My name is Tucker Allgood, and I am an alcoholic addict. I am 24 years old and have been clean and sober since December 14, 2012. My life since entering into long term recovery has been filled with many blessings that I never thought were possible.
These blessings did not come from just abstaining from drugs and alcohol. I had to do a lot of work to get to where I am at today.
I was introduced to the 12 steps of recovery when I went to treatment at The Ranch at Dove Tree in Lubbock, Texas.
Here is a brief testimony of my personal experience with being a drug addict and how the good Lord has saved my life.
My Life Had Spiraled Out of Control
Somewhere between the times I took my first drink of alcohol or smoked my first joint and went to treatment my life had spiraled out of control. I drank and used drugs simply because I loved the way they made me feel.
A warm sense of comfort and peace was almost instant after having a cocktail of opiates and benzodiazepines. I remember thinking to myself "I can breathe!" when the drugs started to kick in. These feelings worked for a while, and everything was great!
Slowly I started to notice that if I didn't have the drugs or alcohol my body would be in great pain. About this time is when I started to do things I never thought I would do in order to get what I wanted. During my drinking and using days I got myself into a lot of trouble.
My parents lost all trust in me and no one wanted to be around me because I was always lying to myself and to them. My life became miserable and I began lose hope for my future. I could not imagine life with or without drugs and alcohol. I knew I needed help, but all the ways I tried to get help before had not worked. That was about to change.
The Ranch at Dove Tree
On December 14, 2012 my parents brought me to The Ranch at Dove tree to begin treatment. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and I was scared of the unknown. All I knew was that I was going to be in a treatment center for the following month, and I was not happy.
The first thing I noticed was how nice the people working there were; I saw patience, and a sense of understanding. After a few days I got to know some of the other guys in there who used like me and truly wanted to get healthy.
We attended small groups with counselors who are in recovery and had the solution to our problems. We learned about the 12-steps of recovery and the disease of addiction. Honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness were a few ideas brought to my attention.
Being honest with myself and others was a hard task at first, because I was ashamed of the person I had become. I had to make a decision to be willing and open-minded to the suggestions that I was given. My life did not get better over-night, it was a slow process. Today, I can honestly say I would not be sober if my life did not get better.
Being of Service to Other Addicts
Since I have cleaned up my life I have the opportunity to be of service to other addicts and alcoholics still suffering. Alcoholism and addiction are a horrible disease and I am grateful to be able to give away the spiritual tools that were given to me.
I enjoy spending time with my family today; I am blessed to have them in my life. I have a full time job as a golf professional at a very nice golf course, and I love what I do there. I wake up in the mornings and the first thing on my mind is not drugs or alcohol.
That is a miracle! The Ranch at Dove Tree provided me with the resources to live and clean and happy life and friendships that will last forever. I am grateful I had the opportunity to go to treatment there.
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By Tucker Allgood, The Ranch at Dove Tree alumni
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 13th, 2014
Published on AddictionHope.com