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Hi my name is Terence and I'm an alcoholic. I've been sober for 14 months. I've been very open about my journey of recovery on here but I've never actually said the "a-word" aloud and after my meeting last night I felt compelled to. 1/13
I was in denial for such a long time and it took a severe rock bottom experience for me to wake up. Those first few meetings were extremely difficult because I was always the youngest person in the room. Hollywood had painted a certain (inaccurate) picture of what... 2/13
...an alcoholic looks like and I didn't feel like I fitted the mould. On top of that, excessive drinking was so entrenched in our culture as young South Africans that I never once stopped to think that maybe my behaviour wasn't normal or that I needed to rethink... 3/13
my relationship with alcohol. So I almost stopped going to meetings because I tried to convince myself that I was just another typical young South Africa who occasionally drank too much. 4/13
But then I attended a meeting where this girl (*Megan - not her real name) shared her story. She was 27 (like me), a creative (like me) and I found myself relating to almost 80% of her story. That was the moment I knew I had to be there. 5/13
I've had at least 5 friends come to me and acknowledge their own struggles with substances. They said they would've never spoken out if it wasn't for me. And last night in my meeting I was reminded of the importance of visibility. 6/13
Those first few meetings were so scary and intimidating even everybody there was so friendly and welcoming. But I didn't see myself in those rooms and I thus felt I didn't belong. 7/13
So I'm here today to tell you today as a 28 YO queer, coloured man, that there is definitely a space for you. If you feel like you're struggling with any form of addiction and you don't know where to turn, DM me. 8/13
You might not even need AA/NA, sometimes it's just nice to confide in someone who understands how your mind works and who has had a similar journey/experience. If you wish to join AA/NA and you don't know how DM me. 9/13
I'll point you in the direction of where you can find zoom meetings. If you want to attend face to face meetings, DM me! My home group started having meetings again last night and the in-person experience is so much nicer. 10/13
We'd be glad to have you! I know how nerve-racking the build-up is to that first meeting. I wish somebody had prepared me. Hence why I'm making this thread. There is a whole network of people who are ready and willing to help you, don't be afraid, don't be shy. 11/13
Addiction is not something to be ashamed of. You'd be surprised how many people are suffering in silence. Stop the suffering today if this is you. There's a way out :) And like I said, you don't necessarily have to join the program or do meetings. Meetings aren't as dreary..12/13
... as they're depicted in films. They can sometimes be a lot of fun. My meetings are usually the highlight of my week. But if you're not at that point yet then that's fine. If you just want to talk and share your story/experience, well, I'm here for you. 13/13
