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WAKESHA, Wisconsin — Looking back at old photos, 28-year-old Lauren Nelson can barely recognize herself.
Nelson said, “It makes me sad to think that I was drinking alcohol in college.”
She started drinking at 18, which led her into a new reality where she learned she could be another person.
“I loved to party,” said Nelson. “I loved being the star of the party. Everything people thought was fun came from alcohol. I didn’t know how to have fun without it.”
Lauren had kidney cancer as a child and had only one kidney left.
“For the past 20 years, I’ve only had one kidney,” Nelson said. “It’s working twice as hard, and because of my alcohol abuse, I probably won’t live past 35. I’m going to have to make a big lifestyle change, and that’s abstaining from alcohol completely.”
Last January, she decided to quit drinking. She’s celebrating her year off her sobriety, which she said is never easy.
“It’s kind of lonely,” said Nelson. “There’s a strange stigma associated with being sober. ‘Oh, we feel bad for you. Oh, you’re not drinking. No, it’s just weird tiptoeing.”
Luckily for her, Nelson said she has a good support system, but living in a state like Wisconsin, known for drinking, can be difficult. For example, she attended her wedding on New Year’s Eve.
“I had to leave the wedding early,” said Nelson. “I had a panic attack because of the urge to blend in and be in the place where everyone else was popping champagne and taking shots. I thought I’d go to the bar and have a drink.”
She said those circumstances can be triggers, but she’s learned it’s okay to leave.
“Explaining this is part of the journey, knowing that if I want to stay sober, I can recognize emotions when they come up and not leave early or drink. We have to be aware,” said Nelson.
Nelson said she is grateful to have her own support system, but encourages others to recognize when their love is sober.
“Don’t wait for them to come in front of you while you’re drinking and they’re drinking soda,” Nelson said. I feel bad because you say you’re fine.”
From now on, Nelson will continue to focus on her drinking.
Sobriety isn’t just a New Year’s resolution for Nelson. It’s a lifestyle for her to live her healthy life.
James Hishmeh of Rodgers Behavioral Health says it’s important to have a supportive community around you: friends, family, and even support groups if you decide to quit drinking.
“Be open and transparent about the decisions and the reasons for the decisions,” Hishme said. “It can start a great dialogue and you’ll probably find you have more support than you feared.”
For additional resources on living soberly at Rodgers Behavioral Health, visit their website.
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