I consider most substance addictions as birds of a feather, not making great distinction between drug addicts and alcoholics. It is my belief that any step toward recovery is a smart step and I support most programs including AA, NA, MA, religious groups, self-styled, and rehabs. I am a member of a substance abuse task force, hold a recovery class every week at a local methadone clinic, always have at least one or two alcoholics/addicts to which I act as a sponsor, and of course there is TDA. I have found through my efforts of attempting to help others that my own spirituality, confidence, and appreciation of life greatly increases.

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In recovery, I have discovered that the very act of reining in my disease has empowered me to become a much better person. Ergo, The Discovering Alcoholic. I am many things; husband, veteran, advocate and blogger but most first and foremost I am an alcoholic. Addicts and alcoholics have the same foibles and frustrations as everyone else, but the negative repercussions that result from these are usually exponentially greater for those whose coping skills are limited to drinking and drugging. The key is to know oneself better, understand what pulls the trigger, and to adapt one’s lifestyle and actions into a preventative maintenance program. And it’s not only about staying sober; When you apply these same lessons and the confidence gained in recovery to other aspects in life (business, relationships, parenting), you cannot but help to feel empowered.

So hello my name is Gavin, and I am The Discovering Alcoholic.