Sobriety comes with a story

Sobriety Comes with a Story- Here’s mine- Michelle, Founder of Sober Attraction

For years, I hesitated to create this platform. Sharing my story felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to expose that part of myself. But my journey, though far from easy, has shaped the person I am today. I’ve realized, my story isn’t something to hide-I’ve come to see it as a testament of who I am, built on strength, resilience and whole lot of Grace!

October 2, 2016, was the last day I had a drink. That day, I was found unconscious in my backyard, having nearly drunk myself to death. At that point, I was drowning in debt, depression, and loneliness, numbing my pain with alcohol to the point where I believed my family would be better off without me. The truth is, my struggles didn’t start on October 2, 2016 and didn’t start with alcohol, they started long before, rooted in childhood trauma. I didn’t have the tools to handle life’s challenges in a healthy way, so I coped the only way I knew how. Unfortunately, that led to a cycle of bad decisions and broken relationships, each one making life harder than it already was. 

Back to October 2nd, 2016, what came next was my journey to recovery. I spent weeks in the hospital, more weeks in a sobriety facility, and a full year in psychotherapy, five days a week. Therapy was life-changing, understanding the connection between mental health and addiction gave me the power to break free from the cycle. It helped me heal, rebuild, and step into a life I had always wanted, but wasn’t sure I always deserved it.

Once I became sober and healthy, I was ready to get back out there and find real, healthy love. But dating sober wasn’t easy. Most of the people I met drank, and “Let’s grab a drink” seemed to be the go-to invite. I also wanted to get back into social circles and feel like myself again, but with people who understood my lifestyle, people who were sober like me. Because there wasn’t a space for someone like me, I didn’t feel like I truly belonged, and I often felt judged in the circles I knew. I kept asking myself: Why isn’t there a space for people like us? For those who want friendship and relationships without alcohol. For those of us who don’t feel like explaining why we’re not drinking? For those of us who are still full of life and enjoy everything the dating world has to offer—we just do it without alcohol.

Sober Attraction is my gift to you, the person searching for love in the right place, not the wrong place. It’s for those seeking love with a partner who truly understands them because their path is similar. It’s for those seeking a partner where your truth is your strength. Where health matters and good choices matter, and grace matters and you’re here for all of it!
This is more than a dating site, it’s a celebration of second chances, resilience, and the belief that love is even sweeter when shared with a clear mind and an open heart.

With gratitude and excitement,
Michelle

Every month, one story will be featured as part of Sober Attraction’s “Story of the Month.” If you’d like to be considered, send us your story at info@soberattraction.com.