Here is a brief synopsis of my journey to sobriety. Enjoy. The Before I did not always believe I was a drug addict or an alcoholic. I come from a good family, I am educated, and I have never really had any external circumstances that society thinks makes people addicts. For those reasons, I was in denial for a very long time. I always thought I simply was acting my age, or that it was just the relationship I was in, or that I was overwhelmed with life. I had a million reasons. None of my reasons included me having an actual problem or an addiction. It was not until I was charged with four felonies due to my using that I really took a step back, and thought to myself, “This is not normal. ‘Normal’ people do not go through this.” That was the moment that changed my entire life. The During After I got charged with my felonies, I decided to get some help. I got honest with my family, and told them I needed treatment. I was sick, and not ok. I had overdosed countless times, I had caused so much harm and pain, and now I was facing prison time. I had never been more scared in my entire life. I went to treatment, and stayed sober for some time. I was also going through all my court proceedings during this time. But I just was not ready, and I relapsed. I continued to use and drink until I went back into treatment. All in in all it took me going to treatment three different times before I finally got sober. Then I got sent to prison. The After When I got sentenced to a 1.5 years in prison, I thought my whole world was crashing down around me. How did this happen? What have I done? These were the questions that ran through my head all day, and all night. However, it did not matter. I was going to prison. I had to make the decision whether or not I was going to go through this scenario sober, or not. I chose sobriety. I chose life. I went to treatment for the last time on March 17, 2016, and I went into prison April 20, 2016. I stayed sober the whole time, and I will now celebrate a year and a half of sobriety this upcoming Sunday: September 16, 2017. The Current This blog is a very brief overview of my path to recovery. However, if anyone gets anything out of it, it’s that no matter what, there is always hope in the long run. When I finally got sober, I was hopeless, terrified, and unsure if it was ever going to stick. Today, I work in the treatment center I got sober at as a Behavioral Health Technician. I actively work the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and I sponsor other women who are trying to get sober. I survived prison, and became a better woman because of it. I am student again, I am a daughter, I am a fiancée, I am a friend, and I am a felon. The life of sobriety that I live today is better than any life I could have ever imagined for myself. Recovery is possible! Relapse does not have to be a part of anyone’s journey. Speak up, take action, and get help! Feel free to leave a comment about your own experience, or whatever feelings may have come up for you while reading this post. Maybe you had a loved one who was an addict? Maybe you yourself have experienced addiction? Tell me about it in the comments.
6 Comments
9/20/2017 02:18:26 am
Your blog was really amazing. I love hearing storys about individuals who are able to turn their situations around for the better. Keep up the good work hope you continue to progress forward with everything you do
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Delaney Sullivan
9/20/2017 10:07:41 pm
Thanks Michael :) It's definitely scary to share my story, even if it is just a snapshot. So, thank you for your feedback. Means a lot!
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Lisa Harris
9/20/2017 12:37:36 pm
Congratulations on your 1.5 years of sobriety!
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Delaney Sullivan
9/20/2017 10:06:50 pm
Thank you Lisa!!
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Amanda Kodumal
9/20/2017 09:16:44 pm
Congratulations on your sobriety and decision to better yourself! Hope you continue to inspire others through your own experiences, great use of the blog component!
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Delaney Sullivan
9/20/2017 10:06:31 pm
Thank you Amanda! I really appreciate the feedback. It is kind of scary to be vulnerable on a platform like this... so I really appreciate it!
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AuthorMy name is Delaney Sullivan. I am a student at Arizona State University, and I am passionate about freedom from addiction. ArchivesCategories |