Did the Alcoholic Mom Stay Sober? | Where Are They Now | Oprah Winfrey Network

Back in 2004, The Oprah Winfrey Show told the story of Sarah Kohl, an Illinois mom with a drinking problem. After admitting she was an alcoholic and attending rehab, Sarah came back on the show later that year, appearing happy and healthy. Now, Sarah is opening up about what she was really feeling during that second appearance and the obstacles she's faced in the years following, from a shopping addiction to time in a psych ward. How is Sarah doing today? For more on #WhereAreTheyNow, visit bit.ly/2dTkIT9
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Their stories made headlines across America. Now, the original series Oprah: Where Are They Now? tracks down the Oprah Show guests who made you laugh...and made you cry. Find out where they are now, plus see what happened to the biggest newsmakers of all time and how their lives changed after sudden fame and notoriety turned their worlds upside down.
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Did the Alcoholic Mom Stay Sober? | Where Are They Now | Oprah Winfrey Network
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[@purplevodka100]

I been watching Oprah clips for 3 hours. I can't stop! someone help.

[@helen-wu]

+Tori Philips Same!!!!!

[@enilasor4873]

+Tori Philips same

[@OfficiallyEguono]

Same 😭😭😭 I need to sleep!! I'm so tired !

[@shannonknox1578]

👀 same here and exhausted!

[@micahm.943]

Same

[@fezilesikhakhane9633]

If I ever had a child, I would want a teacher that's has actually gone through something because they can actually help my child and recognise things I wouldn't. I don't understand the instant judgement.

[@lorim2000]

Fezile Sikhakhane probably because she was still an active alcoholic at the time and they say video of her being drunk getting ready for work. That’s not something any employer can overlook - I’ve dealt with that with staff. You care about them but you can’t have them in your office half drunk still and wreaking of booze ...especially in her case as a teacher of young kids.

[@ashleyvestal9030]

As a teacher, I thank you. My 15 yr old daughter's favorite teacher was a lady who went through a lot and shared it with her students. It taught my daughter so much. I wish the school year with this teacher had not been cut short due to Covid-19.

[@laureljade3476]

as long as she's not intoxicated.

[@walenalivingprayingdancing4215]

I'm HAPPY she's reclaiming her life!!!! She looks healthier and more complete!!!! May God bless her❤

[@Speeva12]

Proud of you, Mama! Thank you for your honesty and keep up the good work!

[@oscarwilliamson1264]

Eva Stoner, you are so beautiful 🌹🥀🥀🥀🌺🌷🌺and too kind 💓

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Eva Stoner,your lovely smile can make the news!

[@kitteekittee4010]

Life is so hard. This breaks my heart. You are strong and amazing Sarah this isn't your fault you are not alone!

[@monicajones5943]

When our parents are brave, we must be brave with them.

[@samanthaghost]

Addiction is so lonely and isolating. If you’re a functioning, secret addict/alcoholic with a job and a life, it feels almost impossible to get help. If you decide to get sober and tell your job “hey I need some time off” and they know it’s because you’re going to rehab, they’ll probably fire you. Your family won’t look at you the same, they won’t let you be around kids by yourself, they’ll stop inviting you to holidays, your friends will talk about you behind your back. I feel like things are slowly changing, and more people are willing to get the help they need at whatever cost but it’s still one of the loneliest things a person can go through. Of course there are some addicts/alcoholics who are surrounded by support and love, but there are a lot who aren’t.

[@thedayandlifeofnalaamandal581]

The kids cry breaks my heart

[@poopsydo8052]

I have bipolar disorder and struggle everyday to lead a normal life & provide a good upbringing for my kids. This gives me hope...

[@devincook547]

What a rad woman! Great work taking care of yourself and your family.

[@memariemarie]

This is beautiful ♥️ I’m glad she got it together for her and her babies!

[@08Stella]

Auwwww, how sweet her kids are!!! These segments are lovely... we get to see how they are doing. Gosh, I remember her on the Show back in the day!! x

[@Caroljq410]

Love how Oprah looks in 2004 so pretty

[@TH-eb5ro]

People really need to be screened for mental health from the start. So glad she is still working on this.

[@theresawooten6455]

Absolutely lady..you are a winner!!!

[@happilyeverafter1182]

Good for her for making a change.

