Surviving alcohol addiction is quite a journey. It takes strength. It takes courage. It takes motivation. It takes love. It takes support. I could go on and on, but the point is: it is NOT an easy journey. Anyone on this journey deserves a ton of credit. No matter what a person’s past entails, that does not mean it will be their future. A quote that I really adore is:

“Don’t bring up the past of a person who is trying to improve their future.”

The memoir, Breaking Night, is a great example of this. It’s about a girl who has a tough childhood, but ends up turning her life in to something magnificent. A young woman, who at age fifteen was living on the streets, eventually makes it into Harvard.

The main character, Liz Murray, was born to alcohol and drug-addicted, yet loving parents in the Bronx. She was constantly made fun of for her dirty clothing and lice-infested hair. She eventually skipped so many classes that she was put into a girls’ home. Her family finally unraveled at age fifteen, and Liz found herself on the streets. She learned to get by, scrounging for food, and riding subways all night to have a warm place to sleep.

It was when Liz’s mother died of AIDS that she decided to take control of her own destiny. She started by going back to high school – often completing her assignments in hallways and subway stations where she slept. Liz managed to squeeze four years of high school into two, won a New York Times scholarship; and made it into the Ivy League. Breaking Night is a beautifully written story of one young woman’s strong and ambitious spirit to survive.

I think any recovering alcoholic or loved one of an alcoholic or recovering alcoholic can appreciate this inspiring story.

To all those surviving or who know someone who is trying to survive the anxiety of alcoholism:

What you should do?

  • Think positively. Know you can get out of this mess. Most people eventually do!
  • Understand that you are not the first person to experience this, and unfortunately, won’t be the last.
  • Know that there is help.
  • Ask for help!
  • Surround yourself with loved ones and people you can trust. Listen to them. They have your best interests at heart.
  • Realize you can feel a lot worse then you do at the moment.
  • Remember to have hope and optimism.

What you should NOT do?

  • Do NOT be negative. You can beat the odds!
  • Do NOT think your loved ones will stick around forever. They have a limit, just like you.
  • Do NOT think that you know better then a doctor.
  • Do NOT believe yourself when you say you will stop drinking “tomorrow“. “Tomorrow” never comes.
  • Do NOT lie to your doctor or counsellor.
  • Do NOT stop looking for help.
  • Do NOT give up.

If you have any favorite books, movies, or TV shows, regarding recovery and motivation, please email me at [email protected]. Have a great day!! 🙂

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.