Our Stories
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Our Stories
Allison Tierney Wood
I am writing this today because on June 1, 2012, I am celebrating 6 years on long term sobriety.
When I got sober 6 years about I remember thinking "how can I not use or drink for a whole day?" At 22, I thought my life was over at the thought of never drinking again. What I did not know was that my life was just beginning.
After several hospitalizations, doctors, and rehabs it was clear to my family and friends I was an addict and alcoholic. Coming from an upper middle class family this was hard for everyone to accept, especially me. However, I knew something was terribly wrong when I was hospitalized with pancreatitis and liver failure. The doctors told me my insides looked like a 50 year old alcoholic and if I didn't stop I would die.
I tried going to AA a few times but I would eventually pick up again. But on June 1, 2006 my life changed when I hit another car head on in a drunk driving accident. It finally occurred to me that I was killing myself and potentially someone else in the process. Luckily everyone was okay but I was charged with a DUI. I went to rehab the next day and vowed to change my life.
After 6 months in rehab, I moved home and went back to school. I became involved with the 12 steps and began to recover. I graduated college the following year and became a social worker. I feel truly blessed to be sitting here today at 28 sharing this story. As a young person I am proof that we can recover and make a difference living a life of recovery.
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