With Christmas of 2016 now history, while having coffee with a group of men at a popular gathering place Tuesday, the topic was the “new year.”

A couple of men, like myself, who had a serious drinking problems shared about what made us decide to quit drinking.

One of the men, who is my age, quit only six months ago after having blackouts from being drunk, falling, hurting himself and having his son confront him in a challenging way.

I shared my story of how in 1974, I was directed to a 12-step self-help program. People I had never met received me with open arms, not wanting to know anything about me other than how they could help.

The love and compassion they had for me, a stranger, touched me in such a way that I wanted what they had.

Another man whom I’ve known for a few years surprised me when he said he also had a serious drinking problem.

“How did you quit?” I asked.

He said: “My wife would often confront me with my problem, but nothing got my attention until one night, while drinking at my favorite bar, she came in with my little boy and said, ‘I think he would like to see what you do and spend some time with you.’ She then left me with my son. That got my attention and I finally realized my responsibilities as a father.”

As I left after our discussion, I was reminded that more people seek help for alcoholism in January than any other month.

The first step in solving a problem is to admit the problem and then take action to solve it.

I did that on Jan. 25, 1974, and soon, taking one day at a time, I will celebrate 43 years of sobriety.

If anyone is looking for a new beginning and a new life, what better time to become a new person than at the beginning of a new year.

Today, I’m grateful to all the people who reached out to me in my time of need.

I offer my services (personal counseling, family intervention and referral to treatment facilities) to anyone who might think they have a problem.

Please feel free to call me at 985-652-8477.

Happy New Year!!!

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.