Success Stories
My name is Stewart W, and I am an alcoholic.
There was a time when I was convinced that life without alcohol or drugs was impossible. I did not believe that I could wake up and not drink. I didn’t know that one could go a day much less nearly two years without drinking. All the sickness, stress, pains, confusion, and regrets were tearing me apart. As I saw my life slowly drifting away, I finally called someone who could help.
I arrived at JADAC (Jefferson Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center in Louisville, KY) early one morning and waited for a bed and a place of safety that would get me started on my journey. What I didn’t know was this first step would take me to the Beacon House.
At Beacon House I was apprehensive but went along with the demands in order to get a bed. In the back of my mind I wasn’t sure of anything and truthfully went along with the rules and regulations demanded (emphasize demanded) of me in order to have the privilege of carrying my weight in that environment. I would have to earn the respect of the staff and house. I was held accountable for all my actions, and in return I would stay sober. First on my list was getting a sponsor. If I could give any advice it would be, get a sponsor and use him. Working the program would be a full time job.
Practicing the program and following directions became easy and simple under the guidance of the Beacon House staff and the help of other residents. I was making it a day at a time not drinking and feeling better. That seemed enough, but little did I know I was going to have to face my past and all the regrets I accumulated over the years. I would isolate more and more until breaking down and until I realized I couldn’t do it alone.
Getting honest was difficult. I dreaded facing the people I had harmed. The Beacon House taught me how to face my past. I didn’t like the community and at first thought it was way over the line and too judgmental. I actually felt resentful and did not participate in the system. Signing in on the board, keeping my room clean, keeping up with my job assignment seemed too much. All these things appeared un-related to staying sober, but I tried to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t realize that responsibility was a big part of accountability. I really hated the accountability part of the program, but I adapted and stayed sober.
In closing, I didn’t know how to stay sober until I got into the Beacon House and learned about myself. At the Beacon House I faced several questions about myself: Could I be honest? Could I really follow rules and regulations? Could I take part in a community of people trying to do the same thing? Would I be caring and kind? Could I keep a relationship with a sponsor and work the steps? The answer is “sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly”. I am almost two years into a 12-Step program and not drinking, and that’s a whole lot in my opinion. It all started with making a decision and being accepted into the Beacon House.
It’s not that easy but the rewards a great. The staff, the clients, the direction and peace of mind are all right there if you chose to accept them.
That’s my story of recovery, and the Beacon House is where it truly began. My name is Stewart W, and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.