I didn't start drinking until my freshman year in college; however, from the very first time, I drank to get drunk. That’s what my parents did, and I never thought there was anything unusual about it. Until I had my first child at age 31, I was able to rationalize my drinking by comparing myself to "select" people. After my daughter was born, I found myself losing my temper with her very easily. That was my red flag. I did not act out on that temper, but buried it deep inside me. Anger fuels addiction.

I have been in recovery for 28 years, and it allowed me to rediscover my true calling: art. I basically quit being an artist when I started drinking. After all, artists are very in touch with their feelings, and alcoholism seeks to separate one from those intense feelings. No wonder I switched away from my art major!