Allyssa’s Story
Welcome to TUL’s guest blog series, featured every Friday. These articles serve as a platform for guests to share their personal journeys, revealing how they embrace an unwasted life. Read on to discover Allyssa Dickert’s journey to alcohol-freedom.
There was a time in my life when I never wanted to drink.
When I was 13, I told my parents I’d bring a case of Pepsi to high school parties.
Reflecting on my past, it’s clear that my younger self sensed what took me years to acknowledge: alcohol was not the answer.
Growing up in Southern California’s beach cities, drinking was not only a cultural norm but a rite of passage, glamorized by the media and creating an irresistible pressure to fit in. This environment made the allure of alcohol difficult to resist.
My relationship with alcohol showed early signs of concern, with binge drinking becoming a habit in high school. I used it as an escape from personal and academic pressures. This pattern intensified in college, where I embraced the “party girl” persona, joining a sorority and linking fun with excessive drinking. Post-graduation, “work hard, play hard” became my mentality.
Entering the broadcast news industry, I moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where the combination of a stressful work environment and blowing off steam with coworkers led me to drink more. The anxiety and fear of being recognized or called out for my drinking habits only fueled my dependence.
When I moved to a new station in Fort Myers, Florida I thought this fresh start would fix everything. That wasn’t the case. I found myself crying all the time, and having panic attacks on the regular which made my workdays more difficult to get through. At the time, I knew something had to change, but removing alcohol was not on my radar because it was my primary source of coping.
Amidst all the pain I was feeling, it was the beginning of my self-discovery journey. I started going to therapy, practicing yoga, and reading self-help books. I was slowly building the tools I’d need to live an alcohol-free life.
It wasn’t until I left my broadcasting career behind that I began to truly confront my relationship with alcohol.
Participating in a “40 Days to Personal Revolution” yoga challenge marked a pivotal moment in my journey. It was the first time I admitted to myself that alcohol was detrimental to my well-being.
Here’s an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote in May of 2020:
“I want to release my addiction to binge drinking. It isn’t healthy for me. I want to feel happiness and vitality and it seems as if drinking draws me away from that. Alcohol has caused emotional harm to the people I love and care about the most. I want to not have this feeling of guilt surrounding it. The chaos I’ve caused, I’m fearful it’ll happen again, it haunts me and I just want it to go away.”
This realization, although not immediately leading to sobriety, was a significant step towards acknowledging the need for change.
My commitment to sobriety began on September 13, 2021. Avoiding the notion of “forever,” I focused on setting achievable goals, supported by therapy, yoga, and a community that understood my struggles. Looking back, I don’t regret my drinking days, but rather as essential chapters that guided me to where I am today.
After hitting my one-year sober mark, things started to shift. It wasn’t just about abstaining from alcohol; it became this beautiful self-discovery journey. I started peeling back layers of myself I didn’t even know existed because they were buried under all those boozy nights.
This newfound clarity and presence in my life are like waking up to a vivid sunrise every day. I began to understand my true passions, strengths, and dreams.
Sobriety became a gateway to aligning with my authentic self. This journey has led me to uncover my deepest values and aspirations, guiding me toward a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Now, nearly two and a half years into my sobriety, I find myself stepping into my power. I am not just surviving; I am thriving. Sobriety has gifted me the courage to chase after everything I want in life, fueled by intuition and a deep knowing that I am working toward fulfilling my life’s purpose.
It’s like I’ve been given a second chance to chase after everything I ever wanted, backed by this deep, gut feeling that I’m finally on the right path. The confidence and empowerment that have come with sobriety are something I could have never imagined during my drinking days.
Life now feels richer, more meaningful, and just... bigger than it ever did with alcohol in it. Facing challenges without reaching for a bottle has shown me how strong and resilient I can be. It’s this continuous proof to myself that I can handle whatever life throws my way.
“The challenge of picking up a new hobby, skiing, has helped me grow in ways that I know wouldn’t have been aware of if I were still drinking.”
One of the most unexpected and rewarding outcomes of my sobriety has been the opportunities it has opened for me. In the past five months alone, I have traveled across the country, from the East Coast to the West. Currently, immersing myself in the beauty of different ski resort towns. The challenge of picking up a new hobby, skiing, has helped me grow in ways that I know wouldn’t have been aware of if I were still drinking.
My life has expanded in ways I could never have imagined, filled with adventures and experiences that bring me genuine joy and fulfillment.
Today, as I celebrate 900 days of sobriety, I look back with gratitude at the journey that has brought me here. I thank the 13-year-old version of myself, who instinctively knew she didn’t need alcohol to enjoy life, to a woman who has lived through the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
My sobriety journey has taught me the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the endless possibilities that await when we choose to embrace our authentic selves.
‘Life is happening for me, not to me’ is a mantra that has helped me maintain sobriety through life’s ups and downs.
Every step, every challenge, and every victory has led me to where I am now: living the life I was meant to live. Sober, empowered, and immensely grateful for every moment.
IG: @allyssadickert
Podcast: Changing Tides
Allyssa, congratulations on reaching the remarkable milestone of 900 days!! Your journey is not only inspiring but also deeply moving, and we're so grateful for your openness in sharing it with us. Your resilience and courage shine brightly, illuminating the path for many others. Keep shining!
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