Alcohol Decided the Course of my Train Wreck

A horror story

Photo at Car Wreck Trail by Author

We all love a good train wreck, at least I do, maybe because I was one. Actually, that makes me sound like a horrible person, so let me rephrase. I love a train wreck with an incredible recovery story at the end.

I went on a hike yesterday and came across this old, abandoned car that had crashed into the side of a mountain. It sparked my thinking and had me reflecting on some memories that I have tried to block out.

I think the reason that sobriety stuck this time around was that I surrendered to the fact that I am not the “norm”. I accepted that I had to give up alcohol, that it wasn’t good for me, and that I could have a better life without it. So, I started with just trying for a month, which turned into 2 and on it went. Once you are sober for longer, you seem to forget about that train wreck.

If more people start sharing their train wreck stories followed by a story of recovery, it helps break down the stigma of addiction. We should be able to let go of the shame and not have to hide!

So, here goes a story:

My daughters were in elementary school. I walked to pick them up every day, as our house is around the corner. I was very deep in my addiction at this point and was drinking wine at home during the day…