Missing…. That one word has so much depth, and brings back so many memories. I could talk about this word endlessly as it relates to my active addiction. I could talk about the times I missed my daughter, the times I missed family events, voluntarily at first and later because I was no longer invited.…… Continue reading Missing
Tag: memoir
Living Sober
Where do I even begin? I loved alcohol. I mean, I LOVED it! I loved everything about it. I loved how it gave me confidence; that it made me feel pretty. I loved the apathy that accompanied it. I loved that I was skinnier because I was never hungry. I loved that it was accessible, acceptable even!…… Continue reading Living Sober
#MeToo
The #MeToo movement has caused some serious self-reflection in my life. Although I am not ready to write about the actual assault in detail, I do feel comfortable writing about the aftermath. I think… First, there are the flashbacks… I am 19 years old and I have just woken up with a stranger on top…… Continue reading #MeToo
Carrying the Message
I met a woman once, when I was volunteering in a women’s prison, who had spent the last 15 years of her life as a prostitute in active addiction. She didn’t want to be at my meeting. She was one of the ladies who was required to be there. I could see it on…… Continue reading Carrying the Message
Breaking the Stigma
Growing up, society taught me that I should not disclose that I am an alcoholic or an addict; that my addiction is something I should be ashamed of. I heard this message every time someone described someone’s behavior to be that of a “crackhead,” every time someone talked about what a “drunk” someone was or…… Continue reading Breaking the Stigma
The Lies She Wanted to Hear
Reflecting on what life was like in active addiction, and thanking God I don’t live there anymore. 6:45am… She wakes in the morning, and immediately feels the pain of her head against the pillow. She feels embarrassed, but she doesn’t know why. This is not unusual. She often feels ashamed before she even remembers what happened the…… Continue reading The Lies She Wanted to Hear
