My name is Linda. I began drinking when I
was 13 years old. I began using drugs when I was 21 and when I was 34
years old I knew I had hit bottom. I felt like I didn’t have anything to
live for. I lost the respect and contact with my family. I had lost
my kids, by giving them up for adoption. I had also lost my self respect
and I hated myself so much. I was sick and tired of being sick, and tired
of the way my life was. I knew I needed help to stop using drugs and
drinking alcohol. My choice of drug was cocaine. I let cocaine
control my life, but no more. In February 1997 I went to South Country
Treatment Centre to get the help I desperately wanted.
The first two weeks I was in South country, I
wanted to run away. I started walking out to the highway, but, something
told me to go back and I did. The staff really cared about me. They
talked to me and I listened.
Today it has been five years since I last had a
drink or used drugs. I want to take this opportunity to say Thank you to
everyone who touched my life in one way or another. Without the support
and encouragement of South Country, i know I could not have made it through the
last five years.
In 1998, I was diagnosed and treated for
Hepatitis C, and in 1999 I decided to go back to school for upgrading. I
was so scared. I went back to school to prove to myself that I could do
it, and I did it. I had always put myself down believing that I couldn’t
do anything right. Today, that has changed. I received A’s and B’s
in school and I have received two rewards in college and I am so proud of
myself. Today I have a good job, I work with people that I enjoy very
much. I am in a relationship today and we work very hard at making it
healthy. We are planning on getting married this year.
I am eternally grateful for the second chance I
have at living life to its fullest. Through continued participation in A.A.,
and surrounding myself with "Healthy People", I know that my success is a result
of hard work, staying focused, attending meetings, belonging to an A.A. Group,
using a sponsor, and my faith in a Higher Power, whom I choose to call God.
I know I can’t do it myself, but with the help of God, I can and will succeed.
Today I beleive in miracles and my family
believes in me. I still don’t have my kids, but when the time is right,
God will bring those kids to me. Today I know I will be clean and I will
tell them how sorry I am.
If you have a problem with any addictions, seek
help, it will change your life, Change it before it is too late.
I want to say Thank You to all the staff at South
Country for helping and encouraging me and for letting me know that I am OKAY.
Linda M.
Today marks two years since I have last placed a
bet of any kind, and I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to
everyone who has touched my life in one way or another. Without the constant
support and encouragement of you, I know I could not have made it through the
last two years.
Two short years ago, gambling dominated a large
portion of my life, and drove me to activities that no sane individual would
get involved in. Today, I am happy to say that I am leading a normal
(whatever normal may be defined as), happy, productive life………without
those uncontrollable urges to gamble. That is not to say that I don’t have
fleeting thoughts of gambling, but today, those thoughts are quickly and
easily disposed of, and life continues on.
I am eternally grateful for the second chance I
have at living life to its fullest. Through continued participation in
Gamblers Anonymous, South Country Treatment Centre Support Group, and
surrounding myself around "healthy" people, I know I can continue this period
of abstinence from the deadly disease.
I know that my success is a result of hard work,
staying focused, attending meetings, and my faith in a higher power, whom I
choose to call God. I know I can’t do it myself, but with the help of God, I
can and will succeed.
I would like to extend a special thank you to a
few people, who have been available at my every whim, as I had my personal
struggles.
Kathleen – for providing love and support,
especially in my early days of recovery. You have continued to give the kids
a positive picture of me….Thank You.
My Children……for believing in me, and
supporting me all the way. It is through your love and support that I know I
have wonderful children, ones I am very proud of, ones I cherish and ones that
make me want to continue my abstinence from gambling.
Mom – Thank you for taking the endless hours to
talk to me on the phone, for the weekly letters, for the visits and endless
support that shows me that one can get through anything in life, if we are
willing to work at it. Mom, I Love You with all of my heart.
My Brothers – Thank you for not judging me, for
being supportive and encouraging. Although we may not talk often, be assured,
I think of you often……
My Bosses – Thank you for showing faith in me when
I applied for a job just over a year ago. At that time I was very fragile,
insecure and scared…..You gave me a chance and for that I will be forever
grateful. You have given me the opportunity to gain confidence and self
esteem. You took a chance on me, when many employers would have run the other
way, and I am so Thankful for everything you have done for me.
Don (counselor from South Country) – Thank you for
always being available to talk, for your support, love and for pushing me to
be the best I can be.
South Country Treatment Centre – To all of the
staff who have treated me like family, made me feel welcome and loved. For
allowing me to make the centre a vital part of my recovery.
Garth – Thank you Garth and Wilma for all
the times you have been there to offer support and friendship. Garth, you
will never know how much your words of wisdom have meant to me.
Tony – for being a friend in my times of need.
You are always there for me, and for that I will always be thankful.
Cory – for giving some excellent advice on life,
and dealing with things as they come…….even from someone still young
enough to have a full life ahead of him. You are keeping me on my
toes…..Thank You.
Rick, Marty, Hans and Donna – Thank you for
helping me lead a healthy life….one that shows me that life can be enjoyable
without gambling. You guys (and gal) are like family to me.
G.A. Group – I want to say Thank You for always
being at the meetings, allowing me the opportunity to go to meetings, to
listen, share, and learn.
Ray and Kathy – Thank you for being there right
from the start…….for being supportive, caring and there when I needed a
boost…….for the many laughs we have had.
Bonnie – To a dear friend who has been there for
the past 12 years……one who never doubted me, who never questions my desire
to succeed, one I can always talk to, without fear of being judged……Thank
You Bonnie, you will never know how much you mean to me.
Friends – Although you may not be mentioned by
name in this letter, be assured I value your friendship, support and the
conversations, emails, or whatever we may share.
I could not have achieved what I have achieved
today, without each one of you in my life, and so to all I say THANK YOU!!!
I Love You All!!!
Ken V
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