Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by
ionic footbaths, and spent as much time as I could in the sauna. Finally, I changed my eating habits. Before ATMC I would have argued that I was an extremely healthy eater, but after all the classes I learned that, unfortunately, my diet had me consuming a very unhealthy amount of preservatives, caffeine, aspartame, and genetically modified foods, which I believe was making it impossible for my body to achieve a natural chemical balance. All I know is that once I started actively getting toxins out of my system and eating and drinking as healthily as possible, I really did notice a considerable difference in how I felt, both mentally and physically.I’m hopeful and excited about my future. Back when I started the program I said to somebody that I just wanted to feel strong again, and I do. What can I say, I can’t complain.
I’m over a month out of the program now, and it all still seems to be working. I feel really good. I mean, of course, I would feel physically better now that I’m not ingesting all of that alcohol on a daily basis, but it’s something more. Most strikingly, my cravings are “different.” Before I craved ALL the time and they were just so intense. Now, when I have them, they’re completely manageable. I can reasonably accept that they’re there and that I’ll still have them for a while, perhaps forever, but I don’t NEED to feed them. Also, I’m not NEARLY as mind-obsessed about alcohol anymore. It’s not the number one thing on my mind ALL THE TIME. I go full periods without even thinking about it, which doesn’t sound like much unless you’re an alcoholic like I was. Then it’s seriously glorious to stop and realize you haven’t thought about alcohol at all in like 4, 5 hours or whatever. I have a smile on my face right now just thinking about it.
So right now life is good. I quickly decided I did not want to go back home after I graduated. If I actually did it this time, if I became free from addiction, all I wanted was a simple life and for me, well, I just couldn’t see that happening in Phoenix. I wanted a slower pace of life, and I feel safe here and it allows me to stay close to the ATMC community, which has become very important to me. I’m actually interning right now for ATMC. They have an After Care program that allows you to kind of wade back into normal life rather than jumping right back in.
So I’m working part-time, giving me time to keep actively working on my health and sobriety. I still sauna, take my supplements, go to a group a week, see a counselor, and hang out with everybody from the program. It all keeps me busy and makes me feel productive, like I’m moving forward. I became really close with the girl I shared a room with while I was a resident, and we got a great little place together. My dog’s back with me. For the first time since I can remember, I’m hopeful and excited about my future. Back when I started the program I said to somebody that I just wanted to feel strong again, and I do. What can I say, I can’t complain.
~ Marisa
