What is your story? Tell us about your story from the beginning to where you are now?
I’m Amanda Washington and I’ve been sober since 4/3/2013 which is over 7 years now!! I’ve been drinking since I was about 13 years old on a regular basis to try and fit in and feel like I was the mature one in the group. Wow, I couldn’t have been more wrong!! I felt that I was doing nothing wrong considering I had two jobs at the age of 14, always bought my own alcohol, made good grades, and never got into trouble.
However, after the years started going by my drinking became more and more out of control. Especially after I got married and moved to a military town with my husband in which drinking was pretty much the only thing to do. I needed more alcohol to sustain my addiction and life was a constant party. My husband and I abused cocaine and drank enough to fuel all of America. We were able to hold our alcohol quite well until just couldn’t anymore.
Later within my marriage I became more and more dependent on alcohol. I couldn’t go to the store or anything without constant anxiety. My husband would come home and find me lying on the couch passed out from drinking an entire bottle of whiskey almost everyday.
One day my family had enough, and I reluctantly agreed to check into a non-medical detox center. After about 3 days my alcohol levels dropped to zero and I started going through major withdrawals. I had bad delirium tremors and began chasing things around the room.
The detox center decided to call the paramedics and I was rushed to the hospital while almost going into numerous seizures from the alcohol withdrawals. I was put into the ICU for about 4 days and slowly began to recover. I was released from the hospital and my husband wanted me to go back to the treatment center and stay for at least 30 days. I refused and agreed to go to a meeting instead and promised to never drink again.
However after the first meeting I left feeling more overwhelmed than ever and just useless was my overall reaction to the meeting. I have never been to a meeting since and I haven't had a drink since the day I left for the detox center. I almost died and that is the major reason I am sober today.
What was the most challenging part about your journey? And what helped you get through?
The most challenging part of my journey has been going through a divorce at the same time while trying to remain sober. My husband is an abusive alcoholic, and I have determined we cannot be together if I want to remain sober. He has tried to sabotage my sobriety by stating that I am ok to drink again and that he would put alcohol in my water bottle.
Throughout all this I have been left to do this all on my own feeling alone and helpless.
Being a vital part of the sober community and talking to my mom daily are some of the ways in which I deal with the stress in overcoming my challenges. I am also a devout Christian and believe in the power of the Lord which has helped me thus far. I am truly blessed to be able to be working nonstop as well which has also helped me overcome my challenges in sobriety. Simply feeling the mental changes and seeing the physical changes of sobriety has helped face my daily challenges.
What support systems helped you in your recovery?
My main system of support throughout my recovery has been my Mom, my son, and the sober community on Instagram. I have come to realize that a lot of the people who I thought would be there for me such as my husband (soon to be ex husband) haven’t been supportive of my sobriety in the least. I have actually rid myself of many so called friends and family cause they are counter productive in my recovery process.
The other main system of support has been myself. I have learned to rely on myself more than ever to pull me through the mess I have made of my life. I do this by living one day at a time. Although I am not active in 10 step program, I do however, use many of their founding principles to guide me throughout my journey!
God is also a huge and positive impact on my recovery journey. Without the grace of God I would not be here today. He helped me through my darkest days and sheds light on the days ahead.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting their recovery journey?
My best advice to someone starting a recovery journey is to formulate a support system right away. That being said also set certain boundaries and limits for yourself and others. For example if there are toxic people in your life, stay away from those people. I know it may be hard but it is necessary for your sobriety. These people may be negative or influential in your drinking or relapse.
Stay positive by staying busy with hobbies or working a job that you enjoy! I work 2 jobs, exercise, communicate with a group of sober friends who have the same interests, and pray to the lord! Most importantly I take each day one day at a time to make things less overwhelming!! I also enjoy helping others by inspiring them to stay sober. I hope my story can help someone struggling with sobriety.
Before and After
If you would like to share your story please email us at changetosurrender@gmail.com.
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