Ever since I can recall, I’ve always battled with tremendous anxiety and depression through-out my childhood. As I developed into adulthood I developed a co-dependency on alcohol as a way to combat these issues. I relied on alcohol because it provided me comfort, confidence, and I felt I was able to be the person I wanted to be under the influence. I was in a very dark place after my mother passed away, and a few months later I found myself jobless and ending a very tumultuous relationship. This turn of events pushed me full throttle into my addiction to alcohol, which I battled with for several years. I found myself drinking to cope with my pain and continuously surrounding myself with toxic people who had the same bad habits as me. I felt like I was on a hamster wheel, and I had no way to get off. I finally decided I wanted to change my lifestyle after coming off of a week long binge where I could not recall anything or anywhere I had been. I finally got to a point where I was so scared that if I did not change I would not make it.

After many conversations with friends and family I decided to go to a rehab facility, and it was the best decision I ever made for myself. It has been several months since I have been sober, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. Although I am still a work in progress, and still have so much more room to grow, I know that I am on the right track. I have found amazing people who will hold me accountable for my actions, and uplift each other. If there is anyone out there struggling with anything, whether it is addiction or mental health, just know you are not alone and you will get through it.

-TB, Ohio

YOUR MESSAGE- "Uplift each other"