Information for Our Alumnae:
Alumna Story: Alice
Today I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. God’s grace got me here by giving me a foundation and direction for living.
Before getting sober, I drank and drugged daily for 10 years. It used to be fun and then it wasn’t. The days of happy hour and “recreational drug use” were long over. I landed up in my room alone, worrying that I had just done too much and knowing that I really needed to get more. I knew the way I was living was wrong and didn’t want to do it anymore but I didn’t know how. I cried out for help. God answered my prayers by sending dogs to sniff my drugs. I got in trouble with the law and was sent to treatment at Residence XII. I don’t remember much from my early sober days but do remember a few things that are part of my strong foundation in recovery:
- I never have to drink or drug again, even if I want to.
- God answers all my prayers in one of 3 ways, “yes, not yet, or I have something better”.
- Writing letters to God and using a God box really works.
- I must regularly attend meetings and work the Program of AA to maintain my sobriety and grow.
I’ve remained sober since that first day in treatment, January 15, 1993. We hear a lot about relapse and I think it’s important to also let people know that relapse does not have to be part of your story. The longer I stay sober, the more I need to go to meetings. I’ve got so much more to lose today.
There is a lot going on in my life right now: In 17 days, I am getting married to the most wonderful man and I am blessed with mended relationships with my family and a wealth of very close friends. The sale of my house is almost complete and I have a fabulous job. Best yet, I am usually happy inside, full of hope, and I like and love myself. I am living proof that if you work the steps, chat with God, and be open, willing, and honest, your life will change. If works if you work it!
I used to wake up in barf, drink and drug throughout the day, and I despised myself. That’s not my life anymore. I don’t know how it all happened but I do know why—it’s because of God and AA.