The following are excerpts from chapter 20 “Intervention” in my book: “Getting a Winning Verdict In My Personal Life: A Trial Lawyer Finds His Soul.” My intervention, in June of 1984, was the turning point that helped me begin to heal.
Alcohol Intake
“My therapist was also a physician and an expert in his field. He advised me that if I quit drinking cold turkey, he was worried that I would experience delirium tremors (DTs). My alcohol intake was that serious. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. Immediately after I stopped drinking, I began to feel better. Within a week, I felt fabulous. My head cleared and as a result, my life changed forever.”
The Quitting Process: 7 Benefits of a “Alcohol Free Life”
- Fun: during this process, “I learned that I didn’t have to have a drink to have a good time.”
- Memory: soon I found I could have a good time at parties. “I could even remember them too!”
- Extra Time: when my mind cleared (from the alcohol) “I now had time in the evenings, when I could read and relax. It was like I added three or four hours to every day of my life.”
- Productivity: with the added time “I could do so much more. I was much more alert. My energy was much better and so was my concentration.”
- Sleep: no longer drinking to knock myself out before bedtime, “I slept better. I felt better.”
- Physical: along with the higher energy level came an improved physical well being. “I began to exercise.”
- Spiritual and Psychological: I had a spiritual and psychological awakening. After chasing the elusive million dollar verdicts for years, “I really believed that the Universe would give me what I wanted as long as it was consistent with my client’s interests.”
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Thanks for the list–and a reminder that holds true no matter what our addictions might be (including work).
My last comment was so ‘wise,’ I gave myself an extra “a” on the end of my name.
Great list, and so true. thank you!
Just saw this in your tweetstream and hopped right over to read. Congratulations on your sobriety! Many dismiss the impact of alcoholism and I hope that many will read your story and be inspired to seek help for themselves or a loved one. I do not drink but there were alcoholics in my family, so I know both the emotional toll and stigma. It is however encouraging when people like you who have found help, reach back to shine the light so that others can find the path. Thank you for your openness and honesty!
Great little summary of all the advantages, including some I’d not thought of myself – thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Neil. I see that you and I share the alcohol free life. All my best to you.