Life is Good
I was a person going nowhere, I started out with just two beers. Then I wanted more. I wanted to escape, to have the feeling of "No Feeling." I started
to drink more and more. This just didn't happen over night. Years would go by and the drinking would be refined as I put it. Finally, I couldn't help it
anymore and wanted the feeling all the time and drank all the time. My family was feeling it and asking me to stop. I told them I can stop anytime. I
actually did for five years, but started again and it was worse than before. I hit the end of my rope, my wife and children told me either get help or
they would have to get me help. I didn't believe them. They tricked me into a session with a dear friend who happen to be a psychiatrist. I made a promise
that I would go into treatment. My insurance wasn't sure they would pay for it and we had to wait. My wife pleaded and finally they accepted the plan. I
arrived at Norton Valley Hope and I was scared and angry. I didn't need this. Boy, was I wrong. In the next weeks I learned how to be a human being again
without alcohol. My "Hot Seat" with my wife and group was a turning point in my whole life and exsitence. I left with a plan, 90/90 and I kept to it. I
attended meetings for over 5 years. Then in my small town, the groupd folded and I had to go looking farther away. I discovered something. I was out of
my comfort box. I could talk to other people about my alcoholism. I am a principal in a large town today, and I am willing to talk to anyone about my problem
and help whoever I can. Just the other day our custodian, who had been arrested four times for DUI asked me for help. We are going to meetings and He is going
into treatment next month. Next month, oh January. This is such an important time for me. January 24 is my 9th year of sobriety. I am feeling good and can't wait
for the birth of my first grandchild. Life is good. Wes --
By: Wes L.