“I grew up in Flint, MI, surrounded by addiction and mental health struggles. My parents battled their own demons, and our family was known for drunken fights, front-yard brawls, and endless arrest records. Sadly, we lost friends and family far too young to gangs, suicide, and drugs. But amid all the chaos, I had one stable, caring adult who always told me this life wasn’t normal and I was meant for more.
Eventually, I left Michigan for Florida on a one-way ticket with just $100 and a carry-on. I built a new life – got married, had a child, and started a small business. As a military spouse, I’ve endured five deployments and all the stress that comes with military life. It became overwhelming, and I turned to alcohol to cope. What started as casual Mommy Wine Culture escalated into full-blown alcohol use disorder. I never got a DUI or had legal issues, but my drinking damaged my marriage, business, and mental health.
I was terrified that seeking help would harm my husband’s career, so I tried to quit on my own but failed over and over. Realizing I was exposing my child to the same trauma I endured growing up, I knew it was either sobriety or an early grave. After a panic attack triggered by a hangover, I finally decided to get help and entered rehab for 60 days. It was scary but life-changing.
Today, I’ve been sober for almost two years. I’ve lost 20 pounds, my anxiety is low, depression is gone, my marriage is strong again, and my children are happy. We often talk about veterans struggling with addiction, but family members and spouses can be overlooked. If that’s you, please know that rehab is a medical intervention protected under HIPAA – it won’t harm your spouse’s career. Get the help you need.”