'I was inspired to overcome alcoholism'

It’s been two-and-a-half years since I gave up alcohol. Kicking the habit, however, was not an easy task. It was not just my health problems which compelled me to give up on alcohol, my professional and personal lives were suffering too.

I was terminated eight times in 12 years because of my addiction to alcohol. My wife, parents and relatives did not want to be associated with me because of my love for booze. I was willing to kick the bottle, but I just could not do it.

Many people say one’s family background is responsible for the person taking up to drinking, but that was not the case with me. My father was in the Indian Air Force and I led a disciplined life. I used to excel in everything I did, from sports to studies. My career was going great guns too. I was the youngest person in my family to buy a house, car and other luxurious items in Mumbai. I was also lucky to marry the love of my life.

Drinking was a trap that I consciously walked into — it was my choice. I was curious to know how alcohol tasted, so I started drinking while pursuing my degree.

I did not like the taste of alcohol, but enjoyed the after effects. Since then I was hooked to drinking. I couldn’t live my life even for a moment without drinking. People asked me if I was aware of how much I drank, but I did not have an answer. I did not know how much I was drinking.

My wife and my family tried everything to help me get rid of alcoholism, but it worked only for a short while. After a week or a month, I would start drinking again. I was admitted to a hospital.

This happened six times, but I still couldn’t overcome my addiction.

It was only when I met people like me through Alcoholics Anonymous that I became determined to get rid of my addiction. I took it one day at a time and told myself that I won’t drink again I do this every day. It has been my mantra to success. My family, wife and friends have accepted me once again.

Asis (name changed)
(As told to Nitin Kumar)