Living An Addiction-Free Life

Bill, I will always commend you for taking control of your life and your addiction, as well as for always trying so hard and passionately to help others who are addicted and in need of the encouragement and help to move past their addictions. Thank you Bill for always just being such a wonderful and caring person. As always wishing you a great day ahead now!

This is great information!

It begins slowly I am sure. I have seen it so many times. Fortunately I like a drink or two and gambling..Controlled...Both I enjoy a lot. However I know how easy it is to give in...and then again and again...It is a spiral I am sure. Anyway today is good for you Bill and you have conquered your demons...I am sure it is a daily choice and the remembering of what happened to your life. My stepson after 25 years is now on the right path...

Well written as always Bill. You are living proof that nobody needs to live out the remainder of their life with addiction. If this hub helps even one person it will be well worth the time it took you to write it.

I gave up my smoking twelve years ago and I would say I missed it for ten years but I don't any longer, you couldn't pay me to go back, so maybe that day will come for you too. I hope so. You are a winner, don't change! ^

I don't have any addictions very interesting about life another helpful hub from you.

This is a very well-written expose, Bill. It takes a lot of courage to do what you have done and even more to make it public. You are a role model in more ways than you realize.

Bill, once again you have written a powerful and inspiring article on addiction. I admire you so very much for putting it all out there, others can find some hope in your experience and know that it is possible to take back control of their lives.

Excellent work as always. My very best to you.

Such a helpful material ...

May not have experienced it, but I do think it's really difficult to cope with. You're brave to share your accounts with us.

How to write from the heart! Good for you to be so open and honest and I wish you the very best!

You have a strength that many do not Bill. To pull yourself up from that hell-hole just because you were 'sick and tired of being sick and tired' - took not only balls, it took commitment and determination - on a daily basis. Nobody did it but YOU - YOUR way! And in return - you write hubs like this to encourage others!

Whether warranted or not - you pay your self-inflicted penance every day - and every day, the world benefits from it.

Maybe there IS a reason for everything, eh?

hugs, Bill-bro!

The more I read about addictions, the more I see how addictions start with a longing for something - not necessarily the substance itself - but something to fulfill whatever the person is missing in life. By the way, the brain video is really helpful. I never saw the link between addictive behavior and addictive thinking as clearly delineated until watching the video.

Billybuc, thanks for an insightful hub based on your own journey. Alcohol addiction is just one of many addictions, as people search for true meaning in their lives.

I am happy that you are living a life in FULL awareness cause that means you are living in the present my friend!

I am kinda getting addicted to FB and this awareness is kinda killing me...but ought to restrict my time over there.

Congratulations on meeting this difficult test in life head-on. You are a triumphant inspiration for others The first step is often the most difficult. I hope that those who need the benefit of your generous offer with reach out.

So strong, fantastic work! And a touching story you are telling us, thank you for sharing:)

My heart is so filled with joy just knowing you are "free" from those demons and you know the key to staying free is to take one day at a time and enjoy this one present day ...living, loving and helping others. I know of this terrible disease of addiction as it had a grip on some of my close family members. My son has been sober since the age of 19 ...seven years now too! I now have the son back I used to know before this disease because he took the necessary steps, too, to change his life, plus a lot of prayer on my part! Hugs and much love to you always, Faith Reaper

Your words are important to share. I still have addictions that I battle with but I was able to overcome Alchohol and Cigarrettes those were very hard. These addictions had gone on so long and become so ingrained in my behaviour that I nearly had to reinvent myself to quite. Now I am working on chocolate, my tendency to overeat, and a few others. Thank you for this hub. Jamie

You have shown great bravery and a great strength of will to be able to control your addiction and I for one am full of admiration. I've never had to do that but I can imagine how difficult it must have been, must still be from time to time. I've had one family member die through alcoholism but did not have to deal with him myself. I know how it affected his wife.

