How I Found Christian Science March 13, 2017 Issue

‘The sweetest gift of God’s grace’

O. Matt Otte

Growing up, I had problems with fitting in and often sought out approval from others. When I was a teenager, I hung out with a rebellious group of friends and experimented with drinking and drugs as a way to be accepted. Eventually, I ended up attending a university where heavy drinking was common, and I freely participated in the party culture. I eventually graduated with high honors and pursued a successful career. However, drinking alcohol continued to be a significant part of my life.

Over time, I became very dependent on alcohol. I was always a good employee and received excellent performance reviews, but my social circles and my evenings were typically filled with drinking. Eventually, I slid into a deep grip of “functional alcoholism” and also began to have serious physical side effects. I felt ill and anxious much of the time.

Toward the last years of my drinking phase, I became interested in alternative health as a hope for finding release from alcoholism, but I didn’t find success and couldn’t stop drinking on my own. I had lost control for years, though I remained outwardly successful.

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