Addictions Archives | Page 2 of 2 | Allan Kehler

How I Became an Alcoholic

As a young boy I never said, “One day I hope that I can become an alcoholic.”  While I did choose to take my first drink, I did not choose to be an addict. I spent so many years trying to inflict pain upon myself without an understanding of why.  The...

Are You Existing or Are You Living?

I believe that there are two types of people in this world. There are those who exist, and then there are those who live. Which one are you? To exist is easy. It is like being on autopilot where every day tends to repeat itself. In this state, you do not step outside...

Letting Go of An Addict

  One of the most heart-wrenching situations anyone can experience is watching a loved one struggle with addictions   You are forced to have front row seats to a horrific show where you watch that individual deteriorate in front of your eyes. In these times,...

Paula’s Story: When the Drugs Don’t Work

My full name is Paula Jacobs-St. Germaine. I want to use my real name in this story because the more that I own it and recognize it for what it is, the better I can feel about the remorse and shame of the past. I started drinking at the age of six. The mysterious...

How Does A Homeless Person Spend Their Money?

The answer is quite simple. It is none of your business. I walked downtown today and as usual, there were a few homeless people sitting on the sidewalk. With hat in hand, I observed one man politely asked the person in front of me if he could spare any change. This...

Born Resilient: A Sneak Peak Into Chapter 1

While it is easier to deflect your pain, the only way out is through. Our reaction to physical pain is not the same as our reaction to emotional pain. When we experience a cut or a broken arm, we are quick to act, and will immediately tend to our wound and try to...

“What’s stronger than a broken man who has the courage to rebuild himself? It’s time to redefine what it means to be strong.”

- Allan Kehler