My sobriety date is 9/25/22. I began drinking heavily in my first year of college, and by the end of my first semester my addiction to alcohol was solidified. I wouldn’t acknowledge my alcoholism until I was 52 years old, and that was due to my own son’s addictions to substances and alcohol coming to light.

I began attending Rise Recovery as a family participant, worked with a peer coach, and worked my 12 steps with a sponsor in the program. After admitting I was powerless over alcohol, I began attending AA
meetings several times a week. Again, I would work my 12 steps in a new light.

Today, after 26 years as a teacher I retired and started a new chapter in my life. I realized I wanted to be a peer coach, and was able to gain employment here at Rise Recovery. I maintain my sobriety by continuously working my steps, working with AA sponsors, and participating in AA meetings several times a week. I love to spend time with my pets(cats and dogs), exploring places, seeking the best chicken fried steak, and trying to live each day in the present.