From a bottle of whiskey by 3 pm to a year sober: How this recovering alcoholic turned his life around
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We all have our vices, and there's no shame in admitting that; some habits and lifestyle choices end up defining us. However, there are times when one realises their life needs a complete overhaul for the better. This is a story of a man called Phil Hoye, who, after two decades of hard drinking and feeling defeated, managed to conquer his addiction and change his life
Phil Hoye's struggle with alcohol had spanned over 20 years, at first enjoying the sensation of being drunk. Gradually, his relationship with alcohol turned toxic. He would start sipping whiskey at 10 am and finish an entire bottle by 3 pm. This was his everyday routine, even while at work. After knocking off work, he’d buy beers and usually pass out, unconscious in bed by 8 pm. Mornings were spent calling his wife, trying to piece together the events of the night before.
During a particularly bad phase, Mr Hoye stopped going to work without informing his wife. 'One morning, I can remember looking at a bottle of whisky thinking I really didn't want it, but I knew I had to have it,' he says.
'That's when I realised the withdrawals.'
Resigned to his fate, he assumed that his addiction would ultimately be the death of him, and others around him seemed to be discouraged too. 'People just thought, “Well, that's Phil.” No one was shocked to see a can in my hand at any time of the day,’ he said.
However, like many others with similar stories, there's always that one life-changing moment that can help provide a glimpse of hope. In Phil's case, it was an invitation to a gig in Geelong, which was about two and a half hours away from his home in regional Victoria. He knew he couldn't stay sober long enough to attend, and this left him feeling frustrated and left out.
The person who invited him to the gig suggested trying sobriety just for one day to see how it felt. They connected Phil to Rich, a postgraduate qualified psychotherapist specialising in substance use disorder. Rich, too, has a history of alcohol addiction and is in a long-term recovery process.
Rich offered Phil support and understanding that only someone who has gone through addiction could provide. During their conversations, Phil became motivated to take the first step towards sobriety. With the support of Rich, Phil's wife, a general practitioner, and a counsellor, Mr Hoye mustered up the courage to see a doctor and admit the extent of his problem. He tried going 24 hours without alcohol but was unsuccessful. Using some prescribed medication and an immense will to change, Phil managed to quit drinking successfully.
'When I went back and tried again, got some medication, and it worked,' he says. On his third day of sobriety, Phil called Rich and told him that he couldn't believe how good he felt, mentioning how he had forgotten the joys of life without alcohol. His new favourite indulgence? Baths!
It's been a year now since Phil started his journey towards recovery, and the improvement in his life is apparent. He now looks forward to attending the gig in Geelong, something he wouldn't have been able to do a year ago. This celebration of his sobriety is a testament to the power of change and support from those around us.
Rich treats people with substance use disorders and emphasises the importance of reaching out for help.
'If you can just reach out to the right resources, you'll find that people are there ready to listen free of judgement and set you on some path to a recovery journey that's your own.’
In the face of challenging circumstances, taking the initial step towards recovery is crucial. It's essential to bear in mind that there is always hope and assistance accessible, regardless of the situation. Whether one is dealing with alcohol addiction, gambling issues, or any other personal struggle, tailored support is within reach.
With that in mind, dear readers, if you or someone you care about is currently facing similar challenges, reflect on Phil's story and consider taking that crucial first step toward transformation. You have the power to conquer obstacles and embark on a journey toward a brighter future.
If you feel comfortable sharing, we would love to hear about any personal experiences or thoughts on seeking help and initiating change. Remember, your story may inspire others who may be in similar situations.
Phil Hoye's struggle with alcohol had spanned over 20 years, at first enjoying the sensation of being drunk. Gradually, his relationship with alcohol turned toxic. He would start sipping whiskey at 10 am and finish an entire bottle by 3 pm. This was his everyday routine, even while at work. After knocking off work, he’d buy beers and usually pass out, unconscious in bed by 8 pm. Mornings were spent calling his wife, trying to piece together the events of the night before.
Phil Hoye, a recovering alcoholic, is celebrating one year of sobriety after two decades of heavy drinking. Photo by Isabella Mendes
During a particularly bad phase, Mr Hoye stopped going to work without informing his wife. 'One morning, I can remember looking at a bottle of whisky thinking I really didn't want it, but I knew I had to have it,' he says.
'That's when I realised the withdrawals.'
Resigned to his fate, he assumed that his addiction would ultimately be the death of him, and others around him seemed to be discouraged too. 'People just thought, “Well, that's Phil.” No one was shocked to see a can in my hand at any time of the day,’ he said.
However, like many others with similar stories, there's always that one life-changing moment that can help provide a glimpse of hope. In Phil's case, it was an invitation to a gig in Geelong, which was about two and a half hours away from his home in regional Victoria. He knew he couldn't stay sober long enough to attend, and this left him feeling frustrated and left out.
The person who invited him to the gig suggested trying sobriety just for one day to see how it felt. They connected Phil to Rich, a postgraduate qualified psychotherapist specialising in substance use disorder. Rich, too, has a history of alcohol addiction and is in a long-term recovery process.
Rich offered Phil support and understanding that only someone who has gone through addiction could provide. During their conversations, Phil became motivated to take the first step towards sobriety. With the support of Rich, Phil's wife, a general practitioner, and a counsellor, Mr Hoye mustered up the courage to see a doctor and admit the extent of his problem. He tried going 24 hours without alcohol but was unsuccessful. Using some prescribed medication and an immense will to change, Phil managed to quit drinking successfully.
'When I went back and tried again, got some medication, and it worked,' he says. On his third day of sobriety, Phil called Rich and told him that he couldn't believe how good he felt, mentioning how he had forgotten the joys of life without alcohol. His new favourite indulgence? Baths!
It's been a year now since Phil started his journey towards recovery, and the improvement in his life is apparent. He now looks forward to attending the gig in Geelong, something he wouldn't have been able to do a year ago. This celebration of his sobriety is a testament to the power of change and support from those around us.
Rich treats people with substance use disorders and emphasises the importance of reaching out for help.
'If you can just reach out to the right resources, you'll find that people are there ready to listen free of judgement and set you on some path to a recovery journey that's your own.’
Treatment Options and Support Systems for Alcohol Addiction
For those facing alcohol addiction, there is no one right path to take towards recovery. Different individuals may require different remedies to achieve and maintain sobriety. There are, however, a range of support systems and treatment options available to aid the process.Consult A Medical Professional
The first step in seeking help for alcohol addiction is consulting a medical professional or specialist. At this stage, it is helpful to honestly outline your drinking habits and associated problems. This evaluation is usually followed by a customised course of action based on the individual’s needs and situation. Treatment options may include therapy, medications, medical detoxification, and support groups.Therapy
Therapy is a key part of any recovery process. With therapy, addicts receive counselling from a qualified expert, enabling them to gain insight into their behaviour. Therapy may be one-on-one or in group settings, and different approaches exist, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), also provide an important avenue for recovering alcoholics to connect and motivate one another. Such programs offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which participants are encouraged to share their stories and learn how to manage their addiction.
With that in mind, dear readers, if you or someone you care about is currently facing similar challenges, reflect on Phil's story and consider taking that crucial first step toward transformation. You have the power to conquer obstacles and embark on a journey toward a brighter future.
If you feel comfortable sharing, we would love to hear about any personal experiences or thoughts on seeking help and initiating change. Remember, your story may inspire others who may be in similar situations.
