Is He Going to Die? - Kyle P’s Story

Kyle P putting in some open water miles!

"Is he going to die?" These were the words spoken by the AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) Counselor who visited my room in the hospital ICU just before I woke after a few days of being unconscious. I overdosed, and there was still a great deal of uncertainty whether I would pull through or fully recover from the incident.

That marked my sixth attempt at sobriety. I took recovery seriously and managed to achieve nine years of sobriety at that point. Previously, I could barely manage sixty days.

After nine years sober, the addict within convinced me that I was sober long enough and since things were going well in my life, I surely didn't have a problem. I thought one drink wouldn't hurt but I was gravely mistaken. I ended up drunk for the next five years.

I reached a point where the only time I didn't feel like I was dying was when I was drunk and decided I couldn't live that way anymore. They say, you're ready for recovery when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired. Luckily, I knew where to go for help based on my past experiences and relationships with others in recovery and I was able to rejoin the program.

I was now over 320 lbs. due to my excessive drinking and I made the decision to incorporate healthy activities and to get in shape as part of my recovery. I started running and then I set a goal of completing an Ironman. That's when I started swimming.

Swimming has been transformative for me; it's my sanctuary. I believe that "everything in the world is better after a swim." Swimming has helped me become comfortable with myself and to be the best version of who I am supposed to be.