At the bottom of my barrel, I was drinking something called Guaro (wah-roh). It's a drink made from sugar cane, and goes by many names in Central America and the Caribbean. Like vodka, it's devoid of smells and color, but unlike vodka, it's some dirty ass booze. You can filter down, but why spend the time?
But by that point in my drinking vocation, my wife and I were living in Costa Rica, where a small bottle of Jack Daniels retailed for about $75 USD. It's higher now. Like you, I thought beer was a waste of time, and I didn't like it... yet I drank it anyway.
One thing I remember from early sobriety, other than when I wasn't worrying that my life was over, was how time seemed to have slowed way down. Days were so long. I needed massive amounts of caffeine to get through an entire day.
Eleven years makes a big difference in all of this. It all feels so long ago, and also it seems like it was only yesterday.
Ha! Whether it's mine or not is a whole nother can o' worms, but yeah man. Noticing that time wasn't just flipping by (in reality it just was all being streamed straight into the trash bin), was such a relief. Slowing down, ending my fear of death, coming into a woo-free spiritual practice? These were the rewards of facing my fears that nobody would ever want to hang out with me again.
Such an incredible journey! I like how you distinguished the difference between addiction and physical dependency. I think it’s important for people to understand the difference, because I’ve know people who think pouring out alcohol is a way to help someone. A lot of people don’t realize the harm that could actually do.
I actually cried when I read this. I had no idea you had been through such hell, it is wonderful to see how well you are doing ❤️ your words are inspirational.....
Thank you for sharing your story, Adam. I got 10 years of sobriety from alcohol and heroin, 1/1/2014. Like the cliche goes, take it one day at a time. I joined substack hoping to connect with and find inspiring stories like yours.
At the bottom of my barrel, I was drinking something called Guaro (wah-roh). It's a drink made from sugar cane, and goes by many names in Central America and the Caribbean. Like vodka, it's devoid of smells and color, but unlike vodka, it's some dirty ass booze. You can filter down, but why spend the time?
But by that point in my drinking vocation, my wife and I were living in Costa Rica, where a small bottle of Jack Daniels retailed for about $75 USD. It's higher now. Like you, I thought beer was a waste of time, and I didn't like it... yet I drank it anyway.
One thing I remember from early sobriety, other than when I wasn't worrying that my life was over, was how time seemed to have slowed way down. Days were so long. I needed massive amounts of caffeine to get through an entire day.
Eleven years makes a big difference in all of this. It all feels so long ago, and also it seems like it was only yesterday.
Cheers for this share, Adam.
Isn’t it great how all that time is yours now?
Fascinating share, Damon. I appreciate you taking the time to read.
Any of yours you want to suggest for me to read later?
Ha! Whether it's mine or not is a whole nother can o' worms, but yeah man. Noticing that time wasn't just flipping by (in reality it just was all being streamed straight into the trash bin), was such a relief. Slowing down, ending my fear of death, coming into a woo-free spiritual practice? These were the rewards of facing my fears that nobody would ever want to hang out with me again.
Such an incredible journey! I like how you distinguished the difference between addiction and physical dependency. I think it’s important for people to understand the difference, because I’ve know people who think pouring out alcohol is a way to help someone. A lot of people don’t realize the harm that could actually do.
Thank you Darcy. Yes at dependency level that would be catastrophic. Or futile because the suffering individual would only have to get more.
Glad it resonated, Darcy. Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for pointing out the difference between "addiction" and physical dependence.
👍
Thank you so much. I needed this.
It’s an honour. Thank you for reading.
I actually cried when I read this. I had no idea you had been through such hell, it is wonderful to see how well you are doing ❤️ your words are inspirational.....
Thank you Mandy. Yeah it was rough. But I learned a great deal through that whole hell-and-back journey. I’m grateful for everything now.
Thank you for sharing your story, Adam. I got 10 years of sobriety from alcohol and heroin, 1/1/2014. Like the cliche goes, take it one day at a time. I joined substack hoping to connect with and find inspiring stories like yours.
Nice to connect with you on here, Logan. Thank you for reading, and sharing part of your inspiring story too. Big respect to you.
You do get a life. So glad you are really living now Adam. 🤍 Beautiful read as usual.
Thank you for your kind words, Holly.
Cheers, Adam. What a beautiful, powerful share.
Thanks Dana. I’m gradually building up more confidence to put the more personal stories out there. Thank you for your support.
Thank you so much for your feedback and your inspiring words, here and in your article. Hey you keep it up too!