Jim's Alcoholism Story: I Know I Will Die If I Drink More

by Jim
(Brisbane, Qld, Australia)

I was born in 1964. My childhood was an unhappy one because my mother was very ill and my father who was an ex-boxer with an alcohol problem who was very abusive to all in my family both mentally and physically.

I attended a special school for my learning disabilities for being dyslexic early in life but then attended a normal school for the duration of my education. I left school when I was fourteen years old.

I started drinking when I was ten years old. I shared shandy's (beer and lemonade) with my parents. I moved out of my parents home about one year after I left school. I had no where to go so I went to a refuge. I then worked various jobs but never really staying in one for a long time.

I lived in Coalraine, Victoria and I drank and lived in a friend's car for about a year and anywhere I could for a few years. I met a nice girl in Brisbane whilst working, we dated and whilst we were living together I died in my girlfriend's arms once and ended up in hospital for one week.

I have been in and out of rehab a few times in my life of course. When I think about all the people that I have hurt in my life because of this habit. If I drink anymore I will die and I know this. I have slipped once or twice in the last seven years but I am able to stay sober because I am more frightened of the consequences that will occur from my drinking.

My family consists of two sisters, one brother, three uncles, one niece, one nephew and a new baby on the way to my younger sister. I have a small family now as my parents and one brother are deceased.

I have a lovely unit with a garden now and good neighbours. They look after me and I help them also. My quality of life is so much better now. I am warm at night and I know where I am when I wake up each day.

This is my story.