If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!!!

by LW
(willamette valley Oregon)

I am a rock musician, surrounded by addicts of everything you can imagine for over 25 years, I drank a half bottle to a full bottle of Jack Daniels every day.

I would fight, drink and drive every day, spend my money like a drunk sailor, risky sex, abuse people verbally ... but I never went broke or got arrested ... until that afternoon. I remember being thrown in a cage full of piss, feces and about ten wild animals that might pass for humans.

I was lying on the piss soaked floor when the guards pulled me out and spoke with me privately ... they told me I was involved in a drunk driving accident and I had KILLED a woman and her daughter, and that I most likely would spend the rest of my life in prison for vehicular manslaughter.

I thought of my cancer stricken mother, whom I provide for, lying at home waiting for her only son to bring her groceries ... and no one shows up. I thought of her not getting her medicine and not going to the doctor wondering where her son was.

I cried and cried in that cell for three straight hours. I had ruined my life and probably my mothers too. I would never see my mother again. In the wee hours of the morning, (and I know this is messed up, but it worked!!) - they pulled me out and said I hadnt killed anyone, I had only got a DUI and was free to go.

As I looked into the sunrise I realized I had taken my last drink. I made the decision right then and there ... and quitting was EASY!!

I got a cab to my mothers and held on to her like it was our last minute together, never wanting to let her go. I was a murderer 6 hours before, and now I was free again.

In the three and a half years sober I have NEVER craved alcohol, not one time. I will never touch alcohol again. I actually can't stand the smell of it. My friends all drink around me and I have NOT ONE CRAVING!!. It becomes easy when you realize that just ONE beer can ruin your life, and maybe innocent peoples lives.

It can destroy your family. My mother is still alive and well, by the way, and she expresses her love to me every day and is astounded and thankful at my sobriety. Alcohol is not worth it.

There is a whole world of fun things to do without alcohol. Believe me, I was as hardcore of a drinker as they get, and if I can do it, ANYONE CAN!! JUST STOP!! Thank you for reading my story, and I hope my story helps just one person. LW