The Best Is Yet To Come

MY name is Jimmy, and I am an alcoholic. I started drinking at 15. My reasoning was to fit in with others as it was the done thing with my mates. It wasn’t long before my drinking escalated and got out of control. I got married at 17 my girlfriend was pregnant; I didn’t feel forced into marrying her but it seemed the right thing to do. I was drunk at the register office and my cousin actually told my girlfriend that it wasn’t too late to change her mind! My work was affected. My boss said he wouldn’t sack me but I’d end up losing my job over bad time keeping.

Years went on kidology that, “I’m not that bad.” Back on the merry-go-round for several years. As I know now ‘keep doing what you’re doing - keep getting what you’re getting’. When I was 30, I knew I needed to do something when my wife told me, “It’s not the going for a drink that’s the problem, it’s the coming home.” She didn’t realise I didn’t go home because I could carry on drinking.

I phoned the AA helpline, and a member came out to see me and told me about his past and took me to my first meeting. At my first meeting there was a man about 13 years older than me. I thought when I’m his age then maybe that’s the time I’ll want to stop drinking. It was very strange I thought - these people keep saying, “Keep coming back.” which nobody else ever said to me! Hearing others share, they had something I wanted because they were smiling. I gave it time; time as suggested and found a belonging and felt comfortable. Through this Fellowship and the Twelve Steps of recovery I have learnt to cope with life.

That was 41 years ago, and I have never picked up a drink in all that time. Thanks to the Fellowship I have, in time, been able to mend some of the hurt I caused through drink. I lost my Mum in sobriety and my marriage, which wasn’t easy as it caused friction with my two sons. I am now happily married for the last 15 years and have an additional family.

This year has been especially tough as my brother passed away abroad and I feel I never got to say goodbye due to travel restrictions, but the love and support I’m getting through the Fellowship and virtual meetings has been amazing. With acceptance and the Higher Power I have today I know I’m not alone. Believe me! The best is yet to come.

JIMMY, Barrow in Furness.