148 Thrasherow did you become a user of
drugs and/or alcohol?
Just being a kid in Florida. Looking
for things that were different. Ways to get
attention and fit in. The people I looked up
to and my role models were into drugs and
alcohol.
When did you realize you had a problem?
When I was going to therapy because I
thought I was just crazy and finally the
therapist told me I had a problem. It was like
six months after I started seeing her I came in
with probably my third black eye from falling
down drunk. She told me I had a problem. It
was like a lightbulb going off. Like a moment
of clarity. I had been waiting for someone totell me that for so long but no one ever did.
How bad did it get? What was the
breaking point that made you decide it
was time to stop/get help?
I mean, for the outside world my situation
probably didn’t look that bad, but for me
it was terrible. I felt so lonely even with a
million friends around me at all times. I was
completely miserable. Just very dark and
alone with what felt like no way out at the
time.
How did you get sober?
I went to a place where everyone was
suffering from the same situation at one time
and had gotten better. I asked for help.What are the challenges of staying
sober?
None. It’s challenging to live happy and free of
self pity at times, but not drinking and doing
drugs just happened as a result of doing the
work it takes to stop.
What are the rewards of staying sober?
Freedom and joy. The ability to change
perspective and live in reality. A real feeling
of gratitude not just saying I’m grateful.
Knowledge that most of my misery was/is of
my own making. Helping others.
What advice would you give to someone
who wants to quit?
Hit me up.H
ELISSA STEAMER
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