Travis Rasco in Upstate New York says he’s grateful he got enough time, enough chances and enough help to rebuild his life. Eddie said their research suggests more needs to be done to keep people alive while the healing process works. People walk past an East Harlem health clinic that offers free needles and other services to drug users on in New York. “We’re trying to buy a house right now. Something https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/6-successfull-and-motivational-sobriety-stories/ I never thought would be possible, something I never thought I deserved for the longest time,” Rasco said. “Hopeless despair — that’s a good way to describe it,” said 34-year-old Travis Rasco, who lives in Plattsburgh, a small industrial city in upstate New York. Similarly, the roughly 95,000 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to alcohol represent a fraction of high-risk drinkers.

• As my older brothers went off to high school, I again felt isolated and alone.
• Unfortunately, he would be intoxicated on set, drinking before shooting scenes.
• All I know is that this night remains one of my most shameful drinking experiences.
• The problem with crystal methamphetamine treatment is that no prescribed medication can help to soothe withdrawal symptoms.

Instead, I laughed and changed the subject, asking if my phone and purse were there by chance. Remember, maintaining sobriety is an ongoing process that requires dedication, support, and self-care. Use available resources and support, and ask for help when needed. With the right tools and assistance, you can build a fulfilling and substance-free life.

Jules’ Story

By college, Jules’ alcohol dependence was spiraling out of control. Alcohol was easily obtainable in her college town, and she found herself gravitating towards peers that used and sold drugs. Worse, alcohol had become such a necessity in her life that she couldn’t even manage to feel drunk anymore.

Before I knew it, I was planning my life around drinking. I lived for the weekends, when I knew I had a few days to drink with my friends and have it be acceptable. I looked forward to Fridays and Saturdays all week, as I considered those the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ days I was “allowed” to drink. Before long, though, I began drinking on other days as well. I could always come up with a reason if I tried hard enough. In addition to liking how alcohol made me act, I loved how it made me feel physically.

Creating a supportive community for sober living

I recollect, even as a preteen, prior to my drinking career, not being able to feel sorrow at my Grandmother’s funeral, forcing myself to cry just to fit in with the family. I made a conscious decision upon my graduation to stop smoking marijuana because of the possibility of jeopardizing my medical license if I were to get caught. Alcohol easily and quickly replaced the marijuana as I began residency. I swore I would never drink and go to work. I knew that if I did, that would mean I had a problem.