Name: Jill

Age: 46

Location: NJ

Recovery Date: September 5, 2016

Recovering From: Alcohol

About Jill: Mom of 2 daughters, bartender, wine drinker. Finally had enough of black-outs, embarrassments, and making excuses.

Q. Before you entered recovery, what did you think the “thing” you were addicted to gave you, did for you, etc.?

A. Escape, relief, a glimpse of my former self

Q. Now that you are in recovery, what have you learned about that “thing?”

A. It was a band-aid

Q. How are you recovering (e.g., 12-step program, rehab, counseling, on your own, etc.)?

A. I managed on my own 🙂

Q. In recovery, how do you give yourself what you thought that “thing” provided?

A. I changed a lot of my routines in order to break the association with wine

Q. What was your “rock bottom” or “breaking point” when you realized you needed to change?

A. The look in my older daughter’s eyes last Labor Day after I started a fight with her step-father

Q. What has been the hardest part of recovery so far?

A. The “lead-up” to certain events and activities that Ive always associated with drinking

Q. What about recovery has been easier than you had anticipated?

A. The actual event or activity

Q. What has helped you the most in recovery?

A. Establishing a different routine for my day. Also, meditation and learning mindfulness

Q. Who has helped you the most in recovery?

A. I’ve kept this secret pretty close to my chest. I would say myself

Q. What has been the biggest surprise about recovery?

A. Looking back on all the excuses I made and what a load of shit they were

Q. What role has family played in your recovery?

A.I have gotten zero support from my SO. He’d rather I drink. My daughter’s are proud of Mama and are learning they can trust that I have no desire to drink anymore

Q. Knowing what you do now, what would you tell your pre-recovery self about recovery?

A. Jill, do this for you and it will multiply and multiply the goodness for everyone in your life

Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking about recovery?

A. The hardest part are the “firsts”…first holidays, first wedding, first bbq, first time you’re snowed in without wine, first time wrapping Christmas gifts without your glass next to you