Chapter 1: Embracing My Sober Journey

I often hesitate to share more about my path to sobriety, yet here I am, compelled to do just that.

After years of drinking, attempting to quit countless times, and finally achieving over 13 months of sobriety, it's crucial for me to document this journey—not only for my own healing but in hopes that my experiences might resonate with someone else. I acknowledge how self-centered this may seem, but the reality is that this process has rejuvenated me, bringing forth feelings of youthfulness and an odd awareness of my body that I had long suppressed.

For the first time in years, I feel everything deeply as I navigate life, almost like a teenager again at 36. This newfound awareness elicits both curiosity and self-consciousness, and I believe it deserves to be articulated and shared. Thus, I find myself writing.

This journey is complex, filled with embarrassment and beauty, and it's essential for me to articulate my thoughts and feelings while letting go of stories that have long been pent up. Perhaps there's someone out there who needs to hear even a part of this narrative.

So, I’ll persist in my writing.

Recently, while aimlessly browsing Instagram—an unfortunate side effect of recovery—I stumbled upon a piece of life advice that struck a chord with me. It suggested that if you tend to overthink, you should write.

Surprisingly, wisdom can emerge from social media.

At that moment, I was actively writing on Medium about sobriety and other topics, but this message made me recognize the profound impact writing has had on my life. It's a powerful medium—an outlet, a form of expression, a healer, and perhaps the tool I've always needed during the years of self-destructive behavior.

Do I see myself as an overthinker? Absolutely. My mind is filled with countless thoughts, which some might classify as overthinking. Much of this could stem from excessive engagement with social media, and while a therapist might label it differently, I perceive it as my attempt to make sense of my past—a past I often numbed with alcohol (and occasionally drugs).

Writing has become an essential part of piecing together this puzzle.

The blank page (or screen) serves as a sanctuary for release, creativity, and understanding. It allows me to share my pain, joy, and victories, to clarify my chaos, and to unearth new insights. Each piece I write is a therapeutic endeavor I engage in daily.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to articulate my experiences and insights regarding sobriety, to be clear-headed while doing so, and to have a platform to share my journey with the world.

Throughout this process, stories emerge, seeking to escape from within me, to flow through my fingers onto the page. There’s healing within this journey and countless revelations waiting to be discovered.

I must document these thoughts and share them, even if I sometimes resist. Do you relate to this feeling?

I need to relinquish the illusion of control and allow my writing to flow freely. It aids me in sobriety, in understanding my emotions, in crafting something meaningful, and in connecting with others. This is essential after years of self-medication with alcohol.

Hello, I’m Allison, and I explore the themes of sobriety and its accompanying lessons, insights, and the beauty found within the struggles of drinking and recovery.

Chapter 2: The Healing Power of Expression

In this video, Claudia Christian shares her experience with alcohol addiction and recovery, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs she faced throughout her journey.

Tom Holland opens up about his mental health struggles and the importance of addressing social anxiety, offering a candid perspective on vulnerability and recovery.