My Recovery Story

Here is my recovery story: It took an additional two months for me to "get it right" after I left Valley Hope in February, 2007. My counselor, Dennis, gave me all the tools I needed to succeed in my sobriety. However, I did not put those tools to work. I continued to drink immediately after my release from Valley Hope. This eventually led to a DWI charge on the evening of February 16th, 2007. To make matters worse, I was arrested in the lobby of my office building where I worked. Even that didn't spur me to stop until April 7, 2007. I can't remember why I chose that day in particular to quit drinking. The important think is that I did quit...finally. I've been sober over 14 months now. This is the longest I've been sober since I was 18. When I did finally stop, I found I had a lot of time on my hands. I joined eharmony and met a beautiful young lady in June, 2007. We were married February 2nd, 2008. Carol has been very supportive in my recovery. God has shown me unbelievable grace and mercy. It has been both unearned and undeserved that my employer never mentioned my arrest and I continue to be employed and valued by my managers. Additionally, my DWI case went to trial on May 9th, 2008. I was found "not guilty" by the trial judge. Needless to stay, I was very grateful to the Lord, and to the judge, but I continue to be shocked by the outcome of the case. By luck of the draw, I had a DA that was not well prepared. I pray my sobriety doesn't continue to rely on "luck". I've been seeing an addiction therapist, going to aftercare and taking my medication as prescribed by my psychiatrist. Though I'm not in AA, I've maintained a group of accountability partners who "keep me honest" and let me know when I veer off track. God bless, Craig J.

By: Craig J