I knew something had to give. I was young, scared and empty.

Instagram: @comebackzwick 

My name is Lesley. I’m an alcoholic and drug addict and am addicted to anything that will take me out of my feeling. Food, sex, etc. List can go on and on. 

I got sober in NYC in 1981, a leap year !  I’m sober 41 years.

As a teenager and young adult living in NYC all bets are off for an addict. It was the era of Studio 54, party after party w/the beautiful people. 

It didn’t take too long when I ended up in crack houses and only the finest escort services. 

This brought me down rather quickly and I started to get into trouble w/the law ! 

I knew something had to give. I was young, scared and empty. 

In comes my Mom, who had a friend who recommended Alina Lodge. The rehab for the reluctant to recover. Definitely me. 

I thought I would go for a rest and then return to my life. Wrong !  

I never picked up again. My after plan was AA daily and weekends back at the rehab. I grew to love it there. It was my safe haven. 

I was told to get a bread and butter job. 

I never held a real job. 

My whole life I have been inspired by beautiful clothes , fabrics , design, anything pretty and beautiful. I walked into the most trendy and famous store in NYC and was hired ! 

This is where my life started ! 

I must have been on a pink cloud for years. 

I loved my job  I loved going to meetings after work. Made amazing friends. Everything was working. 

I became a big success in the fashion world and got lots of attention  from people. I was up and coming. 

I ran however into one problem. My character defects kept getting in my way. I did the steps and had a sponsor, but I would slip in and out of problems. I had a big mouth. I said what was on my mind. 

After 25 years with my company, we parted ways. I was the number one person there but it was more important I fit in w/the rest. I guess I was arrogant. I knew I was a better worker, although I am known for my good heart.

My meetings started to slow down as I was working 10 hour days and had an excuse for everything. DENIAL. 

My reputation in my business went down. No one wanted me cause they thought I was trouble. Talent didn’t matter. 

I was brought to my knees. 25 years sober ! 

No job, high overhead, housekeeper, I was powerless on another level. 

I started going to daily meetings. Re-connected to people and my life started to change again. It took awhile for this. 

Long of a short: 

My company took me back at a different location. 

I moved to Florida for the transfer. 

I quickly got to the top of my game. 

I was happy and thriving but cut meetings. 

After 5 years there I left the company. 

I moved to another part of Florida, and even in Florida my reputation follows, but no one could take away  my talent. Started zoom meetings and most of my friends are in AA. I am still friends w/them. We met early on. I got married to someone in AA. FYI. LADIES, make sure the guy likes u just a pinch more. Lol. I have an amazing son and grand babe. I don’t know how my son turned out so conservative after having a mom like me. 

None of this would have been possible if I didn’t get clean. 

I know I would be dead. I was fearless when I drank. 

I have a soft spot for helping the young girls coming into AA. Please feel free to reach out. I was one of the lucky ones who made it. 

My Instagram is @Comebackzwick 

Would love to hear from you.