11/25/2025
From one of our men on their recovery journey:
My Declaration of Freedom from Alcohol
I met you, Alcohol, when I was just seven years old, a child who didn’t understand what you were or what you'd become in my life. You told me you could help me fit in, calm my fears, take away the pain. But those were lies.
You weren’t a friend, you were a trap. You made me believe I needed you to survive. But as you did, you stole from me. You took my honesty and replaced it with manipulation. You turned me into someone I didn’t recognize, someone I didn’t want to be.
You’ve caused pain to the people I love. You’ve left me shamed, broken, and lost. I have hated you, and I have hated the person I became because of you.
But today, I take my life back.
Today, I choose truth over lies.
I choose healing over hiding.
I choose courage over fear.
I choose life over you.
You no longer have power over me.
You no longer get to numb my pain or silence my voice. I see you now for what you are:
Poison disguised as peace.
Destruction disguised as comfort.
You were part of my story. But you will not be part of my future. I’m walking away, stronger, wiser, and free.
Goodbye, alcohol.
You’ve taken enough from me,
and I’m done.
I’m reclaiming my life,
One honest day at a time.
