FIRST DUI.

THE PAIN.

It was another day in Mary’s basement. My left leg was screaming in pain, my back was stiff and ached. I had never experienced pain like this in my entire life. Having just moved to Colorado, I was waiting for my health insurance to kick in and receive a letter in the mail from my new insurance company—and the mailbox was again empty today.

Despite the pain pulsing through my body, I miraculously felt well enough to sit up if I was in the right position, so I decided to take the dog for a drive and go see the city. The first part of the drive was uneventful enough until I saw someone more than twice my age pedal past my car at a red light on a bicycle, and I ended up stopping at the first liquor store I passed.

THE RELIEF.

I began to drink while I drove.

Drinking eased the pain, and it was my only “solution” I had come up with to relieve the pain while I waited to see a doctor and get medical care. I was also seeing a chiropractor, but he was expensive and it wasn’t providing relief like a steroid would. I could feel the relief that the alcohol provided, so that was the reason I drank more and faster; I was seeking quicker, additional, expeditated relief.

THE NEXT THING.

Next thing, I was sitting in a police station slurring my words, blowing into a breathalyzer and filling out paperwork. I learned they appreciate it when you are nice to them and give you special privileges. But you still go to jail, just with nice treatment. They will take off the cuffs.

Surrender your phone. Bend and cough. Put on these orange clothes. I spent the night in Denver County. Next day I was bailed out.

THE AFTERMATH.

That was the beginning of my troubles.

The dog was missing. My car was totaled. I was completely ashamed, and I learned I had crashed into a parked trailer. My mind was absolutely spinning out of control with worst case scenarios, especially about where Banjo was. He was eventually located at the local shelter, leash still on him and completely neglected as it looked.

THE CONSEQUENCES.

I had my day in court, and I plead guilty. I ended up with four weeks house arrest, community service, alcohol treatment classes and therapy, drug testing, and community service. It was doable, and I completed it all.

I COMPLETED IT ALL.