---
title: Getting Sober at 17 yrs old.
description: My addiction and alcoholism had become so bad that treatment was absolutely necessary. I was tired of the lifestyle, the danger, and so I got sober at 17yrs old
image: https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/images/buying_pills-281735-edited.jpg
---

[![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

 ON-LINE

[Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/)

EMAIL US

[info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

CALL US

[866-928-3434](tel:8669283434)

[![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

- [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) 
    - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history)
    - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team)
    - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors)
    - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs)
    - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials)
    - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png)
- [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) 
    - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program)
    - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program)
    - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs)
    - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs)
    - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program)
    - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs)
    - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program)
    - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program)
    - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences)
    - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments)
- [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) 
    - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat)
    - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats)
    - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats)
    - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first)
- [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) 
    - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form)
    - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship)
    - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition)
- [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) 
    - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar)
    - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities)
    - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events)
    - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club)
    - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery)
    - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes)
    - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza)
- [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery)
- [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) 
    - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
    - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies)
    - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes)
    - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
- [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction)
- Media 
    - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)
    - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast)
    - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news)
    - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources)
- [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

[NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg")

# [Getting Sober at 17 yrs old.](https://blog.theretreat.org/getting-sober-at-17-yrs-old)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] May 10, 2017 11:06:29 AM / by [Peter H](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)

![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/none-circle-1.png?width=35&name=none-circle-1.png)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 \[fa icon="envelope"\][Share!](mailto:?to=&body=https://blog.theretreat.org/getting-sober-at-17-yrs-old&subject=Retreat%20Blog%20Post)

![buying_pills.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/buying_pills-281735-edited.jpg?width=711&name=buying_pills-281735-edited.jpg "buying_pills.jpg")

I grew up in Mtn. View, California and at the age of 17, I found myself at a crossroads. Once my addiction had reached the point of requiring professional help, my Mom and I went to see a doctor that specialized in chemical dependency. When the doctor came to greet us, he was not what I expected. He was an older gentleman that appeared as if he only knew medicine rather than being able to possibly comprehend what I was going through. He sat us down and said to my Mom…”You are basically putting Band-Aids on the problem…if your son does not stop what he’s doing…he’s going to die.” I could tell my Mom was fighting back the tears and doing her best to remain strong. The doctor went on to tell us about a treatment center in Minnesota that could help.

Many old timers in the program have asked me “Peter, how could things have become so bad that you had to enter treatment at the age of 17?” My response is simple… "**my addiction and alcoholism had become so bad that treatment was absolutely necessary. I was tired of the lifestyle, the danger, and the certainty that if I continued, I would not live long enough to see my 20****th** **birthday.**” I had no dreams or aspirations of going to college. The only thing I could focus on was getting my next “fix.”

Prior to my using career...I was the typical "All American kid from the suburbs with high aspirations of one day becoming something great.” My life consisted of school and year-round baseball and football training. 

While in treatment, I learned about a local collegiate [recovery program](https://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program). My parents and I flew from California to tour the campus and meet the staff. Frankly, I was hesitant at first to join the program. Moving 1,500 miles away from home was a monumental commitment. Nevertheless, it was a commitment that needed to be made. When I was greeted by the program staff and current students, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and hope for the future. The program welcomed with open arms and it was the first time in my life that people no longer looked at me as just an addict and an alcoholic. I was encouraged to use my leadership skills, participate in student government, study abroad, and represent the program at a national level in Washington D.C.

I experienced some difficult times when I first came joined the program. I grew up playing baseball and football and many of my closest friends went on to play baseball for Division 1 schools and some went on to play professionally. I had my chance...however different plans were in store for me. I spent many afternoons in my counselor’s office expressing my feelings of envy and anger. Why was I here in Minnesota and my childhood All-Star team mates were playing on fresh cut grass for top Division 1 schools? With the support of staff, my friends in the program, I came to realize that I was here for a reason, I was given the opportunity to make an impact in the recovery community and provide leadership within the program. This program has made what I once thought impossible....possible. 

 

#### **For More Information Download our FREE Brochure**

**[![Click Here For More Information!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/6e3dce7f-0411-4101-add7-70f77a5b9678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/6e3dce7f-0411-4101-add7-70f77a5b9678)**

 Topics: [substance abuse](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse), [Drug Rehab](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program), [Drugs Adiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction), [Chemical Dependency](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)

![Peter H](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/none-circle-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=none-circle-1.png)

#### Written by [Peter H](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570)

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Authors

- [Maj Donovan (95)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)
- [John MacDougall (72)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall)
- [Staff Blog (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog)
- [Sherry Gaugler-Stewart (27)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/sherry-gaugler-stewart)
- [Dick Rice (12)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dick-rice)
- [Kara F (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kara-f)
- [John Curtiss (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)
- [Mark Korman (6)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/mark-korman)
- [DeAnna L. (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deanna)
- [Dede Armstrong (3)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong)
- [Jake Lewis (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-lewis)
- [Chris Nehotte (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/chris-nehotte)
- [Alex Curtiss, M.A. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/alex-curtiss)
- [Jenna L. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jenna-l)
- [Pam Broz (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/pam-broz)
- [Nancy Kaley (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/nancy-kaley)
- [Ellie Hyatt (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/ellie-hyatt)
- [Rich Murphy (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy)
- [Phil F. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/philip-farzanegan)
- [Lisa D. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d)
- [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane)
- [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o)
- [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence)
- [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu)
- [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling)
- [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j)
- [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l)
- [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery)
- [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke)
- [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)
- [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker)
- [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r)
- [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b)
- [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g)

see all

### Recent Posts

### OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Learn More →](https://www.theretreat.org/about)

 

*\*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.*

### CONTACT US

Phone: 866-928-3434  
Phone: 952-476-0566  
Fax: 952-404-7208

Email: [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

Address:  [1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1221+Wayzata+Blvd+E,+Wayzata,+MN+55391/@44.972252,-93.4978219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b34b6393eefe71:0xa29dd4f038137ea6)

 

**[Our Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)**  |  [Online Meeting Resources](https://myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) 

 

<https://www.facebook.com/theRetreatonline> <https://twitter.com/the_retreat> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retreat---wayzata-minnesota/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-y2eCNjhvtQs7rN22l92kg> <https://www.instagram.com/theretreatmn/>

----------------------------  
"[The Retreat Daily](https://paper.li/e-1496866645)" Daily posts on recovery, sobriety, mental health, and everything in-between.

### NEED HELP NOW?

© 2025 The Retreat. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.theretreat.org/privacy-policy)

Powered By [BSPKN](https://www.bspkn.co/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Peter H",
    "url" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2020-08-03T06:10:40.795Z",
  "datePublished" : "2017-05-10T16:06:29.000Z",
  "headline" : "Getting Sober at 17 yrs old.",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/images/buying_pills-281735-edited.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/getting-sober-at-17-yrs-old",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "The Retreat"
  }
}
```