I came to Alberta full of expectations and enthusiasm for a new life. I was leaving behind a broken marriage and a small city without much work. I arrived in Grande Prairie and soon got a job in the patch making the big bucks. After several months there and seeing too many lonely guys on drugs and full of complaints I decided to move to the big city to find a job and a nice girlfriend.

I moved to Edmonton because I had a friend there and I soon got a job in my trade. At first it was exciting and I met a few new friends at work. We worked hard and drank every day. As time went on I found myself doing things a little differently. Every day after a few drinks with the boys after work I would end up picking up more beer. It seemed like the reasonable way to deal with the stress of not finding a girl yet and living in a new place. Eventually I found an easier was to relax was sipping whiskey and falling asleep to movies in my easy chair. Alcohol and the TV became my most trusted friends. It wasn’t what I wanted but it would do until I found the right girl and job. Well, my friends started to notice I didn’t have as much energy at work and I seemed a little hung over often a work. I did not listen too much to their comments at first but when my boss complained about being late and hungover I decided it was time for action.

I was very strong and independent and thought I could quit alcohol easily. Well, I lasted two weeks until my friend’s birthday. We went to the bar on Friday after work on Whyte Avenue after got partying. Once I had slammed back a few shooters with the boys I felt strong and confident again. I got a few girls phone numbers but I blew it when I got too drunk and almost got in a fight with the bartender when he cut me off. No one wanted anything to do with me again that night. Everyone thought I was a drunken buffoon. The next day was the beginning of my heavy drinking. I needed a drink to stop my anxiety and from that day on my drinking increased until my boss said I did not need to come to work anymore. My mind would not quit spinning and my stomach was full of stress every day. I could not stop drinking without suffering. I started to look like shit and I did not want to meet anyone. Eventually, my long time friend came over to check on me and convinced me  to get help. Even though I did not want to accept defeat I decided to shut him up by making the phone call. I was glad I did. That evening a man came over and picked me up and we went to a meeting. I was amazed to meet many others that had nearly the same experience as me. I found relief immediately. With their help I learned how to stop drinking and live a normal happy life again. I found a new job and made a lot of great friends that I still have today. I realized many others die and still suffer and how lucky I was to pick up the phone and call someone for some advice and help. I have saved myself a lot of misery and wasted life. So I have provided some numbers if you would like to make the call. The only shame is not treating your disease and discovering the joy in living life again.

AA Edmonton: 780 424 5900

AA Calgary: 403 777 1212

AA Fort McMurray: 780 743 0099

AA Red Deer: 780 347 8650

AA Grande Prairie: 780 532 1772

AADAC Alberta: 310 0000 780 538 6330 (toll free)

Official AA Website