Just lost another friend to alcoholism

[Craiga 01453]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Stories like this always break my heart. Honestly, sometimes they shake me to the core. I've lost my share of friends and have seen more than a handful of former "party buddies" names in the obituaries since.

As I'm pretty sure you know, I am one of the lucky ones (and I try to be conscious of this every day). I was able to get clean and sober a little more than 6 1/2 years ago. I have not a single doubt in my mind I wouldn't have lasted this long if I didn't get help. Heck, I was legally dead for 3-4 minutes and if the EMTs showed up two minutes later I would be gone. Thanks to them I'm still here.

This disease is so real, so scary and so ugly. It breaks my heart to hear of anybody suffering, and even more to hear of people losing the fight.
It's strange, I often find myself feeling guilty when I hear of others losing the fight. It's like I feel like it should have been me. Like, why was I saved and not them? But apparently I've still got something left to do on this planet. Hopefully I can just figure out what that is....

Anyway, sorry to ramble there. I can get caught up at times with regards to alcoholism and addiction. I'm glad to see more people willing to open up and share. At this point, I think almost all of us know someone who's struggling or has lost the battle, so it's easier to feel like we're not alone. I know it helped me to know I wasn't alone. So I'm never embarrassed or ashamed to tell me story. It just may save a life one day...

For those who are struggling or know someone who is, I'm always happy to talk, listen, whatever you need. Feel free to PM me anytime and I promise I'll reply as soon as I can.
If you're not comfortable talking to a stranger, please find the strength to talk to a loved one. The strength using you and you're not alone.

FTS, from the bottom of my heart I send you my deepest condolences. You and your friend are in my thoughts and in my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss. Albeit too soon, your friend is no longer suffering and has found peace.