Story by Stephanie Parks (BBO: Phanya2024)
In 1977, at age 33, I was a dedicated alcoholic who had accumulated one too many DUI charges. I knew I had to quit drinking, but all I knew was bar hopping and parties. Like many newly sober people, I faced the challenge of filling all that time formerly spent in bars, with nothing to think about but “I'm not drinking,” and no longer hanging around with my old “friends.”
A good friend of mine who didn't drink was worried about me. When I decided to quit, she suggested we learn to play bridge together, so we started at a small club in Glendale, California. We were both hooked from the start. I played bridge like I drank, addictively. We played every day for two years, sometimes twice a day, immersed in every game and tournament. I had found my new addiction, and it completely filled the spare time that had been drinking time.
The club sponsored a bridge cruise, and though my friend couldn't go herself, she lent me the money, only $500, as the Director wanted me there for my lighthearted approach and humor. He said the game needed more laughter. She was worried about the drinking on a ship but trusted me to resist. I did, and had a great time. It was a new experience for me, having a lot of fun without alcohol.
Bridge solved both my problems: it gave me something to do and provided a sober community with a whole different set of problems to spend time with. It probably saved my life and my sanity.
Now I play online, and sometimes my original partner and I still play together. She has gone on to become a teacher and quite an accomplished player and director. I have gone on to be the same rather mediocre player I've always been. But I am still not drinking.
With love... <3
Stephanie, I’m cheering for you and know you will keep winning!
Thanks so much for sharing your story Stephanie. Bridge has been my salvation too.
I totally applaud you for helping yourself and finding a new addition. One thing for sure, you cannot successfully play bridge and win points and drink. I've tried that a couple of times. IT DOESN'T WORK! I admire your honesty and will keep trying to succeed at bridge.
When I decided to quit smoking, I started playing ftf bridge at the various clubs in Bangkok. It gave me something to do with my hands and took my mind off of wanting a cigarette.
congratulations....wishing you much joy on the road ahead
Best wishes to you, Stephanie.
Best to you Stephanie.
Bridge is a wonderful game. Easy to learn, difficult to master.
But, whatever level we play at, it is always challenging, and we continue to learn. BBO has provided a venue for us to play.
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Best to you Stephanie.
Bridge is a wonderful game. Easy to learn, difficult to master.
But, whatever level we play at, it is always challenging, and we continue to learn. BBO has provided a venue for us to play and learn.
congrats on yr sober choices ! i have 41 years!
I also found sobriety in 1980 at age 22. I learned how to play bridge at the age of 8. Now many years in recovery and retirement, I'm teaching bridge. I figure I might become a life master at some point as I'm only in my late 60's. Playing bridge is a good addiction!
Would love to play with you "on line" Stephanie - but don't know how to do it!!😨😨😨. My BBO name is AMSACKIN -:I live in London, UK
Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story with us Stephanie.
What an excellent choice you made. Congratulations! I am retired and duplicate bridge adds just enough structure to my day that I absolutely love retirement.
... and I should mention, this brought tears to my eyes, mainly from knowing your struggle is real. I am so happy for you that bridge has meant so much. I too am embracing my mediocre bridge self, lol.
~Julie
Thank you so much for sharing this! I know some folks in my local AAs who would love to hear this !!! ❤️❤️❤️
Great Story. My wife and I can definitely relate.
Thanks for sharing. I did not begin bridge until I was 82. But like you I have found it to be a place and an activity. A world of friendly interesting people and something to help fill the empty hours since retirement at age 80.
Good on you Stephanie.
Wonderful story. Good for you Stephanie - it must have been difficult!
Bridge can be an addiction if you don’t balance it with other activities. Awareness of your own weaknesses and effort and commitment to be a more well rounded individual helps prevent you from becoming obsessed with the game. I am glad you found an alternative addiction, however, that is not physically harmful to yourself and possibly others. 👏 Bravo!
bravo to Stephanie. Alcoholism is a hard road, leaving it even harder.
bravo to Stephanie. Alcoholism is a hard road, leaving it even harder.
My son Dominic was on Cruise ships as a Dancer / singer and I can very much relate to your words and the storyline. I too would say I have early signs of Bridge ‘addiction’ but how healthy it is and how grateful I am during thevonset of my twilight years.
Thank you for your openess to share this story with us. Well done you 🙂
Je comprends parfaitement que l'addiction au bridge puisse faire passer le cap de l'addiction à l'alcool.
Avec le bridge, l'esprit est occupé en permanence et lorsqu'il m'arrive assez souvent de voir des personnes désoeuvrées, je me dis qu'effectivement une rencontre avec le bridge leur serait bénéfique.
Merci d'avoir partagé votre histoire qui pourrait servir aux services médicaux concernant les addictions.
Hi Stephanie. I too fortunately found sobriety, but only 3 years ago at the age of 62. Bridge has also provided me with an intense focus for my addictive personality but a much healthier one than my previous pastime. I wish you well in your future life and Bridge career. Best wishes from BillT here in sunny Scotland.
good story with many good responses.
Great story; great recovery!
Congratulations & thx for sharing.
Such a good decision , you meet people, exercise your
memory and make new friends
Congratulations!
Can't think of a better way to pass your early sober days!