[@rebeccawhite8459]

God bless her

[@Confidentk9sCa]

So disgusting that a community (work, friend's parents, etc.) would not be supportive of her public recovery. I grew up with a parent and teachers that hid their alcoholism and the community didn't bother them at all even though the signs were obvious. She's lucky she ended up getting more help in the end as many don't. Social stigmas are horrible but thrive everywhere. People need to stop the ignorance and take a short moment to get educated.

[@elizabethmeyer7447]

Great job so proud of you❤

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Elizabeth Meyer, you got a smile that can make the news

[@deef9734]

Good for her ❤

[@annika3118]

Disgusting how people didn’t support her

[@lynnhanson2169]

I feel for her, but no way no how would you 1) film me buzzed and 2) go back on Oprah and announce i am an alcoholic. Why share? I hope she is well today, i truly do.

[@autumnmeadows4079]

I do so wish that alcohol did not exist​.

[@debbiepotter4592]

Me too. And all the drugs that do so much damage. Addiction is a terrible thing and the stigma that goes with it makes it so much worse

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

Unless the actual ADDICTION is resolved the addiction just transfers to another substance; alcohol, to shopping, to food, to ciagarettes etc.

[@pennivalenti6602]

I really don’t like that they refer to it as a disease. A disease is cancer, etc. You chose to drink and became an alcoholic from it. You may have an addictive personality, but it’s not a disease.

[@Johnphilips1234]

Why is it hard to say you're an alcoholic? It's just your brain chemistry. The only control you have over it is to drink or not to drink. Nothing to be ashamed or embarrased about. You are your brain. And your brain reacts to alcohol like that, you can't help it. Just don't pick up the drink and you'll be fine :)

[@iLOVEpalestineNlebanonFOREVER]

Because that means that people will go "OK you get something is wrong let's fix it" and that means giving up the substance you love.

[@Johnphilips1234]

+Ca Coast I'm an alcoholic. Two years sober. If I don't pick up the drink in the first place, I'm fine. If I do, then a two week two litre of vodka a day bender will ensue. I know the nature of the beast. I live with the beast and will do every day til I die.

[@vonnieb5212]

Such strength!..may God Almighty Yahweh bless you abundantly in the Christ Jesus name!!..Amen xx

[@elainepagnani9980]

Good for you Sarah keep up the good wirk! My male best friend admitted to me that he is a functioning alcoholic.

[@GuerinGrad09]

+Elaine Pagnani A functioning alcoholic? I know the disease of addiction VERY well and I have never heard of such a thing. I hope he is able to find some help. Its great that he was able to admit that he had a problem.

[@carmenl163]

+GuerinGrad09 There are thousands of them: all the men and women that have a drink when they come home, enjoy a few glasses of wine while cooking dinner, finish that bottle and a second one at dinner and then ending up having a nightcap. A lot of people are intoxicated every day. A lot of people drink alcohol every day and are grumpy if they can't. (at least here in The Netherlands). They function, but they are alcoholics.

[@GuerinGrad09]

carmenl163 I don't think you understand what an alcoholic is. An alcoholic isn't a person who gets intoxicated every so often. An alcoholic is someone who is addicted to alcoholic and cannot control their drinking. They abuse alcohol, not drink it socially. They can't go without it for very long or they will get very sick from withdrawal and potentially be killed by withdrawal and drinking. Their liver begins to shut down and have problems because they can't stop drinking. This is primarily a problem in the US, not in Europe, although it can happen anywhere.

[@carmenl163]

+GuerinGrad09 Thank you for your response and your explanation. I think there are different definitions of alcoholism. In The Netherlands, the government is trying to inform people about the dangers of this so-called 'social drinking' and the functioning alcoholics. Because it really is a form of alcoholism, people drink every day and become abusers of alcohol. They have hangovers, they call in sick, they are dangerous in traffic, because they think they are capable of driving their cars and gradually they become more and more dependent on having a drink. We now have this campaign "30 days without consuming alcohol" and a lot of people are stunned by how difficult this is for them. They think they are in control of the alcohol and it turns out they are not. It just is a dangerous drug!

[@GuerinGrad09]

carmenl163 Those are all definitely characteristics of alcoholism. I think that 30 day campaign is amazing because it definitely shows people who is really in control, themselves or the alcohol. Its a terrible disease that many think they don't have. I think those that put other's lives at risk by drinking and driving are the worst.

