08 Apr, 2010
Recovery Warrior Thursdays Featuring Julie
TweetPosted by: Sobriety Diva In: Drug Addiction
Recovery Warrior Thursdays
*Real Women Telling their Real Stories in 12…. Questions (not Steps)
Hello recovery warriors (I call you all recovery warriors because if you are reading this blog you are taking the first step), welcome to Recovery Connections weekly feature where REAL women can tell their stories to other REAL women so we can find a REAL solution to this REAL problem.
I am so grateful to able to meet women in different stages of their recovery. I am proud to be able to present to you Julie who overcome alcoholism and is willing to share her story to help others.
1.Name
Julie Lohman
2. Age
37
3. How long have you been sober?
I will have 3 years sober April 29th
4. What are you recovering from?
Alcoholism
5. When did you cross over into addiction?
I have drank alcoholically since the beginning. The first time I drank I was 15 and drank an entire fifth of bourbon straight. I didn’t like the taste but I LOVED how it made me feel! I woke up in the hospital and had nearly died from alcohol poisoning. I swore I would never drink again but was back at it in a matter of months.
6. What was the breaking point that finally made you accept your addiction?
I had been at a winery all day with my parents and could barely walk but got in my car to go get my daughter. I blacked out, ended up in a different town and somehow totaled my car. I got a DUI and several other tickets. I was released from jail and that night and stayed with my parents because I was suicidal and didn’t want to be alone. I was plagued with the thought that I was on my way to get my daughter and could have killed us both.
7. Did you make the first step alone or did you have help from your family, from your religious organization or other intervention?
I first admitted to my mom that I couldn’t control my drinking the night I was arrested.
8. What road did you travel? Did you go in-patient treatment, detox, AA, or another option?
She went with me to a faith based meeting for addictions. I went through a 5 day program there. My concept of God was different than theirs though and through a strange series of coincidences (which I don’t believe in anymore) I was introduced to two wonderful women from Alcoholics Anonymous. They took me to my first meeting where I admitted I was an alcoholic and wanted to change my life.
9. When you first get into recovery, they tell you you have to change people, places and things. What changes did you have to make on your journey?
I had done the majority of my drinking alone for the last several years. I had to make myself get out of the house. I made myself get to a meeting every day. I found a church I was comfortable with. I didn’t have many friends left when I was drinking so it was fairly easy to let that scene go. Being home alone was a big trigger for me so I kept active as much as possible.
10. How do you maintain your sobriety today?
I go to a noon meeting every day on my lunch hour and at least one on the weekends. I have a sponsor and I sponsor other ladies. I have worked the steps and continue to work them to the best of my ability. I have accepted my higher power into my life and know that no matter what, today everything is going to be alright. I try to maintain an attitude of gratitude!
11. What words of empowerment would you give to women who have not made that first step yet?
You do not have to wake up every day in a nightmare of hopelessness. You can have true friends and a real relationship with your family. You can learn to love yourself and let go of the past. You are worth it!
12. Last one – I wouldn’t be the Sobriety DIVA if I didn’t ask it. Great pair of shoes or Fab handbag?
hmm….I would have to go with the handbag!