You do indeed help others in so many ways and you come across as a tolerant, just person, willing to do his bit to make this world a better place.

I love these words of yours, 'I find when I treat others with respect that I have a tendency to do the same with myself. I find when I have compassion for others that it is easy for me to look in a mirror. I find when I live a life of love then love comes easily and infiltrates every facet of my being.' They are words that others would do well to heed as they are the core of life.

You have my admiration, my support and my friendship. May you continue to spread your unique message for a long, long time.

Hope your week is going well. Ann

Thanks, bill; I'm honoured that you reciprocate. Ann

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure it will help some people at least start thinking about getting headed in the right direction. When it comes to hard drugs or alcohol I'm clueless as to how that feels and how hard it must be to stop. My addiction is to cigarettes and I'm having a hard time quitting. But with inspirational stories like yours, although different from my own addiction, I get inspired to do something positive in my own life.

Bill, thanks for sharing. I know all about alcohol addiction. And you're right, you've gotta want it. I've been in meetings where a new guy walks in thinking that AA alone is a magic pill. It's never that easy. I could go on and on here, but you know the deal. Congratulations on the sober life.

Truth!

Both my parents were alcoholics, so living with it in my house was commonplace, even normal if you will. They never stopped drinking until the day they died. Because of alcoholic parents, none of us kids drink - not even a glass of wine. We know it is inherent in our genes, so we are mindful of that. All too often in my profession, I have seen many people make a decision to quit drinking, only to fall victim to it again, for whatever reasons. I say that with sincerity because many alcoholics are victims ... victims of their environment, of the actual process of addiction, and victims of their friend base. The lure is strong and it takes an even stronger person to keep turning away from it. I am thankful that you have been able to not only quit and never turned back to it, but also that you are an inspiration to everyone you meet - whether it is in person or on the internet - it shows through your writing that you are strong. I think writing about it also makes you stronger too and helps to keep it more at bay. One day at a time, one foot in front of the other - truer words were never spoken.

Cool, really cool, and an ideal partner to share this conviction. Much Mehta ..

A wonderful honest hub Bill. I was addicted to cigarettes for years. I quit in 2004. It was really difficult, now the odor of smoke is appalling. I know your words will help others. Thank you...

Kudos to you! I've never known addiction myself but cheer on those trying to beat it in their own lives.

This is a very supportive hub with a very generous offer to help others, Bill. Thank you.

You gave me an idea about quitting smoking this time. Keeping to a busy schedule will help. That is half the problem. When I get bored I think about them, then I go out and have one. Half of the time I could have done without one. Thanks for the idea.

Very inspirational. Congratulations on your sobriety! You are such a great example on so many levels of what progress means in a purposeful life. All the best going forward!

Yours is a great testimony Bill that with will power and positive thinking anyone can change their life around. I have never been addicted to anything. No I take that back, I did have a gambling addiction for awhile years ago, but fortunately got over that. Now I can bet on horse races occasionally but only a couple of dollars and can go months between bets. Once it would be every race meeting. Thanks for being so open and a good example for us all.

You have inspired thousands with your testimony billybuc. I printed this one out too...Every day I agonize over my son not responding to my invites to take him to dinner....and his wife telling me 'he is a wonderful father regardless of his childhood' ...I have no idea what she is talking about. It is a torment I carry with me every single day. I have not seen his children in 2 years. This is the greatest burden to carry...not knowing where I messed up. I have good days and bad days...today I am humpty dumpty. There. I cried on your shoulder. Thanks a lot for the invitation. God bless, Sparklea :)

Excellent, dear friend. Your ability to open up here with your writing is helping people every day. Blessings, so many blessings xx

Bravo to you, friend Bill! You are showing your strength and grace by writing so candidly about your past. Alcoholism runs in my family. I lost a beloved aunt and her husband to alcoholism in their 50s. I divorced my first husband because of his alcoholism. It hurts those who love them when they fail. You have kicked your demons in the butt, and I’m sure they’ll stay licked. I send light and love to you. Voted up and beautiful!

