Madeline Smith Tells Her Sober Story Through Fitness Competition

HEAVY LIFTING –

June 8, 2023 – Her story: Smith started drinking when she turned 21. Quickly, she realized the difference between her and her friends.

“[My friends] could have a few drinks and be content and move on with their day. I wasn’t someone who was like that. I was either someone who didn’t drink, or I would drink until I black out,” she said.

As she moved on from college, Smith settled down, got married, and started a family. After her first pregnancy—she said it was no problem for her to stay sober while she was pregnant and nursing—Smith went through severe postpartum depression. After her second pregnancy, it was even worse.

This triggered a switch. Before her pregnancies, Smith says she was a “fun, jovial, silly drunk”.

Afterwards, she says “I just was … a really horrible person.”

“It really scared me. When that happened my drinking was like a horse of a different color.”

Eventually, Smith’s drinking got to the point where she needed help. “Normally, I can figure things out and fix things. I would say, ‘I am just not going to drink before 5 PM, I’m only going to drink wine, not going to drink liquor, or I’m only going to drink at barbeques. If you know anything about alcoholism, this doesn’t work.”