Recovery from Addiction

By Deb Archibald

May 1, 1987 I spent my first sober day after a twenty-three year struggle with the devastating disease alcoholism. At the end of my drinking everything looked so bleak I never believed that twenty years later I'd be happy, successful and sober. With the encouragement of a talented, supportive therapist and a gifted coach, I found a way out of my grim, depressing existence.

Let me describe one disheartening moment in my life as an alcoholic. I was driving home from work, sipping vodka out of a jar that I kept under my car seat. I glanced in the rear-view mirror at my beautiful, infant daughter nestled safely and contentedly in her car seat. This was my distorted version of being a good mother. I'd like to say that I was having my first drink of the day, but I had been sipping from the same vodka jar at lunch time and, if I had a hangover that morning, which I usually did, I had a mug of coffee and brandy on my way to work.

How did it come to this? I deluded myself into believing I was living a relatively moral and responsible life. This took some convincing, dare I say denial, since my behavior was far more depraved than I have shared with you. In reality I was mired in the dismal, agonizing life of addiction and as far as I knew there was no escape.

Miraculously, in a moment of clarity, from the dark, hopeless prison I was barely surviving in, I asked for help. In that moment, I became willing to do whatever it took to turn my life around. Gradually, with the loving guidance of my therapist and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, I began to believe in myself and a promising future full of possibilities. In recovery, I was free to make life-affirming choices. I returned to college, earned a Master's Degree and received my Coaching Certificate. I mended and nurtured my relationships with my beloved family and friends. I cleaned up my past, anticipated a brighter future, and learned to be more at ease in the quiet moments of the present.

Today, in my coaching practice, I'm deeply honored to help my clients with their recovery challenges, and they benefit from working with someone who truly understands their struggle. Working with others who have suffered from addiction has been a blessing beyond measure. During our time together we discover the joyous, fulfilling, meaningful lives we deserve!

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