12/05/2026
Many of you know that for about 13 years, I struggled with drinking and other self-medication options. At the end of July 2016, I finally decided that alcohol only made my depression worse and caused more problems than solutions — and I was sick of checking myself into detox every few years.
Fast forward to this year, shortly after the one-year anniversary of realizing medical ma*****na was not for me either. I ordered five homeopathic remedies on Amazon. They are traditionally preserved in brandy, and not wanting to risk it, I made sure to order the non-alcohol, glycerin-preserved versions instead — or so I thought. The first four arrived correct, but on the fifth bottle, I overlooked that Amazon had included the alcohol version in the search results. I was going by price, availability, and assumed I was still in the right results. I received it this afternoon, opened it, and by the time I smelled the alcohol, it was already too late.
I know this was not a relapse. This was an honest mistake — one I have learned from and will be more careful about in the future. The product is non-returnable, and since the error was mine, I dumped the bottle and ordered the correct one.
Everything I have been through this past year has taught me that I am protected and I am strong. I don't have to feel bad for making an honest mistake when I recognized it quickly, responded with integrity, and kept moving forward.
Prayers and good thoughts that I continue to stay focused on my best path forward — and that I extend to myself the same grace I would offer anyone else who made an honest mistake.
