My name is Helena, and my sobriety date is February 17, 2018. For a long time, I knew I had an issue. I thought it was just depression; however, now I know that it was alcoholism. Alcohol became my master, and I believed it cured me of all my pain and suffering.

I started drinking at 16 years old. Although there were signs that I didn’t drink like a normal person, it made me feel good. It soothed something within me—or so I thought.

As time passed, I consumed alcohol for any occasion, whether I was happy or sad, but especially when I was upset or in pain. It allowed me to cope with my feelings. I did not have healthy coping mechanisms and continued to self-medicate. I was able to get a college degree, secure good-paying jobs, and put on a “good girl” façade, which justified my drinking. Not many people knew what was happening on the inside. I was irritable, depressed, aggressive, miserable, pessimistic, discouraged—the list goes on.

Alcohol took hold of me more than ever, and I could not put the drink down. In 2017, a lot of chaotic situations were happening, and I could not deny that I was sick. However, I didn’t know what to do. I kept being in denial, believing my problems were caused by everything but the alcohol. By the grace of God, I was given the gift of desperation. I was tired of being sick and tired, and this allowed me to finally speak up and ask for help.

I reached out to the EAP program and was told that I was not alone and that there were solutions to my problem. I started meeting with a peer volunteer, which was instrumental in the beginning of my sobriety. I also joined AA, and it has completely transformed my life.

I am so thankful to the EAP program for allowing me to get the help I needed without shame or judgment. Today, I am happy to say that life is amazing. Even through life’s ups and downs, I no longer feel the need to reach for a drink. I continue to be active in my recovery through AA and now through the Peer program as well.

Helena Argote