A Young Gentleman Hits Rock Bottom, Faces His Depression, Gets Alcohol Therapy for His Hazardous and Heavy Drinking, Fortifies His Self Image, and Triumphs Over His Divorce Issues

Samuel was a forty-four-year-old graphic designer who was fed up with feeling depressed everyday and sick of his excessive and abusive drinking behavior. In a word, he was angry with himself for spending his hard-earned money on a worthless habit, he was tired of going through broken relationship after broken relationship due to his irresponsible drinking, he was sick of feeling tired every morning, he hated the hangovers he went through on a regular basis, and he missed his old drive for doing various things he enjoyed.

Moreover he was bored with his drinking buddies, he was upset with how out-of-shape he was, he despised the fact that he had to go to court for his third DUI, he was fed up with paying for alcohol-related attorney fees, and he was annoyed with the many times he failed to pass an alcohol test at his place of employment.

Above and beyond the identifiable alcohol-related health issues he was experiencing, possibly the worst part of his drinking regimen was the unreliable and fraudulent person he had become. In his heart of hearts he realized that he had been untruthful about his drinking behavior to his relatives, friends, and family and he also knew he had been less than honest with himself about the “beneficial” effects of drinking. What is more, he made excuses for guzzling four or five drinks before going to social events and he also justified needing two or three drinks the first thing in the morning so that he could deal with the “pressures” at his job.

His Depression and His Irresponsible and Hazardous Drinking Lead to Significant Life Changes

It was apparent that Samuel was sick of putting up with the negative outcomes of his depression and his unhealthy and abusive drinking and finally determined that something significant had to change in his life. So he determined that he would quit drinking, involve himself in some worthwhile hobbies, start focusing on becoming a more healthy person, start exercising, get professional counseling, and develop a new circle of friends. In short, Samuel got to a pivotal time in his life during which he realized that he hit a low point in life and was now prepared to begin the gradual and slow road that leads to health.

One of the ways that Samuel put his “plan” into action was by requesting a transfer at his place of employment. When his request was approved, he moved 450 miles away to a new city. If nothing else, this certainly made making new pals and dissociating himself from his old friends and buddies much simpler. Then he contacted a physician in his new city and made an appointment for a thorough physical and psychological exam.

Samuel Meets With a Physician About His Heavy and Hazardous Drinking and His Depression

After meeting with the healthcare practitioner and going through a number of laboratory tests, it was determined that Samuel had crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcohol addiction and therefore was in need of alcohol detoxification and alcohol rehab. At this time, the healthcare professional made it a point to discuss the diverse signs of alcoholism, the symptoms of alcoholism, and information about long term alcohol effects with Samuel. The doctor then told Samuel that it was determined that he was clinically depressed and in need of counseling for this medical issue.

Samuel Makes up His Mind to Build Up His Body by Going to the Gym, Living an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, Taking Vitamins, Eating Nutritious Foods, and Drinking Spring Water

Due to his eagerness to follow through with the rehab regimen, after three weeks of residential treatment, Samuel was ready to start rehab on an outpatient basis. At this time, he started working at his new job and over the weeks began fortifying his body by going to the gym, living an alcohol-free lifestyle, taking vitamins, eating nutritious foods, and drinking spring water. Samuel also came to grips with his spiritual life by joining the local Nazarene church and participating in regular services.

After nearly eight months of outpatient rehab during which time he never experienced an alcohol relapse, Samuel quit going to alcohol rehabilitation and instead began going five times every week to local AA meetings. Going to these meetings helped Samuel follow through with his alcohol-free way of life, they provided him with the support he wanted, and they served as a constant reminder of the destructive consequences that are linked to careless and excessive drinking.

After going to AA meetings about nine-and-a-half months Samuel felt that he was ready for a relationship and so he started dating Rebecca, a young lady he met at church. It clearly amazed Samuel how much more prepared he was for a dating relationship now that he had his excessive and hazardous drinking under control. In truth it also surprised Samuel how much better life was now that he wasn’t under the control of his abusive and careless drinking. Life was now positive and loaded with potential that he could have never wished for or realized when he was engaged in careless drinking less than a year ago.

A Success Story That is Evidence of the Importance of Alcohol Rehabilitation and the Power of Positive Change

Samuel’s success story is a verification of the significance of alcohol treatment and the power of change. As Samuel reflected on his newfound self-respect and motivation for involving himself in worthwhile, healthy activities, he was actually appreciative that he made up his mind to do something constructive about his unhealthy drinking instead of giving into his depression and into the lure of his alcohol addiction. The result: his life now has a positive direction, he has more energy now compared with any time in his adult life, he is in command of his life rather than letting himself suffer under the control of his addiction, he enjoys his new job responsibilities, and he is involved in a wholesome relationship.