I Never Had An Off Switch With Alcohol....My First Drink Was A Blackout

Elena Sanders grew up anxious, highly emotional, and feeling like she never quite fit in — a sensitive kid carrying far more than any child should. By the time she was a teenager, she'd found the one thing that finally quieted her mind: alcohol. She drank alone, blacked out from the very first time, and never had an "off switch." What started as escape spiraled through weed, psychedelics, pills, and eventually cocaine — the first line of which made her think, "I never want to feel any other way." Deep in Birmingham's rave scene, she was spending everything she had to stay high, calling out of work, and waking up in places that could have cost her life. Her rock bottom came when she woke up in an emergency room, having been found face-down in her own vomit. That was the morning everything changed. Today Elena is coming up on a year sober — she found a home group, a sponsor she met at a book study, and a relationship with her family she never thought possible. In this raw, honest conversation, she opens up about anxiety, bullying, the lies addiction tells, and what it actually took to finally get free. Sponsored by Caron Treatment Centers My recovery journey began at Caron Treatment Centers, and the care I received there changed the course of my life. That's why I'm proud to partner with Caron. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Caron has been helping individuals and families find hope and lasting recovery for nearly 70 years. They are in-network with all major insurance providers, and same-day admission is available. ➡️ Learn more: https://www.caron.org/lp/rise-above 📞 Call Caron today: 855-352-0103 Recovery starts with taking the first step. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices