Rachel

Lucky #7! It's amazing what alcohol and addiction can do to a person. The picture on the left in 2011 was a sad, hateful, dishonest, suicidal, lonely, confused, shameful, faithless, hopeless, embarrassed and lost soul. Alcohol was my best friend who I couldn't get enough of - the rollercoaster of love I had for that liquid was unreal! I was in and out of mandated detox centers and locked psychiatry units because I was a danger to myself. I was known to have 9 lives because of the danger I put myself in.

Because of the destructive life I lived and pain I caused, instead of my family planning a future wedding they were planning for a funeral... they knew I wasn't going to last a few more years from my addiction. I agreed to go to a treatment center (an all woman home) for 60 days. If I didn't, I would lose everything because of the legal trouble I was in and my family was done with me. I knew it was going to be hell because not only did I have to live with 20 women, I had to live under strict rules with a routine. My family didn't want any contact with me and my now husband almost let me go for good because of the destruction. It was the hardest, most difficult challenge I have ever done in my life... but it was worth every tear and sleepless night.

The picture on the right defines accomplishment, proud, loving, accepting, healthy, wise, smart, strong, present, beautiful; a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and nursing student and woman who accepts challenges and obstacles as a blessing because life is a journey. I thank my amazing husband, family and supportive close friends for unconditional love, safety, motivation and encouragement. I thank God and my Angels for saving me from my evil addiction that controlled my life.... Now, I'm in control with my sobriety and wouldn't change it for the world. I have accomplished many obstacles, goals and challenges in the 7 years I've had in my 7 years of sobriety. My husband and I have two beautiful children and a beautiful home, and I have one year left of nursing school. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse to help others, and share my experiences and knowledge to those who are suffering from addiction and mental health disorders. Thank you God for a second chance living my life and for living one day at a time!