Instagram: @theretiredblackoutartists

Facebook: RB Artists

Twitter: @RetiredBlackout

Email: theretiredblackoutartists@gmail.com

You can hear the podcast, The Retired Blackout Artists, on any of your preferred listening platforms.

Hi, my name is Chastity and my drug of choice was always alcohol. 

Sobriety Date is 02/21/2017

I grew up in a small rural Missouri town and graduated with only 19 students! I’ve lived in the Liberty/Kansas City area for the past 22 years.

I am a NASM certified personal trainer. I am also a designer for a well-known North American company, and I host a recovery podcast called The Retired Blackout Artists.

I am passionate about sobriety. Who would’ve thought? Ha! And fitness. I was such a sloppy drunk. I really let myself go physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I always had a problem with alcohol. Even with my first drink @ 12 years old; I could not get enough of that “feeling”.  That high allowed me to feel like the life of the party.  It made me feel more of an extrovert. But I was not always a drunk. I would go months without drinking. There were years where I might only drink on 2 occasions. But on those 2 occasions I was sure to have the “all or nothing” attitude. 

Over the years, my drinking progressed to nearly an every day occurrence. My three oldest children moved out because they couldn’t take the madness. That’s when I noticed my life was unmanageable. Eight days went by without a drink. I felt like a zombie. I drove to the liquor store and grabbed an assortment of libations, telling myself I’d only have 2 drinks. Ha! As if. 

The last thing I remember was waking in the hospital, tied to the hospital bed. A doctor was sewing my wrists where I had repeatedly tried to end my life. Finally, hello Rock Bottom.

I entered an inpatient treatment facility. Thank God, my obsession from alcohol was relieved that day! 

The past four years have been the most amazing times of my life. I call this Phase 2.  I’m creating a life (with the help of my HP) I never would have dreamed. 

To maintain my sobriety, I attend Alcoholics Anonymous; I have a sponsor; I host a recovery podcast The Retired Blackout Artists where I meet and connect with addicts around the globe! I pray. I work the steps of the program daily.  I’m honest. I know I am a good person and I am loved.

I am grateful my relationships with my husband, my children and my parents/brother have been mended because I’m sober.

Advice to any newly sober or sober curious…….Don’t give up. Seriously, you are worth it and you are loved. Sleep; eat; stay with someone safe. Whatever it takes to get through those early days. Oh, and #kindnesswins !