Hi everyone, Im Tim. Ive been an alcoholic since I was 14. I drank on and off for the first few years but around age 20 is when I drank every day up until about a few months ago. Like most of you know, Ive been ambivalent about stopping since I realized I was an alcoholic, but never really tried. Recently, I had a health issue come up that has forced me to stop drinking, and Im kinda thankful for it.

I have a problem with my inner ear and was diagnosed with meniers disease. Long story short, if I continue to drink, then my inner swells up, and I get intense vertigo attacks. Around Dec 2021, the vertigo was so debilitating, I couldnt work the whole day, had to leave early. I learned that if I dont drink vertigo goes away however I still have problems with my ear, slightly improving with meds and lifestyle changes.

Im married and have 2 kids, mortgage and all that. Believe it or not, I am a therapist who works with the inmate population. Its a really, really messed up feeling to be struggling with the same issue you are counseling your clients with. Ive always gotten by and on the surface things look OKAY, but many areas of my life are drastically impacted by alcohol.

Ive been sober since Feb. 3, 2022. Ive been exercising daily and down about 15 lbs. Ive had to drastically change my diet, especially my sodium intake because of my ear. PAWS have sucked, this isnt good week. Im not feeling great because of my ear (causes tinnitus, fatigue, and nausea) but I know it will pass.

Sobriety feels right this time. I know I can stay sober, and Im also really scared about facing reality and facing all of the emotional aspects related to sobriety.