Kia was so excited about visiting New York City. Here she was, 29 years old and never been out of WV! She had graduated from a small college in the mountainous area of the state and had immediately gotten a job after graduation. She worked non- stop and saved her money. Now it was her turn to experience the world and spread her wings, so to speak. Was she scared? Yes!! However, the thought of being in NYC for 2 weeks was exciting and sent a chill up her spine. Kia visited a local travel agent who booked her flight, hotel, as well as different excursions. She purchased a Fodor guide for NYC tourists and studied the dos and don’ts of visiting this metropolitan area.

Waiting for this day seemed like an eternity, but finally July 6th came and at 9:30 AM Kia boarded the plan. She had not expected the check- in to be so lengthy, but this was just the necessary procedures that were required after 2001. Once she arrived at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in New York City, her adventure began.

Her 1st night was spent at one of Manhattan’s hot spots. The dancing was great, as well as the drinks, but most of all the male population seemed to be swarming around her.  An executive from Wall Street introduced himself as Jake and sat down. They talked, danced, drank and then went to her hotel room. After that, Kia did not recall what happened. Apparently her drinking had placed her in a state of oblivion, but it was so much fun! Every night’s actions repeated themselves, with drinking and partying in the company of Jake, her new friend. Finally it was time to go home and Kia reluctantly left NYC. Once she returned home, she never heard from Jake again, however she craved alcohol. She bought it and drank alone. Over a period of weeks, Kia became disinterested in everything, including her job, which definitely was not her.   She finally lost her position which brought her to the realization   that she needed help! She accepted that she was an alcoholic and contacted Alcoholics Anonymous. With the help of this organization, its members, and the support of her family and friends Kia is now on the road to recovery .Although she lost her job, she has found another position where she is working hard to gain the respect that she once had. Kia has learned how easily one can become addicted to alcohol and how her 2 weeks of alcohol abuse changed her life for the worse. She is committed and dedicated to a total cure and has promised herself to never rely on alcohol to have fun. Kia has accepted responsibility for her actions and is taking the challenge for recovery.