You are not alone 💕

Hi everybody! Just to introduce myself, my name is Kayla. 😊

I am almost 3 years sober from alcohol and cocaine. My sober date is June 8th, 2021. Not only did I have those two addictions, but I also had a very bad codependency habit. My recovery program is Celebrate Recovery, however I don't really work a "traditional" program.

To tell you a little bit about me, in 2019, I had a lot of trauma. I started drinking. It started out just a few here and there. But pretty soon, I realized that when I was drinking, I was able to escape from my thoughts and not feel all of those depressive feelings. I was numb. Then, I started drinking until I was blackout drunk. This all escalated to black out phase within 3 months. Over the course of the next year, I had a friend who offered me cocaine. I was already drunk, so when offered, I said yes. I was happy (temporarily) that I didn't have to face any of my problems. So over the course of the next 3 years, I was in severe active addiction. Unbeknownst to me, I suffered from a heart condition. In early 2021 I was diagnosed with it by my Cardiologist. I was put on a heart monitor. At the time, I was still in active addiction. A few months later, in late May, I was put back on another heart monitor due to another heart event. Again, still in active addiction. In the first week of June, my severe drinking and drug use caused me to almost pass away, and that's when I realized I needed to get sober. My mom was really upset. Hearing her cry on the phone was enough to make me realize I had a problem and I needed help. So June 8th of 2021 was my first day of being sober. It hasn't been an easy road. I have had moments where I've almost lost the 3 years of sobriety and all of my work. But I've held steadfast.

To tell you about my program, it isn't traditional. I started out doing Celebrate Recovery. For the first 6 months I went to meetings, I worked the 12 steps. I did everything. But I noticed it wasn't helping as much as I needed it to. My sponsor at the time told me to work whatever program was going to fit me best. As long as it kept me sober, she said it would be okay. So I don't go to meetings anymore, and I don't work the 12 steps anymore. My support system is my sponsor, my small group at my church, the friends I have gained along my journey of sobriety, and my family. For me, meetings become too much. Hearing everyone talking about their DOCs and some glorifying them, it was too much for me and was tempting me too much to go back to my DOCs. I find that the program and way I work my sobriety works for me very well! It doesn't work for everyone however.

I just wanted to share a condensed version of my addiction with you guys and let you know that you are definitely not alone! And I am always here if you need support or you just need someone to talk to or vent to.

It's an honor to be a part of this community! Y'all have got this! 💪 Stay strong and keep your heads up 💕

Much love,
Kayla 💕✨