The Hangover That Changed My Life

Yep, it all started with a drink. Go figure.

The night of December 30th into the 31st was a rough one. We were all having a great time at a friends house after the local bar had closed for the night. Of course, I did not drink at the bar, I am only 19, so I had some catching up to do. I caught up……… very quickly. The guys were being rowdy and things got out of hand. I ended the night by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was knocked unconscious by a man.

Three of us ended up in the emergency room that evening. I had a concussion, Tim had a broken thumb, and the guy who hit me had injuries but I am not sure what they were. We are all just fine now, thankfully, no serious damage.

The 31st was brutal for me. I was unbelievably sick from the concussion and the liquor. I laid in my parents bed for hours with a bucket by my side. I was hurting, but I recovered.

The police and ambulance obviously got called. They responded very quickly. Nobody was arrested, but we all got our fair share of tickets. Thankfully, all we had to do was pay a few fines and move on.

My life has changed drastically since this incident.

Within days I developed Chronic Hives that have yet to go away completely. They are much better though! See my other post to read more about that.

I decided my life is much better when I am sober. I’m at the bar about every weekend, but my drink of choice is a tall glass of ice water. I have the same amount of fun, for free with no pain! I don’t feel the urge to get drunk. I really enjoy knowing we all have a safe ride home.

When you’re no longer wild, you stop getting invited places. My friend group has changed because I have changed. I don’t enjoy the same things they do anymore. That is OK! We are not at the same point in life, but the love is still there. Without a doubt I would be there when they need it, and I still keep tabs on how they’re doing. I pray for their happiness daily, and only want the best for them.

I found comfort in a responsible lifestyle. With that, some of my worst insecurities washed away, my sadness and stress levels decreased, grudges and hate have gone by the wayside, and I started to love myself for who I really am. I still have a long way to go on my self-help journey, but I am proud of where I am now.

I do not have anything negative to say about the man who hit me, nor should you. He is a good guy, who means no harm. We all made mistakes that night, and we have moved on. I appreciate that you will allow us to move on from the situation as well. We lived and we learned.

**All negative comments made about the man who hit me will be deleted.

**I have never been an alcoholic. I was just young and dumb. This is not an AA story.