“My drinking was not done in isolation and neither should my recovery.”
Written and shared by Mike
“My name is Mike and I am a alcoholic…..”
This is my mantra that I say every morning to remind myself that I am an alcoholic and, even though I have been sober for a while, I can sometimes forget and that leads to some serious problems. This little trick is something I learnt the hard way.
So a bit about why I am always willing to write and talk about my relationship with alcohol?
Over the last 25+ years of accepting the fact that I am a alcoholic, I have also found that I am no longer embarrassed to say this. And why should I be embarrassed? It was never my ambition to become a alcoholic.
I didn’t choose to have alcohol wreck all that was good in my life. I didn’t choose to let alcohol influence every aspects of my life… but it happened.
For the majority of the time, those in recovery tend to focus on the past and all the bad things that happened in active addiction. This does serve a purpose and it is good to reflect on what addiction has cost me.
However, I find it more helpful (and easier) to share my story of recovery. This is where the hope is, this is where the strength comes from and that is why sharing it with others helps me. Its not something I broadcast but I am willing to tell anyone that wants to hear it..
Being in recovery is a wonderful thing and it has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and have the chance to do things I would not have done before… and recovery is definitely not boring!
I have learnt to appreciate the little things in life. I have found a confidence I never knew I had. I have made some amazing (true) friends but, more importantly, I get to be a part of other people’s recovery.
What I have found is that my choices determine if my recovery is hard or not, so I try and keep things as simple as possible. And, to be honest, I learn new ways of doing this every day…
One of the most important things for me is being part of a recovery community. My drinking was not done in isolation and neither should my recovery. I need people that understand what I have been through and I need to be able to offer support to others. I honestly believe that you make the most meaningful friendships and forge the strongest relationships in recovery. The game changer for me is being a part of Essex Recovery Foundation because it’s my therapy, my way of giving back and how I continue to grow as a person.
For anyone thinking of or starting out in recovery, I advise that they become part of a recovery-based community. That could be with mutual aid groups, treatment services or even starting one themselves.
Be active in recovery and be part of the healing community.
Written and shared by Mike
A photo of Mike sharing his recovery story at the Essex Drug & Alcohol Partnership Conference in December 2025.