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Content
I had given up on any thought of sobriety. Through my stay at Valley Hope, I learned that I did have self-worth and gained some tools to live a wonderful life one day at a time. My cup starts with the 12 Steps coming up and out of the inside of my cup, leaving the devil down inside. I also listed family which has been my rock and major support system during my journey. I also included my counselor, Diane, who helped me overcome hidden traumas that I couldn’t seem to part with.
What are the chances of relapse after 5 years sober?
For those who are sober five years, the rate drops to 7 percent. People who successfully complete a formal treatment program such as a 28-day inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program have significantly higher recovery rates than those who do not.
My kids are a huge part of my life today as well. They had once told me if I didn’t get help that they were not going to come around anymore. I was also no longer allowed at https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html family gatherings at my parents or even my grandparents’ homes. Today I can host these events at my new house, and every one of them will show up with smiles on their faces.
Personal
I made a conscious decision upon my graduation to stop smoking marijuana because of the possibility of jeopardizing my medical license if I were to get caught. Alcohol easily and quickly replaced the marijuana as I began residency. I swore I would never drink and go to work. I knew that if I did, that would mean I had a problem. A special part of the Valley Hope experience involves the coffee cup. The “cups” process at Valley Hope uniquely inspires and reflects the recovery journey of our Alumni.
Since recovery, I have a new outlook on life. My relationship with my wife and kids is better than ever. I can finally sleep each and every night without a problem. And I have taken up several new hobbies, including woodworking, and fixing small engines for lawn mowers, snowblowers, etc. and flipping them for a profit. That I don’t need to use substances to have fun.
Addictions
I’ve found that to be true of every single person that I’ve met in person or spoken to online in the recovery community. I also began to admit to myself that the goal was not to go back to drinking. At the beginning of all of this, there was part of me that thought if I just took enough time away from drinking, that I could go back and have a healthy relationship with it. I learned to accept that this wasn’t the case for me. It’s a process and acceptance is the key to all of this. Starting in 2019, drinking by myself became a nightly routine.
What happens after 1 year of no alcohol?
After One Year: Congrats on making it to 12 months! At this point, your risk of developing all types of disease will be reduced and your bone density will start to increase.5 Keep in mind that everyone is different and will experience different things when they stop drinking.