[@thequeenofhope4006]

3:56 sons face a bit on the scary side lol

[@maddygrabham136]

Everything in moderation

[@haley5617]

She even LOOKED healthier after she stopped drinking

[@alexandraelise7258]

I know right I thought that straight away

[@h.h.7558]

That's just ONE of all the awesome things that happen to you when you quit drinking. But first of all you get your self esteem and your clear sight on life back. Sobriety is possible and it is the best thing that could happen to me.

[@indigoray6693]

Haley is it that surprising she looks better afterwards? Of course you're going to look better once you stop dumping poison into your body. Usually getting healthy equals looking better as well

[@exdoode]

@Indigo Ray Well we all learn something new everyday... hopefully!

[@charlottebruce979]

I don't drink at all or smoke, but still look like I haven't slept in a hundred years, imagine what I'd look like as an alcoholic.

[@kimberlydolezal2650]

i been sober 15 years today valentines day 2018 ...I'm also sober on drugs too..

[@ar8107]

Kimberly Dolezal -- good job. I give you lots of credit. I started one year ago drinking bad and it’s been hard to stop 😔

[@katiempojer]

Amazing

[@wendybitch06]

Mazel tov! 👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉

[@cuteoooobabe]

much respect. you go girlfriend xx

[@NellieKAdaba]

Kimberly Dolezal Congrats and all the best 👍

[@JessicaHarmina]

This woman decides to ask for help and people shunned her in the neighbourhood and work. How are people getting help? So unfortunate.

[@beeautifuldreamer2211]

That's wack this is why people suffer in silence then die in turmoil society has to do better and stop holding Judging people for the mistakes they make even tho you went through the process of righting those wrongs 💜

[@lndingalle9605]

And I present to you white culture. Where there are the most suicides, self harm and eating disorders.. also the most narcissists. It's not "people" it's white Americans.

[@bee4590]

@@lndingalle9605 its not just white people lmfao every single culture and race judges drug addicts

[@nikkitots]

That part really upset me! She is trying to better herself but the community wanted to hang her sins over her head. My sister has bipolar disorder and went through her own struggles but she finally found the right balance of meds and the right therapist. She is finally back to being the sister that I know and she's planning to go to grad school as part of her 5 year plan. To quote the great Dolly Parton, "Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain; but there can't be a rainbow without a little rain."

[@narayani2357]

This is y people turn back to alcohol, brutal society

[@eltonjohn3236]

I'm a recovered alcoholic, and if AA has one fundamental flaw, it's that mental health issues are not discussed. Alcohol is the shield from depression, and other disorders.

[@swankelly]

I've never been in AA but I have known a lot of addicts. I definitely agree that these issues often over lap.

[@ganapatikitty]

Exactly, some love the alcohol sure, but most of the time there is an underlying problem that the person doesn't even know surely what it is, and it must be presented and discussed.

[@laureljade3476]

booze has the magical ability to take you to a place where problems don't exist.

[@eltonjohn3236]

laurel jade You're right, and that's what is so intoxicating about it.

[@eltonjohn3236]

That''s where AA really fails. It works for plenty of people, but getting to the bottom of the REAL problem is most important.

[@zoehutton5467]

That scene with her children crying was heartbreaking

[@snippetsofvictoria]

+Zoë Hutton I agree. My heart breaks when I hear children crying like that

[@zoehutton5467]

I hate it so much!!

[@funnyusername8635]

+Zoë Hutton I used to cry like this for my mum at that age. I really hope they talk to him about it.

[@christinad4432]

hobbit lad yo ?

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

I don't think the cameras should be filming that! That's adding to the trauma!

[@fiercest_calm]

Instead of focusing on what she did, drinking,they should have looked how hard she worked to get sober. That mother that kept her child from going over to her home because she had been an alcoholic...that teaches your child that you can't ever make a mistake and be forgiven. Everybody makes mistakes, bad choices...and yes, while some may be more disruptive to life than others, in the end we have to admit we are prone to some kind action that we need grace and forgiveness. She really fought to be healthy when so many don't! People need to be more forgiving.

