~ My Story ~

Hi, My name is Nola and I am an Alcoholic.
Today is my 14th birthday in recovery,
and I thought to celebrate I would share my story.
I do not really remember the first time I took a drink, growing up in my family
my parents always had parties or we would go to other people’s homes
for social gatherings. Alcohol was always a big part of these get togethers.
Quite often, the adults would give us sips of the drinks. this was back in the late 60's
early 70's and we did not have the awareness that we do now.
I started going to parties on my own when I was in my early teens, I
was an alcoholic from the very start, I cannot tell you how many times
I would wake up and remember nothing of the night before, and talk about
the hangovers akkk, I am surprised I did not quit because of those.
By late teens and early 20's I was going strong, Nothing could stop me,
One time when I was drunk at about 2:00am In Spokane WA driving a friends
little Chevy luv truck. I made a turn to go east, the only problem
was it was a one-way road going West. opps When I saw the flashing lights
and heard the siren, I was sure I could out run them. NOT
it took four police cars to stop me not because I was going fast but because
My driving was so bad, I was on the sidewalk it was really bad.
needless to say I was stopped. I had to do the sobriety test, of
course I was arrested, handcuffed put in the back of the police car,
where I tried to kick out the window.
the next morning my friends came and got me out. The true humiliation
came when I went to court, and the police read my sobriety test,
I did not even know the abc's. The funny thing is my DUI was reduced
to wreak less driving, license suspended 90 days for that, and a
another year for refusing the breathalyzer.
as I left the courthouse laughing, my friend and I went out to celebrate.
I often wonder if I had gotten a harder sentence if I would have quit
drinking sooner?

It took another year before I hit my rock bottom. I knew my life was a mess.
I turned to a church that did not permit drinking, I am thankful for that
and the fellowship that I received. However, I was still living an alcoholic
life just sober.
I met a lady that invited me to her AA program, and that was were I
truly learned to live sober. I went to meeting daily, worked the 12 steps
and really loved it.
When I got married I quit going thinking I was OK, (wrong)
After my divorce I almost started drinking again, It was the thought
of my children that stopped me. I quickly found the nearest AA meetings
and started going again. I learn something different at each meeting.
and I love the people.
Right now, I am not able to go to as many meetings as I would like
the area I live in is small they have meeting every night, but they don't
start until 7:00pm being a single mother of young children, that’s not
the best time. This time however I still read the big book and daily
reflections, to keep me grounded. it really does help.
But for the grace of God, I would not be here today.
I am so thankful that I am sober and I hope to be that way in another
24 hours :)
I am now at 18 years recovery, My AA Birthday is Feb 7 1987