Amelia S: 10 Months Sober and Sharing Hope
Episode Overview
Understanding alcoholism goes beyond external consequences. Recovery involves addressing both physical and mental aspects. The AA programme offers a path to hope and healing. The phenomenon of craving is unique to alcoholics. Sobriety requires more than just abstaining from alcohol.
The main problem of the alcoholic centres in his mind rather than in his body.
What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? Amelia S, a grateful recovered alcoholic, shares her story at the PPG Webster Group's foundation meeting. With her sobriety date set on January 5th, 2025, Amelia reflects on her 10-month journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of early recovery. She candidly talks about the emotional rollercoaster and the immense privilege of sharing her experiences.
Amelia offers a unique perspective on the debate between 'recovered' versus 'recovering', emphasising that understanding alcoholism goes beyond the external consequences. It's not about losing jobs or licences but recognising the internal battle and the allergy-like reaction to alcohol. Amelia's journey is filled with relatable anecdotes, from her initial misconceptions about alcoholism to the realisation that control over drinking is a significant challenge.
She uses humour to illustrate how her mother, a temperate drinker, can leave a bottle of wine untouched for months, a concept foreign to Amelia. Throughout her talk, Amelia stresses the importance of understanding both the physical and mental aspects of alcoholism. The episode is rich with insights into the nature of addiction, as Amelia dives into pages of the Big Book, exploring concepts like the phenomenon of craving and the loss of choice in drinking.
Her story is a testament to the power of AA's programme and the miracle of recovery. So, what can we learn from Amelia's journey? Perhaps it's that recovery is not just about abstaining from alcohol but understanding and addressing the underlying issues. What steps are you taking towards your own recovery journey?