My name is Ken and I'm an alcoholic.

My life is much simpler and easier now that I'm sober. When I was drinking, I spent an incredible amount of energy lying to myself, God and others, and then spent even more energy and memory (which I have always been a bit short of) trying to keep all these lies straight. Adding too much alcohol made for a very explosive mixture. The guilt, loneliness and fear of being exposed were crippling. After a while, even large quantities of alcohol weren't enough to quiet the storm. When it seemed my life was better off over than living, I found AA. I knew the program worked because I saw it work for people close to me. If they could get their life together, why couldn't I? It wasn't easy. Each Step was a challenge, but much easier than picking up a drink and buying back my misery. After each one was completed with the help of my sponsor and God, the knowledge and relief of knowing who I am and why I do what I do was exhilarating! I am now an active participant in my own life, instead of merely being a victim of my life's events. I give my Higher Power and all AA's the credit. All I do is hit my knees each morning thanking God for a good night's sleep (which I never got drinking), ask for one day of sobriety, that I may do His will whatever that may be, work hard, stay positive and try to help others. At night I thank Him for the joy He made available for me and pray others may be so fortunate.