Stephanie is in recovery from alcoholism and she gets to spend her life living in gratitude. Stephanie didn’t even realize she was dealing with alcoholism for many years. After all, her life didn’t start with any ominous warnings. Stephanie grew up in cornfield country where she says parties went on almost all the time when she got old enough to attend. She thinks her dad’s alcohol use disorder affected her, but she not sure how much.
There weren’t any perfect days growing up because her dad’s alcoholism and health went up and down. The alcohol addiction, diabetes, and a host of other medical problems took her dad’s life unexpectedly one day. It was a day they were going to be together to watch a championship game. Stephanie didn’t make it to his house to watch the championship game because she was drinking and wanted to drink some more. She found out later her dad died late that afternoon. You don’t know what Stephanie’s thoughts are about this, as she doesn’t speak about it again. But as she is telling the story, her eyes hold pain.
Drinking and Driving
Stephanie continued to drink and drink a lot she says. She never used any other drugs because her drug of choice was always alcohol. Stephanie worked at a job full-time as a General Manager in St. Paul, MN. She never drank on the job, but one day she did get fired. Stephanie says she doesn’t know why. Shortly after getting fired she got drunk and flipped her car over. The emergency technicians took her to the hospital but the hospital released her right away.
She does state it was after this accident, she had to go into a drug program and start wearing an alcohol monitor. After this, she got a job working at a restaurant in Green Bay. Because she had DUI fees she needed to pay, she had to tell her boss in order to get them deducted from her paycheck. Her boss promised to deduct her DUI fees and penalties, but out of nowhere a few months later, the police came, and picked her up for not paying her fines. She found out later her boss never sent in the fines from her paychecks, which he told her was a complete accident. She never knew if what he said was true or not.
Going to Court
When she went to court, the courthouse employees and the judge were nice to her, Stephanie says. They sent her home if she paid the back fees she owed. She borrowed money from family to pay the fees then walked away. However, she still didn’t quit drinking. Explaining this, her presence radiates happiness and you can see that recovery brought her to living in gratitude.
As she continues to tell us her story, she says she used to wonder why her family didn’t have an intervention because she recognized her own alcoholism. Knowing that her drinking wasn’t getting any better and was actually getting worse. Then one day, her loved ones ended up staging a family intervention, and she went to a treatment center. The problem was when she came out of treatment, it felt awkward to her to be around her loved ones. It felt weird because she started drinking alcohol again. She didn’t want to disappoint her family or the people who cared enough to talk to her about her addiction to alcohol.
Difficult Sources of Recovery
She decided to move in with some friends, but it soon became apparent it wasn’t going to work. It wasn’t a great situation to live with her two friends because they drank to excess. In what may be described as a last, great effort an effort to save herself, she started working two jobs as a waitress and living in a homeless shelter. She worked all jobs she could find, sometimes two at a time, so she had some money. In the meantime, she moved in with a guy who kept his money separate from her and wouldn’t help her with much of anything. Stephanie lived with him in the hotel room, and he decided this would be a good time to beat her when he felt like it.
Finding a Treatment Center
Although Stephanie knew she needed treatment, she often wondered why she was trying again. Her sister and friend, Deanna found her a new treatment center. Stephanie was willing to try, but she thought if someone else told her what to do and how to do it, her hair was going to catch on fire. But she did it, because she realized in her head, that she had to do it to save her life. Her sister and her brother-in-law ended up paying for substance abuse treatment, so she owed it to them and herself to graduate.
Her determination paid off and she graduated successfully from treatment. Getting through treatment is only the cornerstone of success in addiction recovery and living in gratitude. She got hired at the same treatment center to help at the front desk. Then fate started helping her. A friend passed her on the street one day when she was walking to work in the rain. The same friend called her later on that evening and told her he had passed her on the street, and he wanted her to have his car. It was a generous gift which she believes she needs to pay forward. Life and fate are allowing her to do that. Because awhile later her brother-in-law’s dad could no longer drive, so she gave someone else in need that car.
Living in Sobriety
She works in recovery now and along the way she got her driving license back. Her job in recovery allows her to see the different journeys all people who suffered from addiction travel. Stephanie says you can only stay sober if you keep open your possibilities. Working in recovery she sometimes sees the same patients over and over again. But, sometimes she gets to see them get married, have children or just get on with their own lives in a healthy manner.
Stephanie life is spent living in gratitude and she is staying sober. But she wants everyone to know there is nothing easy about living sober. Every decision she makes brings her further away from addiction or more towards it. There are so many things she wants she knows she cannot have, yet. Stephanie says she knows she can afford a puppy, but maybe not the upkeep of having one. expressing some sadness about that, she remains hopeful and looking forward. Every day, she gets up and tries to help others who are in the same place she once was. Today Stephanie is now living in gratitude and tries to think a step ahead instead of trying to catch up with life steps she missed along the way. If you are looking for resources or need help finding treatment, we can help – reach out at (866) 578-7471.
Sources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
47 comments
Makes me sad to read she drank and drive… my neighbor was beautiful, young, had her whole life ahead of her and was killed by a drunk driver… the govt needs to step up and do something to help stop people driving drunk.
Gratitude is the most important in everyone’s life although you are involving for that work. Later she failed to do so this is bad which i felt . More power to her.
Alcohol addiction is now becoming more prevalent in the society. This story of Stephanie further proves that sobriety helps in finding recovery. I am so happy for her for being able to live in gratitude.
