Donnie Johnson

Embracing Sobriety: My Journey to Recovery

Every September, Recovery Month serves as a powerful reminder of the battles fought daily by people overcoming substance use disorders. For many, recovery is a long and invisible process, but this month shines a much-needed light on those journeys, showing that healing is not only possible but something to be celebrated. My story of recovery is deeply personal, but by sharing it, I hope to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

My struggle with alcohol didn’t begin with a sudden event—it crept up slowly over the years. On the outside, I appeared to be doing well. I had a promising career and a seemingly stable life. But underneath, I was battling anxiety and depression, and alcohol became my way to cope. What started as something I could control eventually took control of me.

There was a particular moment when I realized just how far I had fallen. After work one evening, I stopped at a local restaurant—not because I was hungry, but because I wanted a drink. That night, I had my first seizure from alcohol withdrawal. I woke up in an ambulance on my way to the hospital, and while it should have been a wake-up call, it wasn’t. I kept drinking, kept spiraling, and my health continued to deteriorate.

Over the years, I lost weight rapidly, dropped down to 150 pounds, and started experiencing daily tremors and sickness in the mornings. I ended up in the emergency room more times than I can remember, overdosing on alcohol and suffering through terrifying hallucinations. Despite all of this, I still couldn’t stop. Alcohol had such a grip on me that even when I knew I was destroying my life, I kept going.

It wasn’t until my wife sat me down and gave me an ultimatum—get help or lose our relationship—that I realized the seriousness of my situation. Even though I wasn’t thinking clearly, her love and support gave me the strength to take the first step toward recovery. However, the road ahead wasn’t easy.

One of the biggest challenges was paying for treatment. I had lost my job, and my wife was our only source of income. We ended up cashing out our retirement savings to afford the deposit for my treatment program. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, it was the right one. The first night I spent in treatment, I cried myself to sleep—not because I was sad, but because I was finally getting the help I so desperately needed.

Recovery was a long, painful process. The withdrawals were brutal, and it took time to address the underlying issues that had led me to drink in the first place. Counseling helped me confront my anxiety and depression head-on, while running became my outlet to stay focused and grounded. The support I received from my wife, family, and the recovery community was invaluable. Without them, I don’t think I could have made it through the darkest moments.

One of the milestones I am most proud of is receiving my 90-day sobriety coin. It was a pivotal moment in my journey, marking a shift in my mindset. For the first time in years, I felt in control of my life. Since then, running has become a major part of my recovery, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel the world and compete in all six World Major Marathons. Running not only keeps me balanced but has also given me a platform to share my recovery story with others. Along the way, I’ve connected with people from all walks of life and used these races as a way to raise money to help others get into addiction treatment facilities. Running has become a symbol of my growth, determination, and commitment to sobriety.

Sharing my story is not just about looking back at where I’ve been; it’s about offering hope to others who might be struggling. I want anyone facing addiction to know that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless things may seem. The road to sobriety isn’t easy, but with the right support and determination, you can reclaim your life.

Looking ahead, I am committed to maintaining my sobriety and helping others find their own path to recovery. Sobriety has given me a sense of purpose and clarity, and I plan to continue giving back to the community that supported me when I needed it most.

Recovery is a journey that requires strength, resilience, and support. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope it serves as a reminder that healing is within reach for anyone struggling with addiction. By raising awareness and being open about the struggles and successes of recovery, we can build a future where help and hope are always within reach for those who need it most.

“Don’t give up, don’t ever give up” Jim Valvano