Sandra’s Mental Health and Alcohol Recovery
Sandra’s Mental Health and Alcohol Recovery Story – July 2013
Mental health and alcohol recovery can happen.
My mental health issues began my teens, made blatantly clear by an attempted suicide. There were three additional attempts at taking my life and for a long time I didn’t comply with my mental health treatment. Eventually, I began self-medicating with alcohol.
By the time I was in my forties, I was raising a newborn grandson, working up to 60 hours a week in management and taking care of my own very sick child. My drinking was escalating in the evenings and I was still not in treatment for my mental health. Then I was laid off.
The effects of a job loss
With the job loss and the bad economy, my drinking escalated. I was barely functioning but still couldn’t see I had a problem. My mental health issues were at an all-time high. And then one day it all fell apart. Child Protective Services came to my home, removed my grandson and told me I had 15 minutes to pack a bag and get out. I had nowhere to go and I was forced to live in my car. My unemployment had run out and I was flat broke.
I realized I needed help so I could get my grandson back. I had been told about Lifeline, so I went and completed residential treatment. But I relapsed as a result of emotional stress. In no time, I was running wild, drinking heavily.
Mental health and alcohol recovery
So I went through detox, and was approved to enter residential treatment again. This time I wanted it for me. This time, I was going to get the mental health part I needed, too.
At Lifeline, I learned that it is possible to experience horrific traumas without drinking or taking my own life. Lifeline allowed me to feel secure in myself. The structure of group meetings taught me to maintain structure in my life. Now I strive to be accountable to myself for myself. I am the most important person in keeping me healthy, sane and sober.
The pain of losing loved ones
The traumas have continued. One of the most painful blows was when my grandson was adopted out. Then in 2010 following one of my group sessions, I learned my ill son had been taken to the hospital and was in a coma. My counselor drove me there and stayed with me. Eventually, we took my son off life support. Finally, last year I lost my only sibling. Through all of this I have been able to maintain my sobriety.
Today I am living on my own in an apartment. I am active in my mental health recovery. I will have 4 years sober in October 2013. Recently, I accepted the Chair position on the newly formed Lifeline Connections Alumni Committee. I am so grateful to be able to give back to the recovery community which has done so much for me.
Do you want a professional to help you?
Lifeline Connections offers an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They work to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Contact us and reclaim your life.
Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. They can work to design a custom plan for wellness. Secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. They will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.
