"Commitment to stay sober"

I realised I had become reliant on alcohol as a way to cope with the events that were happening in my life. It happened over a number of years- wanting a glass of wine at the end of the day became needing a bottle or two before I could sleep. I started using it as a way to relax, help me sleep, feel better. In reality self-medicating with alcohol wasn't helping, it was making everything worse. I wanted to blot out everything, but each time I sobered up things were even more complicated, and I felt guilty and ashamed that I couldn't control my drinking and because of the effect it was having on my relationships with the people I loved. The drinking was taking a toll on me physically as well- I ended up in hospital and was close to kidney and liver failure. I realised I needed help- I had already managed a three month stint sober but had then lapsed back into drinking, I hadn't really been ready to stop that first time, but this time was different. I contacted my GP, a counsellor and One Recovery, and with help from all three am continuing to stay sober. I have made a commitment to myself to stay sober, and with help and support I am managing. It isn't always easy, there are times when I really miss having a drink, but I know it is what is best for me right now.