September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, a time when awareness of drug and alcohol addiction will be in the forefront of public the consciousness. The month long celebration of communities banding together to overcome substance abuse is in its eighteenth year, and it's guys like Lou who reap the benefits.

"I was a geek in high school, I only remember drinking one time. I was in the audio visual club, the choir and in drama club. Total nerd. Drinking allowed me to be one of the boys. I found that I could socialize without being nervous, that I was less awkward and more fun, funnier. I loved the sensation of it."

Lou got really drunk for the first time when he was 22 years old. He joined the military at 24 and has been on active duty for almost 17 years. He feels that the service, while not actively encouraging his drinking, certainly enabled him to maintain an unhealthy level of consumption.

Although Lou had maintained this 'social' level of drinking for more than a decade, one night, he got drunk after arguing with his girlfriend and attempted to take his own life by breaking a beer bottle and cutting his own neck.

He never admitted the truth of the incident to the authorities, who were called by his girlfriend, though he did agree to enter alcohol rehab after being confronted by his military superiors, who were also notified. The successful alcohol rehab program was a true turning point in his life. "I learned that life is not so much about the things that happen to us, it's about how we react to them."

"I had a counselor tell me once, 'Sin is fun for a season. No matter how long that season lasts, the fun eventually stops and you can't ever go back.' I feel that my season has ended. Alcohol rehab taught me the tools that it takes to not drink. The maintenance is up to me. I make lists now of the things that I am most grateful for."

Lou has now been sober for two years – a true voice of recovery. If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, find a successful alcohol rehab center fast. The right treatment does work, and it's never too late to start living a life free of addiction.

Matt Hull is a freelance writer who contributes articles on health. info@drugrehabreferral.com Successful Alcohol Rehab Program http://www.drugrehabreferral.com