Most teenagers work for money to go the movies, buy music or save for college. But when Robert got his first job at 15, he worked to support his drinking habit. In fact, Robert’s addiction became so expensive he dropped out of high school to work full-time.

 

Robert kept working into adulthood, living as a “functioning alcoholic.” It wasn’t until he suffered from seizures in 1986 that he checked himself into a hospital for treatment. His road to recovery began with 15 days in the hospital followed by aftercare, including AA meetings.

 

Robert enjoyed 18 years of sobriety. Then he moved back home to care for his father, who was suffering from cancer. When his father passed away, Robert began drinking again. He came to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission on the advice of a friend who had completed our LifeSkills program.

 

After four months in the program, Robert says, “I started feeling pretty good about myself. When spring came, I was ready to go back to work.” But again, within the year, Robert found himself “back in the same old boat.”

 

He tells us, “I thought I had accomplished everything, but I looked back and saw that things weren’t going so well. I should have completed what I started.” Robert came back to MRM last January and he’s on track to finish our LifeSkills programthis month.

 

“I’m maintaining my sobriety and thanking God for it. God’s been my stronghold,” says Robert. “I’ve learned that I don’t have to live like that. I feel fantastic!”

 

Thanks to you, Robert looks forward to starting a life free from addiction and secure in the bonds of God’s love!