Hi, my name is Richie, and I am an alcoholic.

I have always been a strong kid. I didn't know strength had nothing to do with being physical. It's more of a thing where I just let things go and go to meetings to retain my sobriety. Everyone around me seems to like me now. Why? Maybe it's the fact I am sober now for five months. Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong, but sometimes it's really letting go. You can be nice and not lift weights and still be strong. Now I call people and say I feel like drinking and they talk me down, and I just have water. That to me is pure strength. The fact that this little Irish kid can battle something like this and still remain sober because I don't drink and I go to meetings -- no matter what! That is the strength I have in me, and it shines outward. Like I might need some help sometimes. I guess it works both ways. So tomorrow after work and chair at a firehouse, I might just carry a hose and a mop to clean up. Thanks for letting me share.

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