[@thehow2Collection]

Lisa Noelle, you're absolutely right! That mother who kept her son from his friends house has little to zero compassion. She should've reached out to her since it's the mother of her childs friend. People grow more and more distant and less and less human-like in our societies. I abhore this culture of extreme selfishness, extreme individuality and meanness. Everyone encounters problems in life, and we all had a helping hand in our lives. We need to open our eyes and give a 10 or 20 min of our time to someone who needs a conversation or advice or whatever else that we are able to provide.

[@shammydammy2610]

My job as a parent was to protect and take care of my children above all else. If I left my child in the care of someone who was drunk and the child was injured or killed, everybody would call me a poor parent for letting someone I knew was impaired take care of my child. This is no different.

[@adrianna986]

Road House Idc. You shouldn’t take chances when it comes to your child.

[@tracywaters7290]

So true, and yes Forgiveness is very important to master on this earth.. and what a privilege to truly forgive somebody .

[@A.J.8.8.8]

@@shammydammy2610 absolutely true. But I think it's also important to handle those situations compassionately. As a parent, you shouldn't be telling your kid "no you can't play at your friends house because his mother is an alcoholic", that spreads malicious gossip with parents and school yard bullying amongst kids. If it was me, I would be encouraging the boys to play at my house and reaching out to the mother to offer support. At least try that before cutting ties all together

[@ShuyaAndNobu]

My mom was a drug addict when I was growing up, but she got her life together, went to rehab and then school and now she is a drug and alcohol counselor for probation/jail. Her first job out of rehab was in social work, so its nice to see this woman has done the same thing. I think when her son grows up he will be very proud of her :)

[@ShuyaAndNobu]

9+ years. (thats as old as I was, so Im not sure before then)

[@ShuyaAndNobu]

+lynnej22 thanks:) I'm sure it would make her haply to hear somebody sat that

[@MysticPrairie]

ShuyaAndNobu proud of your mom! Happy to be the 100th like on your comment too lol

[@MysticPrairie]

Two years after your original comment, wow!

[@yaboi2887]

Give her a hug for me that’s amazing

[@whatdoyoulivefor735]

Poor sweet lady. I hope she forgives herself. She was up against a lot.

[@vegas9440]

They acting like she was smoking crack, the parents and school was ridiculous for shaming her .

[@underthe_3]

Addiction is one in the same. If you’re abusing a substance, legal or not, you are in essence just like “a crackhead”.

[@tearose9938]

@@underthe_3 yes, an addiction is an addiction. But, smoking crack is illegal and drinking is not. So, it could be the things that she said on tape and going on Oprah caused her more harm at her job.

[@helyce5303]

@@tearose9938 the emotional pain of having an alcholic parents hurts. And it is a big deal

[@brinalea7778]

maybe she's not even an alcoholic just someone with bipolar who was self medicating

[@unaryan1979]

Sabrina Mazzei you've a good point there. I agree.v

[@dramaqueen10141]

Sabrina Mazzei that’s called alcoholism sweetheart

[@behabtwa]

KG2018 doesnt that still make her an alcoholic?

[@bluedragon4]

It could, yes. You think you are treating one problem and create a whole other problem.

[@adrianna986]

Still makes her an alcoholic

[@5proudmomof]

That's just horrible that the mother of her son's friend and the community shunned her so bad. Talk about being self righteous!

[@meshell4993]

No she didn’t she just didn’t want her child around an alcoholic as they are very dangerous when drunk!

[@ashleyvestal9030]

@@meshell4993 This was after she stopped drinking.

[@johnettastevens8699]

@@ashleyvestal9030 Her child, her rules. ANNNND...once an alcoholic, you are always an alcoholic. Every single day is a uphill struggle not to take that sip of that one thing that would solve all your problems. What if she "fell off the wagon" while watching her son's friend? How many times do we forgive a person who isn't willing to forgive themselves? Why else do they drink til they're numb?

[@Volvican]

That's some of my fav Oprah hair.

[@breannameloy1]

Nothing to be ashamed of Momma.

[@ukeelady]

Most people don't understand that alcoholism is the symptom not the problem. There are varying underlying issues, varying layers that contribute to an exterior manifestation ie alcohol or other substance abuses, addictions of one type or another. I am glad for this woman, who recognised her breaking point and sought help. There are those that do indeed successfully stop and one can only hope that they dont have other issues they keep under wraps. Then there are those that do need help. There is no one way. Whatever is best for the individual. ox

[@Rainbowrobb]

Carolyn Campbell While many individuals do in fact seek comfort that an addictive substance may provide, alcoholism is indeed a disease. The brain can develop a chemical dependency that is independent from other potential preexisting diagnoses an individual may have.

