Early Escapes: A Seven-Year-Old's Alcohol Journey
Hi, I'm Meir Friedman, and my battle with alcohol began at just seven years old. My first sip of whiskey sour was like a revelation—the burn, the numbness—a brief respite from my emotions. It was an escape, a temporary relief from the demons that haunted me. Anyone who has grappled with alcohol addiction knows the allure of that abyss, the seductive pull of a blissful escape. As I grew older, that escape became my obsession, leading me down a path of struggle and pain that lasted for years.
Descending into Chaos: Seventeen Years of Alcohol's Grip
For the next seventeen years, my life was a whirlwind of unpredictable mornings and nights in strange places, often dressed in clothes that weren't mine. The thrill of stealing my father's car at 14 still gives me a rush—a moment of wild freedom. In the world of Mesivta, I found friends who shared my fascination with alcohol. Together, we stumbled through its effects, oblivious to the path we were on. I led others into the world of alcohol, even convincing my sister's husband to join in, forever changing his life. Despite my efforts, alcohol's grip tightened, following me through my yeshivos, my relationships, and even to Israel. The craving for a drink was ever-present, ready to take over at any moment. My life became a collection of crazy, funny, and chaotic stories—tales that those who know me are all too familiar with. These stories are reminders of a life that spiraled out of control, lost to the allure of alcohol.
From Chaos to Clarity: A Night That Changed Everything
Life seemed destined to continue in its chaotic dance—I was headed down a path of partying, forgetfulness, and moments of being spaced out. However, everything shifted on May 10th, when I married the incredible Dena. Her unwavering support of me as a person and liking for my chilled-out nature marked the beginning of my journey to recovery. Dena, the most amazing partner I could've asked for, not only made me the man I am today but also appreciated and embraced the chilled-out part of me. She truly is the beginning of my recovery journey.
But now, back to my story. The peace I found in my marriage was always tinged with the lurking presence of alcohol, subtly weaving its way into the fabric of our relationship. One Thursday night, it was February 8th, and I had been living in Israel for a few months now, married and seemingly happier than ever. Despite the heavy weight of alcohol on my shoulders, my married life was amazing. Dena and I shared a bond that transcended the challenges we faced. That night, with Dena's full permission, I left to learn in the Shul, intending to have just a couple of drinks. I assured Dena I would be back in a few hours, not realizing that those "one or two drinks" would lead me down a dark path, culminating in a full-blown "Purimfest"—a wild celebration with consequences far beyond what I could have imagined.
As the night wore on, my intentions blurred with each sip. I found myself becoming increasingly intoxicated, losing track of time and space. When I woke up the next morning, I was disoriented, lying on my friend's couch, dressed in a mismatched one-piece pajama suit. The room spun around me, my head pounding with regret. My body ached, and a wave of nausea swept over me as I tried to piece together the events of the previous night. How had I ended up here? What had I done?
Returning home, I faced Dena with a heavy heart and uttered words that would change my life forever: "Dear, I need to change this. I can't let alcohol control me. I want Meir Friedman back." My wife- my pillar of strength, pondered for a moment, pacing back and forth in our Machal Apartment, then suddenly exclaimed, "I've got it! This morning, I saw posters around town advertising a marriage and self-help seminar at Yitzchok Tress's home in Ramat Eshkol. It's happening this Motzai Shabbos. Let's go and see if this could be the start of something." I instantly agreed, committing to attend that Saturday night.
I walked into the seminar that Motzai Shabbos, February 10th, unsure but hopeful that this would be the cure or if it would just be another fall in trying to find the solution. A delicious, elegant meal was being served, with soft Kumzitz Music in the background, bringing a relaxing and safe feel to the room. I settled into a seat with a heaping bowl of food and got ready to hear the usual cliché stuff about self-help, relationships, and change. However, the speeches that night were the most refreshing, thought-provoking, and inspirational speeches I ever heard! I sat, listened, asked some questions, then listened some more. I stuck around and clung onto every word for hours into the night, staying until everybody had already left. Deena and I even spoke to my friend and his Rebbitzen when everybody had already left. When I finally left late that night, I knew that I was ready to turn a new leaf!
I wish I could say it ended like a fairy tale, that I never touched another drink, and that life became perfect. But the truth is, I still have my struggles, my ups and downs. Yet, since that night, I've crafted a groundbreaking system to defeat alcohol. Today, on May 10th, the first anniversary of marrying my incredible wife, I proudly celebrate one month of sobriety, feeling better than ever. With this website launch on May 10th, I embark on a new journey, offering hope to all who believe in the power of strength, determination, the right program, and, most importantly, the right people. I owe a debt of gratitude to Yitzchok, and I thank him. But above all, I owe this victory to Dena. She's my rock, bringing joy, health, and healing into my life. Publicly, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you, thank you! I've conquered the monster called Alcohol, and I'm here to help you defeat your demons too. Are you ready?
