve always wanted to share my story. Why? Well that’s a good question. It probably stems from my desire to help others who currently find themselves in a situation that I was once in. Am I a young alcoholic?
That is not a question that is easily answered, and not an answer that I can provide. I think one important question to ask yourself is whether or not alcohol is having a negative impact on your life? Do you find yourself drinking to escape? Are you isolating yourself more and more? Is alcohol turning you into a person that you never envisioned being? Are you under financial distress as a result of your drinking? There are many ways that alcohol can affect your life and if you find yourself questioning your drinking habits more often, maybe it is time to reach out for help.
Throughout my sobriety I found that sharing my feelings was a big part of the help I needed to get better. It sure wasn’t easy at first; I was ashamed and embarrassed and thought I was different from others. But the more I connected and shared with people in similar situations, the more I realized there is nothing to be ashamed about and that nothing was wrong with me. I was simply sick and needed to get better. Despite this not being an overnight transformation, my resolve was great and I was finally determined to live a better life for myself. And in doing so I have been able to grow as a person that is very comfortable and confident in who they are.
Looking back I do not regret a moment of sobriety. I am grateful I got the help when I did, as at 31 years old I had my final drink. I can’t imagine now the thought of having wasted another decade of my life before deciding to get sober. And that’s why I find myself wanting to reach out to other young people that find themselves struggling too. If you truly believe you are struggling there is no better time than the present to do something about it. A common remark that I noticed people making as I attended different counselling and group sessions was “I wish I had quit ten years sooner”. It made me realize and appreciate the value in getting sober sooner rather than later.
Join me as I share my struggles, challenges, stumbles and victories throughout my journey, and hopefully you too can see that you are not alone. There is no shame in admitting you need help and that you’re a young alcoholic. Realize that you’re worth more than you know. You deserve a better life. It’s time to let yourself live!
