Michael's Story

At Leaving Mayhem, we share stories like Michael’s, real journeys of overcoming addiction and finding a new way to live. His story is one of struggle, truth, and ultimately, freedom. 

 

For years, alcohol was his escape. When problems and situations arose, it felt like there was no way out, no solution. So, he drank. And the more he drank, the worse his problems became. It was a cycle that seemed impossible to break.

At first, Michael didn’t see his drinking as a problem. It was what everyone around him was doing, so it felt normal. But behind the scenes, alcohol was taking more from him than he realized.

It wasn’t just the hangovers. it was the missed opportunities, the broken promises, and the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in a life he couldn’t escape. He thought he had it under control, but the truth hit hard: he couldn’t stay stopped on his own.

Michael’s relationship with alcohol started young. The first time he drank with the intention of getting drunk, he was only nine years old. By eleven, he experienced his first blackout.

What began as an escape soon became a way of life that followed him for decades. It wasn’t until he was 33 years old that he finally took the step to get sober and stay sober. It was a decision that would change everything.

Admitting he needed help was the hardest and most important step. Recovery didn’t just free him from alcohol. It gave him the tools to face life’s challenges without running from them.

It taught him how to navigate hard days and unexpected situations without turning to the bottle. And while life didn’t magically become easy, recovery gave him a new way to live. A way that didn’t include self-destruction.

Michael knows now that no matter how much time passes, he will never be able to have just one drink. For him, alcohol wasn’t something he could control. But in sobriety, he found something more valuable than the temporary relief alcohol once gave him—he found peace and balance.

One of the biggest lessons he’s learned is the power of action. Overthinking and indecision only feed anxiety, worry, and fear.

The way out?

Make a decision and take action. And if it doesn’t work, try something different. Recovery also taught him that happiness isn’t something you get from others. It’s a byproduct of how you live your own life. Through prayer and meditation, he works to align his intentions with his actions, knowing that good intentions alone aren’t enough.

When he first got sober, Michael realized just how much extra time he had in his daytime that he once filled with drinking. What do you do with all that time? For Michael, the answer was simple: fill it with things that bring you joy and peace.

He drank because he loved the effect alcohol gave him. The feeling of comfort and ease. But through recovery, he found something that alcohol never truly provided: a lasting sense of inner peace and freedom.

He also knows that triggers can come from anywhere, anything, or anybody. But recovery has shown him how to face those moments without running. Life didn’t stop being challenging just because he got sober.

What changed is how he handles those challenges. Now, when life throws something unexpected his way, he no longer spirals into a tailspin. He stands firm, using the tools recovery gave him to stay grounded and move forward.

Michael’s story is proof that no matter how far down the road you’ve gone, there is always a way out. There is always hope. Recovery isn’t just about removing alcohol. It’s about building a life where you no longer feel the need to escape. And like Michael, you can find that freedom too. All it takes is a willingness to take the first step.