2023-08-06 06:06:35
Intensive Care: Alcoholic’s Battle for Survival
Chantal, a 35-year-old woman, shares her harrowing journey battling alcohol addiction, which ultimately landed her in intensive care. At the end of 2022, Chantal suffers from internal bleeding and cirrhosis of the liver, both attributed to her excessive drinking.
Despite the alarming physical symptoms, Chantal continues to consume alcohol. With her skin turning yellow, resembling a “Jumbo bag,” Chantal recalls her shock. Reflecting on her addiction, she admits, “That’s how deceptive an addiction works.”
In February 2023, Chantal’s health deteriorates to the point where she requires intensive medical care. “I was out of the world for two days and ended up in the hospital for five weeks. That I survived is miraculous,” she shares. Initially, the doctors had given up hope, assuming she wouldn’t make it. It was then when it dawned on Chantal that her drinking habits were a matter of life or death.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Chantal makes a commitment to sobriety. If she remains alcohol-free for six months, she becomes eligible for a liver transplant. Currently, she awaits an intake at a rehab clinic for professional guidance, scheduled at the end of the year due to significant waiting lists. In the meantime, she attends Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in her neighborhood.
Chantal expresses gratitude for AA, calling it a “godsend” in her recovery journey. She joined a meeting the day after reaching out for help. The meetings provide her with a sense of recognition and empathy, as she discovers that others face similar challenges and learn valuable coping mechanisms. The supportive group dynamic, coupled with her newfound mentor and the twelve-step plan, offer her hope and strength.
Reflecting on her experiences, Chantal realizes the normalization of alcohol consumption in society. She observes how alcohol is omnipresent, from television advertisements to social gatherings. Chantal wants to share her story to raise awareness about the destructive power of alcohol. “Alcohol almost led to death for me, while for others, it costs them their family, job, or friendships. It can destroy everything,” she emphasizes.
Chantal hopes for a shift in societal acceptance towards a healthier and alcohol-free lifestyle. She believes that acknowledging the dangers posed by alcohol and embracing a life without it will lead to healthier outcomes in all aspects of life.
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