The Thirteenth Step

Me? An alcoholic? No—how could I be? I’m a teacher, a doctor’s daughter, and an Academic All-American. An alcoholic? No way! Or so I thought.

I went from a school fishing trip to the inside of a jail cell within three hours. I went from respected high school teacher to an impaired driver. “I am an alcoholic.” That was the hardest sentence for me to believe. To admit and become aware of being different than others—abnormal, looked down upon by society—was the most humbling and rewarding experience of my life. I found the strength and the power of my God-Within to overcome and conquer this crippling and deadly disease. My story is about my personal struggle over the past year. Acknowledging that alcoholism does not discriminate regarding who it captures and tries to destroy, I used certain spiritual principles and guidelines to overcome its power. This past year has been a struggle, but I am grateful for my disease and the truth that it has taught me to finally confront the monster and release my imprisoned soul.