Elizabeth's Story - Recovery is Possible Even After 35 Years of Struggling

Elizabeth's Story - Recovery is Possible Even After 35 Years of Struggling

Hello my name is Elizabeth Gaskell. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas. I’m the oldest of three kids. Growing up I loved horses, my friends, my family and school. Outwardly, my life looked normal but inwardly I often felt sad and worried. So, when I discovered alcohol at 14 years old, it wasn’t too surprising that I thought I had found what I had been looking for - an escape from myself, all my insecurities, and fears.

By the time I was in high school, I was a full blown alcoholic and I started using drugs. I no longer rode horses and I wasn’t going to school. After a suicide attempt, I transferred to a different school and was put on antidepressants. Soon though I was drinking, using drugs and taking antidepressants.

Over the next 35 years the pattern was the same, brief periods of moderation were followed by worse relapses until it was just a constant rotation of drinking and drugs; prescription and otherwise. Eventually, I was unemployable. Friends and family had long grown tired of my lies and watching me self-destruct. 

I didn’t want to live and I couldn’t die. Then I experienced what I've heard called “an act of Providence.” I call it Divine Intervention or Grace. The last friend I had left was sober. He took me to detox in Austin then to treatment in Louisiana. It took several months to feel somewhat alive again. No wonder after so many years of abuse. Eventually, I went to sober living and started to take suggestions from people who knew more than I did. I made new friends like none I’d had in years. I felt useful again. I even got a job at the treatment center I went through. My family started to trust me again. All miracles!!
I’ve learned that if I trust God, clean house and help others then nothing is so bad that I want oblivion.

I’m back in San Antonio with my dog Cooper. Today I take care of my mental, physical and spiritual health.  Now I have the best new job as a Recovery Coach at You Are Accountable. I get to help folks in their recovery journey and I’m excited to be welcomed by a great team!