For years, I turned to alcohol to numb the pain. Whether it was the physical pain of lupus and migraines or the emotional exhaustion that came with it, drinking felt like my escape. It wasn’t just about having a drink at the end of the day—it was about quieting the discomfort, the overwhelming symptoms, and the mental toll of chronic illness. But what I didn’t realize then was that alcohol was making it all worse.
The Vicious Cycle of Drinking with Chronic Illness
When I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus, my body was already fighting a battle I didn’t fully understand. On top of that, I was experiencing debilitating migraines that would leave me in bed for days, unable to function. The pain was unbearable, the fatigue was relentless, and alcohol seemed like an easy way to “take the edge off.”
What I didn’t see at the time was how alcohol was actually fueling the fire:
✔ Inflammation – Alcohol increases inflammation, which only worsened my lupus flare-ups.
✔ Dehydration – Migraines and lupus already left me exhausted, and alcohol only drained me more.
✔ Medication Interactions – I was on prescriptions for lupus, and mixing them with alcohol was dangerous.
✔ Emotional Toll – Drinking didn’t help me cope; it just masked the problem while making me feel worse the next day.
I was stuck in a cycle of drinking to escape the pain, only to wake up feeling even sicker. And for years, I ignored the signs.
Choosing Sobriety: A Wake-Up Call
My turning point came when my health started to spiral. I was dealing with potential lupus nephritis, and the thought of permanent kidney damage was terrifying. I had to make a choice: continue drinking and risk my health even more, or commit to something better—for myself, for my family, and for my future.
I chose sobriety. And it changed everything.
How I Cope Without Alcohol
Choosing sobriety didn’t make my lupus or migraines disappear, but it gave me something I had never truly had before—clarity, stability, and real healing. Here’s what has helped me manage the pain without alcohol:
1. Hydration & Nutrition
I focus on hydration like it’s my full-time job—water, electrolytes, and herbal teas that help reduce inflammation. My diet is high-protein, low-carb, and anti-inflammatory, which has made a huge difference in managing my symptoms.
2. Faith & Prayer
Instead of reaching for a drink when I’m struggling, I lean into prayer, worship, and God’s Word. My faith has become my strongest anchor in sobriety, reminding me that I am never alone in my struggles.
3. Natural Pain Management
- Magnesium & Electrolytes – Helps prevent migraines and ease muscle pain.
- Essential Oils (Peppermint & Lavender) – I use these for migraines instead of alcohol or medication overload.
- Cold Compress & Dark Room – Simple but effective when a migraine hits hard.
- Gentle Movement & Sunlight – Even short walks or stretching help reduce inflammation and clear my head.
4. Community & Support
Sobriety and chronic illness can both feel isolating, but I’ve found strength in connecting with others who understand. Whether through faith-based sobriety groups, online communities, or close friendships, surrounding myself with support has been a game-changer.
5. Mindset Shift
For years, I believed alcohol was my only escape. Now, I see it for what it truly was—a temporary band-aid that was only making things worse. Today, I choose to focus on healing, not hiding. I remind myself daily that my body deserves care, not punishment.
Living Free from Alcohol & Embracing Healing
I won’t pretend that sobriety has made life easy—lupus is still a daily battle, and migraines still come and go. But now, I have the strength to face them, rather than drowning in alcohol and waking up feeling worse.
Sobriety has given me my life back. It has allowed me to be fully present for my family, to care for my body in a way I never did before, and to wake up each morning knowing I am walking in healing—not destruction.
If you’re struggling with chronic illness and using alcohol to cope, I want you to know this: You are stronger than you think. You deserve real healing. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Have you struggled with sobriety and chronic illness? I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below or send me a message—I’m here to support you. 💜










