A slave to alcohol for 20 years

In October 2012, Ally was sitting in a doctor’s surgery hungover, depressed and thinking about suicide. For 20 years, alcohol had controlled her life.

Reaching down, she picked up an old magazine and began to read the story of a woman whose life resembled her own. Like Ally, this woman had been a prisoner to alcohol, until she found The Salvation Army.

“I read about her story of freedom, and how The Salvation Army loved this lady back to life. Her story gave me hope,” says Ally.

Ally describes her life as a façade. She finished Year 12, completed a university degree, found a good job, bought a house and got married. But her drinking worsened as the years went on. She describes her life of addiction as lonely, isolating and hopeless.

At 27, Ally hit her first rock bottom. Her marriage ended and she attempted suicide for the first time. Over the next seven years, Ally attempted suicide five times, had three psychiatric admissions and went to six rehabs. A month before she found herself in that doctor’s surgery, Ally had what she refers to as her final ‘yet’.

“Alcoholics talk about all the things that are yet to happen us. I’m ‘yet’ to lose the house. I’m ‘yet’ to lose the job. I’m ‘yet’ to lose the partner. I was brought to my knees of absolute desperation,” she says.

Ally went to The Salvation Army Dooralong Transformation Centre in January last year and began a 10-month journey to recovery. She has graduated from the 12-step program and stays on at the centre as a graduate mentor for women going through program.

Reflecting on her journey, Ally knows where her life would be today if she hadn’t found The Salvation Army and beaten her addiction.

“It was out of desperation, alcoholism and my brokenness that lead me to The Salvation Army. I would still be a damaged, miserable, sick alcoholic. I would not be happy, joyous, or free.

“For the first time in my entire life, my future is exciting.

“But the most important part of my transformation story is Jesus. It was through the Salvos that I came to know our loving God and by his grace, he has rescued me.”

July 31 is a National Day of Prayer for Salvation Army Recovery Services. To find out how to get involved click here - http://my.salvos.org.au/events/2014/07/31/recovery-services-day-of-prayer/

By Nathalia Rickwood

Photo credit: Gareth Gardner, The Northern Daily Leader Tamworth