While browsing this site you might come across posts that have this info box at the top of the article:
This is a reader story. We believe in providing our readers with a space for them to share their story however they see fit. The thoughts and views expressed are that of the author and should be treated as such. If you wish to share your own stories please see here for more information.
The author wished to remain anonymous.
These are there to indicate that the story you are reading has been sent into us by one of our readers. We do not edit or filter these stories in any way so there might be an unusually high level of spelling or grammar errors and the subject matter might detract somewhat from the rest of our articles.
We do not believe in censoring people’s stories. We are here to help ourselves and help others stay sober. I know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to sobriety. The way I outline to get sober in my post “How to Stop Drinking” might not work for some people. My thoughts on Alcoholics Anonymous (as shared here) might not be the same as your thoughts on AA. That is why I feel it is important to share these stories in their unedited form. I have been sober for a decent amount of time now and even I learn something new from these stories.
Want to submit your story?
Why should you submit your story? Well it’s not for the fame and riches that it will bestow upon you that’s for sure! But there are two main reasons that I think everyone should share their story.
1 – Writing out your story is a great form of therapy. It allows you to express your feelings and thoughts in a way that you might not have done before. Seeing your story written down can give you a fresh perspective to learn more about why you struggled with alcohol addiction and how you can use that information to do better in your sobriety.
2 – Your story WILL help other people struggling with addiction. I know it doesn’t seem like it. “Why would my story help anyone?” you might ask. But it’s true. People will read your story and it will inspire them to follow your path (or not follow your path if your story is about pre-sobriety or relapse). A lot of the time just simply knowing that other people are out there going through the same issues is enough for people to make lasting change in their lives.
What’s the details?
- Stories must be at least 750 words (no maximum so go nuts!) – We feel a certain depth is required to stories in order for them to be impactful.
- Must be your story – please don’t tell other people’s stories for them. You are fine to talk about how your loved one suffered with addiction but keep the story focused on you and how you were affected.
- Try to share lessons/takeaways – Try not to spend 1000 words showing the terrible things your drinking caused and then finish it off with “And I’m sober now”. Try to share insights or lessons that the reader can apply to their own lives.
- Choose to remain anonymous or share your real/pen name – It’s upto you. Just be aware that if you give us your story we might share it on any of our channels (site, newsletter, social media etc) so if you are not comfortable with that request to remain anonymous.
- If you have a blog or personal website feel free to drop a link at the end.
Where to send your story?
Mike (at) IWNDWYT.app
or use our contact form here
Struggling with what to write?
Here check out some of our other reader stories: