01/10/2026
I was looking at my calendar today and I realized that January 10 is an anniversary for me. I quit drinking over 43 years ago. It changed my life in a powerful way. In reflecting on this I realize how different I am now and how much more open I am to learning and growing and meeting and coaching new people. I was shy and introverted and self-destructive and a drunk.
There are many similar stories out there about changing your life for the better when you quit being dependent upon addictions. However, the number is small because addiction is so strong and takes such a hold on people. In the past 43 years I realize that I have worked hard to change, to grow, to heal traumas, to feel good about who I am.
I began work in the addictions field over 30 years ago when I realized that I was sober and that I wanted to help others heal. I am now a licensed, clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist license, addictions counselor, a life coach hypnotherapist EMDR practitioner. The list goes on and on. And with each challenge that I faced, I had to go a little deeper into my fear, my insecurities, and change the way I think about myself.
When I talk about life coaching for longer-term sobriety, this is what I'm talking about. It's about much more than just not drinking or using. AA is a wonderful program but it's not all there is. As we stay and grow and change we have to be willing to release some of that old stuff.
I offer life coaching and sobriety coaching, to share what I've learned, and to support someone on their journey, as they change their life and live it anew. It's a very powerful process, but it is so worth it. When you can look at it yourself in the mirror and say "I love you" and feel good about who you are. There's so much you can accomplish.
Give me a call if you'd like to move forward in your sobriet journey. I've walked the walk, I've taken the journey, and I'm reaping the rewards and the peace that goes with it. Let's explore what your life will look like as you continue forward in your journey. I love the life you've always wanted.
Deborah Bressler, MA, LAC, LCPC, LMFT, Life Coach, Innerfirelifecoaching.net,
406-270-9286