Raja (alcoholic)

After many decades of swinging between acceptance and denial of my condition, that day came, which turned out to be the best day of my life. I was granted the gift of desperation. For many years, this illness told me that I would be able to simply enjoy and control my drinking.

However, in reality, the evidence was there for all to see that this wasn't the case. There were hospital visits, life support machines, police cells, broken marriage, lost job opportunities; the list was endless. But denial blindfolded me to the impact alcohol was having on me. This didn't change until the pain was too much. The feeling of guilt, shame and demoralisation was unbearable, and I finally reached out to AA. This was to be the best decision of my life.

I can honestly say that my whole life has transformed in every department with my hand on my heart. The gift of repairing broken relationships with my loved ones has given me a whole new level of freedom.

Waking up and thanking Allah for giving me this opportunity every day is a blessing. If you are struggling with this disease, if you want to stop and change your life, there is a solution, and I am proof that it works.

I made a promise to God that day, if He gets me out of Hell, I will do my best to help others who are in the same position. If you choose to stop, it will be the best decision you will ever make, just like me. Today I am happy, joyous and free.