In order to answer that question, I need to get a little personal.
I was actually a reaI mess. I can't actually say the amount I drank, because I honestly don't know. I was having blackouts all the time, basically intoxicated 24 hours a day, every day. I was having regular seizures, which would end me up in the hospital time and time again. I could basically go for a walk to the shops, and wake up in the hospital.
The last time I was in hospital for 11 days, and the doctors told me I was basically dying soon. So I checked into a rehab, without any real plans of either staying or going. In the rehab, as I mentioned before, I replased quite heavily twice. It was the second relapse I had, when I called my mother and she finally told me that I was a "big boy now" and there's nothing much she can do to help me. I have to say, I hated her for that for quite a while. I don't think I spoke to her for months. But it hit home for me and I went back to the rehab with my 'tail between my legs' and thought why not give it a go? I have nothing else to lose.
Please know that nowadays I have the best relationship with my mother that I have ever had.
I guess everyone has their 'breaking point' or 'rock bottom' as they call it, and this was probably mine. Realising that I had nothing else left. I think the 'rock bottom' is probably different for everyone though.
I think the two lessons that this taught me was acceptance of myself and my situation, and total humility. I still try to have these qualities to this day. It's really what keeps me going.
Sophie, you asked what my family did - does this help at all? Unfortunately, addiction is a long and often nasty road. But once people saw that I was really making an effort, and progressing as best I could, they really just basically lined up to help me!! It was only after I made the effort that I realised how much support I really had.
Hope this helps.
David.
