LOST in ADDICTION & LOVE | How HITTING BOTTOM Began A JOURNEY to REDEMPTION and HEALING
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Show Notes
In this episode, Dawn, a former college athlete and chemical engineering student who, on the surface, seemed to have it all together. Behind the scenes, however, she was wrestling with a growing dependence on alcohol that would escalate into a life-threatening addiction.
Growing Up with Warnings of Addiction
She recalls her mom's warnings about the family’s history with addiction. As a young girl, she used this as an excuse to avoid drugs and alcohol. “I thought it was just an excuse to get people off my back, but it was more true than I realized," she reflects.
First Encounter with Alcohol as Medicine
In college, surrounded by a culture of heavy drinking, she discovered alcohol's power to numb anxiety. “It wasn’t for fun; it was like medicine," she confesses. Her first experience drinking alone to sleep would soon evolve into a dangerous habit.
The Dark Descent into Active Addiction
By senior year, after a concussion, drinking shifted from social settings to solitary escapades in her room. Her competitive spirit masked the growing addiction. "I was the one making sure everyone else got home, not realizing I needed saving," she admits. She drank heavily, hiding it from those around her, a behavior that spiraled out of control when she moved to new cities for work.
Hitting Rock Bottom
A DUI and blackout during a bartending shift marked a turning point. She hit rock bottom when, after a series of false starts, she was arrested. "I had to face that I was out of control," she says, recounting how her family intervened and how she finally agreed to go to rehab, even though she was convinced nothing would work.
Seeking Help and the Road to Recovery
Her first rehab experience was marred by resistance and denial. "I thought I could learn to manage my drinking, but I was wrong," she reveals. It took multiple attempts, a pandemic, and a long-term treatment center in Florida for her to begin a true recovery journey. With the help of therapy and the 12-step program, she finally found a community and tools that worked.
Life Today and the Hopeful Path Forward
Now sober, she has rebuilt her life, rekindled relationships, and rediscovered her passions. "I’m still on a journey, but today I choose to live," she shares. Her life now is a testament to resilience and the possibility of recovery. She hopes her story can inspire others who feel trapped in addiction to take that first step toward healing.
FAQs
What is high-functioning alcoholism?
It's when someone can maintain their job, relationships, and daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol addiction.
Can a concussion lead to addiction?
Yes, head injuries can exacerbate symptoms like depression and anxiety, which some may cope with using substances like alcohol.
How can you tell if someone is hiding an addiction?
Warning signs include secrecy, inconsistent behavior, frequent "cover stories," and physical symptoms like shakiness or a change in appearance.
Why do many addicts relapse after rehab?
Relapse often occurs when underlying emotional or psychological issues aren't fully addressed, or if the individual lacks proper support.
What is the difference between a dry drunk and recovery?
A "dry drunk" may abstain from alcohol but doesn't change the underlying behaviors or mindset, whereas recovery focuses on overall emotional and mental healing.
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