It typically takes eight years or longer to achieve long-term remission even with high quality treatment and medical care. Studies show people usually recover, but as with Rasco and Mable-Jones, the process happens slowly after multiple relapses. “Hopeless despair — that’s a good way to describe it,” said 34-year-old Travis Rasco, who lives in Plattsburgh, a small industrial city in upstate New York. Similarly, the roughly 95,000 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to alcohol represent a fraction of high-risk drinkers. If you have a favorite blog you’d like to nominate, please email us at
Prescription Drug Addiction Facts and Statistics
However, after finding support and comfort, Daniel was able to fight his alcohol addiction and move to a healthier lifestyle. I learned that my routine https://ecosoberhouse.com/ in my daily life only involved work and drinking for the most part. One of the crucial changes the counselors said needs to happen is my evenings.
Jada Pinkett Smith Recognized Her Alcohol Problem
Her college drinking turned into a habit, and then a problem, until 10 years later, she put down the bottle in 2018. When she looked for online sober spaces for Black women online and found only one, she started Sober Black Girls Club to increase the representation for women of color. In addition to the right medical and professional care and local support groups, online resources can play an important role, too. This year, we’re honoring alcohol recovery blogs that are committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering people on their recovery journey. As a woman, part of my journey is about finding my voice and figuring out who I am.
Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction by Elizabeth Vargas
Now with a new life, she has her confidence back. One of the things that breaks my heart is that I was not always there for my family as much as I feel I should have been. Like too many people, substance use disorder had taken over Gina’s life – that is, until one day when she found the inner strength to ask for help. If you are concerned about substance abuse issues, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has information on treatment and help available. Personally, I had to have a spiritual experience to really understand I couldn’t ever drink again safely. I took a picture of myself in the mirror when I was 24 hours sober and I look like an absolute sack of dirt.
- Travis Rasco in Upstate New York says he’s grateful he got enough time, enough chances and enough help to rebuild his life.
- Early intervention can prevent addiction from escalating.
- Recovery is a long-term process that requires commitment and effort.
- These stories of overcoming addiction detail the lives of everyday Americans with very unique journeys of recovery.
Whether the recovering addict has a day or ten years under their sobriety belt, they are still deeply appreciated and cheered on. I have gathered nine inspiring sober success stories and would like to share them with you. I hope they serve as a beacon to guide you in your own journey. I think it’s important to be proud of being sober and to share your story. Just like I talk about anything else going on in my life, this is a part of me.
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
She is also a research professor at Houston University in Texas, a podcast host, and the author of not one but five #1 New York Times bestsellers. Sometimes not even celebrities recognize their struggles. sober success stories Jada realized she was having a drinking problem at home. These casual drinking nights were suddenly happening too often. “I found myself drinking two bottles of wine on the couch,” says Jada.