Midrand Reporter had a chat with a recovering addict to hear from her.
Q: Take us through the journey you have walked as an addict, highlighting some of the moments that stood out to you
A: Drinking seemed to be socially acceptable which is why I started. As time went on, I started spending more money than I should on alcohol which then went on to affect my work life, because I was no longer performing optimally. The deeper I sank into my addiction, the more I alienated my family because I felt embarrassed about my drinking and wanted to hide it from them. Eventually, I went to rehab and when I left, I thought I would be able to handle my drinking normally but I failed and went back to being an alcoholic.
I came to rehab again because I had pressure from my family and I also realised how much I hurt them. I regret the kind of mother I have been to my child and I regret the suffering and pain I have caused to my family and friends. My advice to the community is that people should not be afraid to seek help, because addiction will remove a person’s self-worth and respect. If I could go back in time, I would have taken my first rehab experience more seriously and I would have listened to the words of my family.
Timeline
2000 – Started drinking socially
2001 – I had an abusive boyfriend which influenced my heavy drinking.
2001 – My sister committed suicide and I depended even more on alcohol
2009 – I went to rehab and was clean for two years
2012 – Began drinking again, I thought I could control it and drink normally
2015 – Starting experiencing blackouts
2016 – I was arrested for drunk driving
2017 – I was involved in a car accident
2018 – Came to the realisation that I was weak against my addiction and needed help
2018 – Went to rehab.
Read more about addiction on page 3 of today’s edition of the Midrand Reporter.
