“By changing my relationship with alcohol, I changed my life.”

I started drinking in my teens because the other kids at school were doing it and I wanted to fit in. I was very unhappy, and it gave me confidence. At 14, I fostered myself out to another family. I wasn’t getting along with my parents and I thought getting some space between us would help. But I was constantly looking to fill the hole my family once filled. 

I started out weekend binge drinking, but it ended up being daily binge drinking. Once I turned 18, it became the norm to drink a bottle or two of wine every day. That was my life until I was 23, when I started having problems with my reproductive system. The doctors told me I had a very small chance of having children, as my ovaries were riddled with cysts. 

This led me on a journey of self-discovery. I started my Diploma of Remedial Massage and over the next five years I spent time meditating, practising yoga, and learning about the body and its energy systems. This is how I healed my body and was then able to conceive my daughter. By changing my relationship with alcohol, I changed my life. I’m so glad I did.    

I stopped drinking altogether when I became pregnant with my daughter. It wasn’t hard, like I thought it would be. I just didn’t want to drink anymore. And since I breastfeed, I don’t really have the opportunity to drink. The best part is not missing it. I feel much better mentally, physically and spiritually. 

—   Terri, 29