NEWLY SOBER
We asked these clean and sober individuals what their life is like now as newcomers in recovery.
BY PAULO MURILLO
NEW FRIENDSHIPS
“I’m experiencing a lot of emotions that I suppressed for a long time. It comes in waves of joy and days of depression. I’m able to work through these emotions. I feel a lot more connected to my family, because I’m present. I’m not hiding stuff or living this double life. I also feel excited by the possibilities as far as finding a new job and having new friendships. There is so much to grow from. I got sober in 2017. I had three years, but I relapsed when COVID hit. It seems like I picked up where I left off. Things got progressively worst. It was a really low bottom for me. Having that relapsed showed me that I do have a disease of addiction. It is cunning and baffling. I went to rehab, and it changed my life. I feel a connection to a Higher Power that I never felt before. I also have this love for people that I didn’t have before. Now my goal is to work in recover. I’m starting school in August to become a drug and alcohol counselor.”
—Grace Sanchez, April 11, 2021.
LETTING GO
“Coming off a binge is like a bad country song. You lose your job, you lose your money, your house. Then there is the excitement of being newly sober. I’ve done it before on my own, but then I’d start drinking again. As I surrender, things are starting to progress. I just got a new car. I’m driving for Lyft, so I’m working. I’ve been diving into the literature, surrendering and reaching out to God and I’ve never been a spiritual person. I realize I’m powerless over situations, so the only thing I’m left with is me and God and prayer. For the first time, I’m letting go. It’s also a little stressful when I think of the tangible consequences of drinking and using. I’m still not out of the woods. There is the excitement of knowing things are getting better, but then the reminder that things are out of my control. If I do the work, I have to trust that everything is going to come together, and I am going to be okay.”
—Jamin Davis, April 16, 2021.
A SECOND CHANCE
“Being new in sobriety is the hardest thing to do, but at the same time I’m feeling like I have another opportunity to keep going with my life. I was in a very dark space, so being sober is a second chance. This is my second time getting sober, but it’s different this time because before, I stopped because I had to, not because I wanted to. My other options are hospital, death or institution. Right now, I feel good. I’m doing 90 meetings in 90 days. I have a sponsor. I’m connecting with people. I also have a therapist that is helping me. And I’m reconnecting with my family. I have a beautiful family in Mexico. So yes, I’m staying focused on taking care of my sobriety right now.”
—Javier Sanchez, February 2, 2021.
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