In my teens and early twenties, I often used alcohol as a way to manage anxiety and emotional pain. I relied on alcohol to get through stress, sadness, or moments of self-doubt. Over time, my drinking began to affect my relationships and how I showed up in my community. Everything shifted when I met my husband, who gently but honestly pointed out how alcohol was interfering with my life. That moment led me to seek out a therapist who specialized in alcohol abuse—and what made it powerful was that she had her own lived experience. With her support, I began to understand the deeper emotional roots of my drinking. I slowly rewired how I handled strong emotions, and as I stepped away from alcohol, I noticed a real improvement in how I connected with others and how I felt about myself.