From Rock Bottom to 18 Months Sober: Tiff’s Journey Through Addiction, Detox, and Recovery
For anyone struggling with addiction, hearing someone say “It’s possible” can feel almost insulting—especially when you’ve tried everything and still wake up in despair. But when you hear it from someone who’s been through it—someone who’s sat in the darkness and clawed their way out—it lands differently.
That’s why this story matters.
On a recent episode of Sobriety Uncensored, we spoke with Tiff, who has now been sober for 18 months after nearly three decades of alcohol dependence. Her journey, which began in secrecy and ended in strength, is a raw look into the reality of recovery—and proof that a different life is possible.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Sobriety Uncensored featuring Tiff’s story and many others navigating life after addiction. Click the video link below:
The Moment It All Fell Apart
Tiff wasn’t new to alcohol. She had been drinking for over 26 years. What started at 17 as a one-night experiment quickly became the foundation of her adult life.
By the time she hit bottom, alcohol controlled everything. She couldn’t go back to sleep without it. She couldn’t start her car for work without a drink in her hand. Her body and brain were completely reliant.
“I remember saying to my sister, ‘When did I give up?’ And she said, ‘You didn’t give up, you gave in.’”
That was the beginning of her breaking point.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Illusion of Functionality
From the outside, Tiff looked “normal.” She held a job, raised three kids, and managed her home. But behind closed doors, her addiction was eating her alive.
She kept detailed journals of how much she drank each day. She stashed bottles in her closet. She vomited in workplace bathrooms and went right back to her desk. Nobody knew how bad it really was.
“I was drinking five bottles of champagne a day. I couldn’t eat real food. I lived on protein shakes and booze.”
This is what high-functioning alcoholism can look like: survival disguised as success.
The Decision to Ask for Help
One morning, after another sleepless night filled with anxiety, Tiff looked in the mirror and broke down. She couldn’t say the word “alcohol” out loud yet, but she could say this:
“I can’t do life anymore.”
That confession led her to her boss’s house, where she was wrapped in a blanket and handed a cup of tea. Her sister, who lived in Georgia, flew in that night without hesitation.
Tiff knew she needed medical detox. She’d been drinking so heavily for so long that trying to stop on her own wasn’t just risky—it was life-threatening.
Rehab: What It Really Looked Like
Tiff spent seven days in medical detox, followed by 21 days of inpatient rehab in Rhode Island.
She started detoxing with a cocktail of medications including Valium and other benzodiazepines. The shakes, sweats, and sleeplessness were real—and terrifying. But for the first time, she felt supervised, safe, and seen.
“The second they came in and made me hold my hands out, they saw I was shaking. That’s when I started detox meds. That’s when I knew this was real.”
The Guilt That Followed
Even with medical help, the emotional toll didn’t let up.
Tiff wrestled with overwhelming guilt—especially toward her husband and kids, who hadn’t known the full extent of her drinking.
“My kids said, ‘Mom, we didn’t know anything was wrong.’ And I was at every game—tanked. I just got really good at hiding it.”
Her husband, who doesn’t drink or smoke, had stood by her for 24 years. When he realized how bad it had been, he was heartbroken.
“He said, ‘You told me everything, except this.’ And he was right.”
What They Don’t Tell You About Early Sobriety
Sobriety isn’t just putting down the drink. It’s picking up everything alcohol helped you numb—pain, anxiety, shame, trauma—and learning to face it sober.
For Tiff, early sobriety came with:
Weight gain and sugar cravings
Thyroid issues after surgery
Panic attacks and broken confidence
The loss of identity she built around drinking
She also discovered how expensive recovery can be. Between insurance deductibles, detox, and outpatient programs, her treatment cost thousands—even with coverage.
“Just to get in the door of rehab, my sister had to pay $4,000 out-of-pocket. And IOP was another $4,000.”
What Helped: Tools That Made the Difference
1. NA Over AA
Tiff felt more at home in Narcotics Anonymous, where she could talk freely about her history with alcohol, pills, and marijuana.
“NA was more inclusive for me. It wasn’t just about one substance.”
2. Naltrexone
She started this medication in rehab and continues to take it to prevent relapse.
“It’s working. I feel stable. There’s no reason for me to stop what’s helping.”
3. Routine & Reflection
She created a prayer room in her home and now starts her days with quiet time, gratitude, and reflection.
“I used to roll out of bed and start drinking. Now I’m up at 5 a.m., walking my dog. I feel peace I didn’t know existed.”
Rebuilding Life, One Step at a Time
Tiff’s story isn’t just about stopping drinking. It’s about starting life again—slowly, intentionally, and honestly.
She went from:
Skipping family events to coaching her daughter’s volleyball team
Crying on the way to work to mentoring others in recovery
Hiding bottles in closets to sharing her story publicly
Even her one-year sober celebration was different. Instead of drinks and distractions, she hosted a breakfast for the people who helped her get there.
“We called it ‘Tiff Turns One.’ I even gave a speech. That would’ve never happened before.”
Final Thoughts: For Anyone Still Struggling
If you’re in the middle of it right now—if alcohol owns your thoughts, your sleep, your body—Tiff has a message for you:
“It’s possible. I didn’t think it was. I used to think people who laughed without drinking were faking it. But I laugh now. I sleep. I live. You can too.”
You don’t have to wait until you crash. One phone call, one text, one conversation with someone you trust can start the process. And if you're already on the journey but struggling with guilt, shame, or setbacks—keep going. You're not alone.
Ready for Your Reset from Alcohol?
If this story resonated, don’t wait for another rock bottom. Get help, get honest, and get moving.
👉Qutting Alcohol? 1:1 Sober Coaching: https://soberstrongcoaching.as.me/
👉More Sober Content: https://www.youtube.com/@Soberstrong
👉Be a guest on the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast: https://thesoberstrong.com/sobriety-uncensored-sober-strong
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| NA World Services | Find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting near you |
| SAMHSA Helpline | 24/7 free and confidential support: 1-800-662-HELP |
| Shatterproof | Advocacy and resources for addiction recovery |