Bill, you are a true inspiration and strong example of hope for those who struggle with addiction. I am so glad you have a life worth living today.

Great opening line that BillyBuc: “It is hard to understand addiction unless you have experienced it.”

Many "non-addictive" types will say the only thing lacking with addicts is will power. But they don't have to use will power because when they put certain kinds of food, beverage, or substances into their system, they simply don't "crave" for more of the same. It is only when someone can experience a true and relentless physical craving, coupled with an obsession of the mind, which keeps whispering: "more, more, more, and to hell with the consequences", that non-addictive types can comment with any real authority.

I don't say this as a cop-out for addicts, but just an accurate observation.

Andy Aitch

This is truly inspirational hub and you have inspired many with your writings.

Thanks for sharing this engaging hub!

Hi Bill.

Uplifting, perfectly astonishing. Only a expert writer can explain it the way you have introduced a process living person lived through, never known to me, however now "experienced "it through your experience as well those of commenting. One part though isn't clear to me- due to cultural background (?)- perhaps; how come you say that you are what you have been and now you're not there anymore. .. To my understanding YOU ARE NOT an alcoholic . If that would be possible I would like to erase damaging statement " I will always be an alcoholic." God forbid.

Up,useful, beautiful and interesting.

Peace with us, my friend.

Congratulations on your sobriety. Addiction is a sickness and once started it is a never ending battle of will power. This was a great article. I look forward to reading more of your hubs.

wow! This article is very well written and inspiring. I personally am not an addict. My cousin was a drug addict, he lives with his parents. He would do everything he could to get his hands on it. He would sell the tv and furniture in the living room to get drugs, his mom and dad would wonder where did the tv in the living room went! It got real bad and his family sent him to rehab. He is fine now and very productive and earning a very good living for himself. It was a good thing that he went to rehab early. Although I am sure its never too late to turn your life around.

I can only imagine what people like you and my cousin went through in those days. I have great people for people like you and my cousins who had the strength and courage to take matters in their own hands and turn their lives around. Congratulations and Keep up the good work!

Amazing hub, Bill! This is very inspirational!

You know you are our shinning star. I am cigarette free for three months, something I never thought would happen. Long story, but I did it. It was tough! I cannot even imagine what you went through.

I have an addictive personality and as a result there are many things I stay away from. Yes, I've been to Vegas and Atlantic City but fortunately do not live close enough to get there often. No, I do not drink at all, partly from fear of liking it and partly because I haven't found a drink I like.

Keep up your inspiration Bill as you are leading the way for so many!

Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting, shared and pinned.

addiction is something that you cannot get rid overnight, rather you need to adjust your mind, increase your will power and also have enough patience to get rid of addictions in the long run.

Your last sentence is the most potent. I commend you for your fight, your willingness to always help others, and your new life after your 'former' struggle. In some ways, it will always be a struggle, but you have found the road to control it. YOU will always be my friend.

Your words are inspiring indeed. Ironically as I was reading this I was also having a text conversation with the daughter of a deceased drinking buddy from what now seems like another lifetime. Coincidental? Unlikely. Thank you.

Wow Bill, this is an excellent article, and boy does it hit home with me. You are a strong person Bill and I am honored to have you as one of my sober friends! It sure is hard to say goodbye to our demons, BUT the life we now live Bill is far more brighter than any addicted life. I love sobriety, and to tell you truth, I never thought I could do it Bill, But (WE) did it!!! Stay strong and stay sober as I will no matter what happens in our lives. BTW the Pic of your family is so beautiful. You are Blessed my friend :)

Ah, my bf's dad is an alcoholic. Very sad situation. Always tried to understand it from his dad's point of view.. not to justify him, just to understand why he does what he does.

Glad you turned your life around! Definitely an inspiring (an eye-opening) read.

Voted up among other things!