Five Years Ago Today

[[old] brianric]

I’m a recovering alcoholic. It was five years ago today that I had my last drink. It wasn’t quite planned that I was going to have that last drink on December 30, 2000, but that is the date. I started drinking and smoking when I was a freshman at Lowell Technological Institute, now known I think as UMass Lowell. Right from the start I was a heavy drinker. Smoked Pall Mall Red. I can’t remember how many times I drank myself to a point where I would throw up. I enlisted in the US Navy, and with the exception of boot camp, going out to sea, or having duty, I always manged to pound down a few. I blacked out one time at St John’s while on liberty, having no idea where the h*** I was at. Kept the drinking up when I got out of the Navy but kicked the cigarette habit the first time around in 1985 when I just moved to Seabrook, NH. I started riding a bicycle to get to the beach, and quit on smoking on May 25, 1985. Lasted over ten years, but still kept on drinking. I moved to New Jersey in 1989. 1995, while on vacation I picked up my nasty habit of smoking again. Couldn’t hack Pall Mall Red, so I switched to Salem lights. My drinking at that point was getting totally out of control, I didn’t go to bars anymore because I was too scared to drink and drive. I would stop at J-Tees Liquor store every night after work, buy a 12 pack of beer and a pack of Salem lights and go home. On the weekends, with Friday starting the weekend, I buy a case of beer and two packs of cigarettes. I was up to a carton on cigarettes and 5 cases plus of beer a week. I was suppose to go over to my friend Karen’s house for New Years’ eve that December 31, 2000, like I always did since I been living in New Jersey. Karen is a special friend, never criticizing me and never held her friendship from me even though I was a complete loser in life. I knew she didn’t approve of my drinking, but as long as I didn’t drink and drive, I was only hurting myself. I was feeling lousy on December 31, 2000. So lousy I didn’t feel like smoking or drinking. I called my friend Karen and begged off going over on New Years’ eve, and went to bed early. I woke up at 1:30 AM on New Years’ day 2001 with a massive bronchitis attack. Nearly killed me. I was so scared I stayed up 36 hours until I saw a doctor, because I was afraid if I went to sleep I wouldn’t wake up. I made a promise to God that if He let me live, I would quit smoking and attempt to quit drinking. Didn’t think I could quit drinking, but that bronchitis attack scared the daylights out of me. The only time I drank in the last five years is when I smoked. The only time I smoked on the last five years is when I drank. I was so scared of smoking I scared myself out of drinking. I bought a treadmill to take my mind off a drinking. When I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the left knee in 2004, I bought a C2 rower. I’ve put over 8 million meters on it since May 27, 2004. It is very hard for me to row because I have prosthesis in my left shoulder. Very painful, and it takes me twice as long to get my 12,000 to 15,000 meters in every day as a normal rower, because I take a lot of short breaks, less than a minute so my monitor does not reset. If I didn’t have my C2 I’d probably be back drinking. It has been five years now of sobriety. If I’m still alive in five more years, I’ll tell you then it had been ten years of sobriety, and I’m approaching 25 million meters or more. By the way, I’m going to be at Karen’s house this New Years’ eve. She happens to think I’m special.

[[old] Joe Greco]

Brian,<br /><br />I couldn't pass your post by without commenting on how tremendous<br />your courage has been these past 5 years. May you continue<br />to find that inner strength.<br /><br />Have a wonderful New Year and I look forward to reading your posts<br />for many years to come.<br /><br />Joe

[[old] tjod]

Keep up the good work and keep doing what you're doing and things will keep getting better. I know.

[[old] PaulS]

Well Done!<br /><br />I can't be positive, but at 12k+ a day, I'm pretty sure the grim reaper doesn't even bother checking in. <br /><br />Happy New Year!

[[old] johnnybike]

Well done and keep up the good work.

[[old] John Rupp]

Hi Brian,<br /><br />Thanks much for your truly inspirational story.<br /><br />I admire your courage and dedication.<br /><br />You are an inspiration to me, and I wish many others could read what you've written.<br /><br />All the best to you, for the next 5 years and beyond.

[[old] brianric]

I never thought I could do it. Drinking had such a grip on me. My doctor asked if I'd looked into AA. I said I went to one meeting and walked out, too many smokers. Thank God for exercise.

[[old] neilb]

Brian,<br /><br />This puts the endless debates about techinque and training programmes into true perspective.<br /><br />Great story. More power to your stroke.<br /><br />best wishes<br /><br />Neil

[[old] mpukita]

Brian:<br /><br />Congratulations and best wishes for continued sobriety.<br /><br />You forgot to mention the other things you do to "give back". I was impressed with the Boston Marathon Walks you've done, and continue to do.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />-- Mark

[[old] gw1]

Brian,<br /><br />Congrats on holding the demons at bay!<br />All the best for the future!<br /><br />GW

[[old] Mark Keating]

Well done Brian, you've conquered a couple pretty big Goliaths along your path. I appreciate you sharing your story with us.<br /><br />I wish you a Happy New Year and continued success for many years to come!<br /><br />Mark

[[old] brianric]

<!--QuoteBegin-mpukita+Dec 31 2005, 03:43 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(mpukita @ Dec 31 2005, 03:43 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Brian:<br /><br />Congratulations and best wishes for continued sobriety.<br /><br />You forgot to mention the other things you do to "give back".  I was impressed with the Boston Marathon Walks you've done, and continue to do.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />-- Mark <br /> </td></tr></table><br />Something I never talk about on my web site, I'm an active blood and platelet donor. It is just something that allows me to give back to the people of New Jersey for allowing me to live and work in their state. I'm a New Englander at heart.

[[old] raymond botha]

Hey Brian,<br /><br />Never forget, you are not alone, God remembers ... I know the courage that has allowed you to share honestly and openly. Thank you for that. Many people are afraid to admit they are imperfect, you are an example to them that need encouragement.<br /><br />I kicked the habit 10 yrs ago and can tell you that life only gets better to the point that I don't know how people that drink can cope with the challenges that face us daily. I have had the odd temptation but always remembered the regret that followed ... Booze takes more than it gives.<br /><br />We where all made for a purpose in life that satisfies the need for happiness that sometimes gets lost. I'm proud of you.<br /><br />Ray

[[old] dingrr]

Well done!

[[old] slo_boat]

Brian,<br /><br />Thanks for a great post. You have a tremendous story to tell, and there are a lot of people that could learn from your example.