Alcoholism wears many disguises, designer suits, yoga pants, varsity jackets, and even clergy collars. I grew up thinking it only happens to the homeless guy holding a liquor bottle in a paper bag. But alcoholism quietly hides in boardrooms, backyards, dorm rooms, and retirement condos. Each person battling addiction pulls a constellation of loved ones into the orbit of their struggle. Partners tiptoeing around mood swings are torn down by hard decisions they must make to save themselves. Children are learning to read the room instead of bedtime stories. Coworkers are covering shifts and workloads ignored by the sick and suffering. And friends want to help yet feeling powerless.

Recovery is as universal as the disease, and treatment for the suffering alcoholic can be tailored. My experience includes medical detox, addiction therapy, peer support, spirituality, and medication. What is need most is judgement-free support, honest communication, a program rooted in emotional wellbeing, and encouraging communities.

When we trade stereotypes for understanding, we spread awareness and extend empathy to everyone touched by alcohol’s reach. May we all have a fighting chance to grab the lifeline and climb out together.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

Visit my Etsy shop, Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

To learn more about vestibular disorders visit https://vestibular.org

#AlcoholAwareness #EndStigma #AddictionRecovery #SoberCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveryJourney #OneDayAtATime #BreakTheSilence #FamiliesInRecovery #HealthForAll