Drinking and driving is very dangerous but addicts wouldn’t still want to let go. Good that you are sober now and living a better version of your life.
Well, I understand this situation perfectly well you might not just know that you are addicted to something still you are derp into it
This story is very touching. Thank God Stephanie finds sobriety and was able to recover from her alcohol addiction.
When you drink alcohol heavily, your life is bound to be messed up..in as much as I don’t like the circumstance under which Stephanie lost her dad, alcohol intake worsened her life..from getting fired from her first job to having that terrible accident, I’m happy she finally found a treatment center and is now getting her life back together.. thanks for sharing
Being rehabilitated from alcohol is a great thing. we should stay away from it. This is very important blog.
It is a nice article about recovery from alcohol. She did well to recover.
I always say this; not delving into any form of addiction is such a plus and relief for anyone but most always get enticed one way or another. The end is never positive. I’m glad she didn’t lose her life in the process and equally recuperating now. She’s see it through. Thanks as always Detoxtorehab.
Very inspirational story. Stephanie faced a lot challenges due to her alcohol addiction which eventually led her to court. Glad and happy she find sobriety and her path to recovery.
The story came out with alot of pity. But the most important thing here is Stephanie is on the process of recovery, and it can only get better from this stage.
Stephenie’s recovery is awesome. Thanks for sharing with us. Despite her dealings, she still made it through.
Drug Addiction is a very terrible and unwholesome practice. Stephanie’s story of drug addiction has demonstrated this. In view of this, people should desist from it to avoid a more difficult situation.
Stephanie Story is an inspirational one and I’m so glad her path to recovery is on and going well I’m so happy for her.
Thank God Stephanie found recovery from alcohol, her story is very touching, thank God she made up her mind to be sober. Detox to rehab thank you for all your recovery programs they are really helpful.
Thank you Detax to rehab for sharing these type of stories with all of us.These stories are really very much inspirational for many people who are addicted with something and try to recover from that.
This is a sad story. Am glad Stephanie detox is helping her recover. Another beautiful life is being saved
Drug addiction has done more harm than good to our society. As a result, it is expedient for people to seek rehabilitation from such unwholesome practice to ensure a very healthy and better environment.
Had her whole life ahead of her and was killed by drunk driver. She was drinking and wanted to drink some more. The alcohol addiction diabetes and host a other medical.
Stephanie story is so touching, i,m happy for her recovery,I pray she won’t return to her former life of addiction, keep moving the lord is your strength. Thanks to detox to rehab for the good work of saving people life from addiction, I,m really impressed
It’s fabulous that Stephanie recovered from alcohol addiction and living in gratitude after seeking sober and rehabilitation.
This story is quite long and touching, trying to imagine all she had to go through in every stage. Its a great thing to know you have gotten help now and others in that situation can know they can get help too.
This is a perfect title. Alcohol and responsibility really does not mix. Well it can but when addiction sets in it takes over. This is why I do not drink at all. Getting in is easy getting out is hard.
Stephanie being sober is difficult but you Will get bright life, bright future instead,stay sober guys and God bless you
I’m glad she’s not drank and drive anymore. I mean, I’ve seeing people get suffered because of an accident by drunk driver. So… good for you Stephanie.
Parties when you are in teen years at times attribute to addictions. Drug influence starts at the teens and gain more as age goes if not controlled.
Most people here drinking this heavy are the ones getting the drinks free here. I believe if program for recovery are rightly accessible, more success will be made
Most people start treatment to recovery but they wouldn’t just see to finish the program. Success happens only when we complete the program
It is really sad to read that she lost her alcoholic father. But if she was not drinking while on the job, then why did she got fired? I think the effects of drinking alcohol was so severe that she eventually ended up losing her job.
I’m glad that Stephanie has found a treatment center and have her life back on track again. I hope she stays sober and may her life story be an inspiration to people who are suffering from alcoholism.
Going sober till recovery takes a strong decision and commitment. Its grace that made her alive to see recovery, drinking and driving has really killed alot
Gratitude is a habit made possible by God. Glory be to God for your recovery.
Hmmmmmm. She is a beloved of God. Thank you you Jesus for her recovery.
Stephanie has really gone through a lot while she was still addicted to alcohol. But I’m so happy for her that she is recovering from it. Thanks for sharing this story with us
Alcohol has ruined many people’s lives. Stephanie, congratulations on your recovery.
If one is delivered from what can kill him/her, he/she will be happy. Gratitude is good habit. Congratulations for recovery. Than you.
This is very thoughtful. Drinking and driving is not a good thing. One should always drinking responsibly.
Addiction has never been a good way of coping with problems. It’s best to open up to people, so as to get necessary help.
Stephanie story is very touching. I think the society should be always sensitized that it’s dangerous to be drinking and driving.
Stephanie recovery is divinely ordained. Therefore, she must be grateful to God almighty.
Been able to show gratitude really help. Because Stephanie showed alot of gratitude during her recovery sessions.
Gratitude is an appreciation shown to people who help on one way or another. It is God given habit.
One of the greatest achievement for addicts is to get recovery. Once achieved, such addict must show a sense of gratitude to those who helped him along the way.
Alcohol causes different kinds of harmful effects to the body. But been able to show gratitude is a lovely way of undergoing recovery.
She has to be grateful for every abnormality that she has done but God on His mercy protected her. Thanks for this piece of information.
Only those who know their God give or show gratitude. Thank God for Stephanie’s life.