Life was good – I was working with a renowned European fashion brand. I loved my work and it showed in my dedication. I quickly moved up the ladder and got opportunities to travel and make major decisions. Everything seemed perfect.

With the new responsibilities came new entertainment options. I began to be invited to corporate parties. I loved the dancing and the drinking. Gradually, I got pulled into this world where alcohol became a necessity. Though my friends warned me of the consequences, I lived for the moment. Before long, I was addicted to alcohol.

The addiction got to a point where I would have these spells of continuous drinking for days. Sometimes, five to six days at a stretch. All I would want to do every waking hour was drink. Alcohol became a necessity. At my lowest point in addiction, I kept drinking until my body could no longer cope with all the booze. What began as harmless recreation at office parties was now ready to kill me.

What began as "harmless" recreation at office parties was now ready to kill me.

I felt I had no control over my life. I was ashamed of myself. I didn’t want to socialize. I didn’t want to get out of my house. Soon enough, alcohol caused disturbances in my family. I had to come back to alcohol every night and I was hurting those closest to me.

I wanted to take control of my life, I wanted to change, but I just couldn’t. I often cried out in desperation. I needed help.

There began my journey back home. I had been an addict for seven years. Alcohol had ruined my body and my relationships. I had to stop. But it wasn’t easy. It took me three years to come to a point where I no longer needed to be fueled by alcohol. I confess the journey to recovery was not smooth. Even after four years, I fell back. But I kept standing up again and facing the truth – this has to stop. Now!

I became friends with this person who, with much patience and perseverance, helped me leave behind alcohol once and for all. He helped me realize that I didn’t have to live like a failure, that there was hope and many good things in life. Today, I am not a slave to booze. I am finally able to enjoy the beauty around me as a free man.

If you find yourself facing addiction to alcohol, we want you to know that you don’t have to journey alone. We have confidential and free mentors ready to listen to your story and to support you on the road to freedom. If you fill in the form below, you’ll hear back from someone on our team shortly.

Author's name changed for privacy.