- Alcohol
- Drugs
My name is Susanna, and I’m a “real alcoholic” and addict. I love everything what feels good, but alcohol tried to kill me. I am a German, lived 10 years in Africa and now about 5 years in the USA. I’m 43 and started drinking when I was a kid. Alcohol gave me varizes in my esophagus, it looked like a swiss cheese and popped three times, bleeding out and giving me a stay in the ICU. The last time I physically died, woke up half paralyzed after seizures, and was happy that I woke up at all. Only excellent doctors, nurses and God having still plans for me saved my life. Twenty-two rubber bands were needed to stop the bleeding. And I still couldn’t stop drinking. Doctors told me “clear liquid diet,” as I left the hospital, they didn’t mean Vodka, right? I needed help!
I went to a rehab center— Michael’s House in Palm Springs, California. I have never had a drink or drug since. Yesterday I celebrated 15 months of clean and sober living. I thought that I had to give up laughing, fun and life in general when I stopped drinking to save my life. But the opposite occured. My life became richer and more joyful. I gained freedom, friends, respect, gratefulness, spirituallity, faith, pride, health and lots more. I lost anxiety, fear, morning sickness, aches, pain, self destruction, depression, isolation. People look up to me now; they don’t judge or criticize me. I hear almost daily about how great I look now and how fantastic I did. People around me are supportive and proud of me. I am so truly happy that I’m in a state now, where I can help others to go through the same steps.
It was by far the best thing I ever did in my life and I’m extremely grateful for the help that I received. With a clean bill of health, I can enjoy now various sports and activities again. I go to meetings daily to meet my friends and family.