Thread by @mmpadellan

16 years ago, I was in the grips of alcohol and drug addiction that was destroying my life.

16 years ago, I said goodbye to drugs and alcohol, and hello to life.

16 years later, I'm enjoying the hell out of my life. One day at a time.

THAT #IsMoreSatisfyingThanSex.

I tried to stop A LOT.

Family members tried to intervene.
I was arrested numerous times.
Hospitalized.
Went to many different rehabs and programs.
Pretty much thought I was hopeless.

Ultimately, when I realized my kids might have to grow up without me, that was what did it.

Some of my worst days:
- Being homeless for 4 months
- Getting arrested shoplifting
- Selling the AC during a heatwave
- Selling my kids toys

The blackout of 2003 helped me.

I had to snap out of it QUICK, and into parenting mode. A few days later, I got myself clean for good.

Therapy made a HUGE difference, along with going to NA meetings.

I went to therapy for over 10 years, twice a week for the first 3 years.

Some days were tougher than others. We like to use for bad reasons AND good, to celebrate and to feel better during shitty times.

Office parties and barbecues were the hardest in the beginning.

Eventually, I got used to asking for a ginger ale when everyone else was drinking champagne or beer.

The bottom line for me: it's OK for others to drink, not me. And I have to be OK with that.

If openly sharing my story publicly here on Twitter helps even ONE person who's struggling to find their way out of addiction, that will be hugely gratifying.

Sometimes, just hearing ONE person's story goes a long way.
#OneDayAtATime