[@oscarwilliamson1264]

Carolyn Campbell, I love your kind heart 💓

[@BriaBarrows]

All drugs are a symptom of a deeper issue

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Carolyn Campbell,I admire your lovely smile

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Carolyn Campbell,I admire your lovely smile

[@mrgordy1980]

I like this lady, shes a real cool chick

[@babblingalong7689]

I like her too.

[@Carri.]

Yes. She's so Real.

[@lysafox3789]

I went to school with Sara, she is/was such an amazing magnetic person. I was always amazed how her presents in a room made everyone one smile. I absolutely hope she is happy in life and continues to do well.

[@helenjellen5666]

that mom that would not let her son over is sooooooooo wrong,,,why didnt she reach out and ask if you needed help,,,people like that are hidding there own shame!!!!!!!!! so sad

[@adrianna986]

helen jellen She’s not wrong at all.. I would never let my child go to an alcoholics home. My kids come first

[@bitescratchkill6849]

FlashBack Mary exactly ! You can’t really trust people with alcohol addictions, they tend to be very violent when they’re drunk. I don’t want to risk my child’s safety like that

[@AJDwatching]

Because she needs to prioritize her kids well-being. She doesn't owe her anything.

[@caseyhstuver]

It's easier to judge than it is to offer help. These ladies that are defending it are the same. If their loved one was struggling they wouldn't be so quick to judge.

[@jgjg3848]

She was right not wanting her child to go to an alcoholic's home. What that mom should have done was go to this woman and tell her that's she's afraid/nervous of her addiction and that she's only comfortable with their kids spending time together at her home only. That allows the kids to still be together. This mom should be understanding of another mom wanting to protect her kid.

[@priscillaharper65]

When I got sober, I lost a lot of weight. Only to be accused of being on drugs. You never win.

[@chrishouston968]

I too went to rehab for alcohol and shortly after was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It's been one hell of a journey so far but right now I am still here on this earth so I try to make a difference each day.

[@nikkimendoza2720]

Chris Houston bless you !!! 🙌🏻☝️

[@domoisawsome123]

@Tommy Loika Says who?

[@M1N1Girl007]

@Buffy Summers Wrong!

[@JoyFoolActs2035]

How are you doing these days?

[@GarrettSpring]

I grew up with this, it's very painful to see this....

[@cookiegirl891]

Spring I can imagine

[@krystlequilliam208]

I know this comment is old but I grew up with it too. Except now I'm 27 and my Mum never turned her life around and I'm still dealing with it. Soon I will have have to decide if I should cut her out of my life so I'm glad some people never have to make this choice.

[@krystlequilliam208]

@dashing osprey thanks for the reply. Always nice to know I'm not alone in this :)

[@pearlbubbles6885]

@Photo SessionHope you're doing well🥀

[@jazr7997]

Artemis I hope you find peace ❤️❤️❤️

[@KDL861]

Addictions are self medicating mechanisms for awful problems on the inside. Checking herself into a psych ward was so brave. Bipolar disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. Glad she seems to be doing so well. I love her for getting rid of the stigma of emotional disorders. Yay!

[@lcm2351]

All this time she was bipolar. Its so hard to diagnose such things.

[@WHATTHEBUCKSHOW]

Thank you Sarah and Jett and family! Love!

[@nadster3350]

I can relate to her story, I'm proud of her she's been thru a lot.

[@unaryan1979]

Natalie Garza so can I relate to her

[@lynncleland1251]

shes nice woman no 1 deserves a drink problem

[@delanee8568]

My mother went to an addiction thingy center in 2009 and she was adicted to a med that she takes for her heart problems. I was only 4 or 5 and it broke my heart to see her go. But when she got back she was happier, and full of energy. She is alive today because of that rehab center. Even tho she witnessed 3 overdoses by other ppl while she was there. Me and my dad and brother went to see her every weekend and atleast twice a week. She is an amazing person now... i love her so much

[@nyxxie023]

They were saying that you can't do it alone, but my mom did it alone. She was a "functioning" alcoholic for most of her life. The night before my niece was born, my mom went to someone's birthday party and got plastered - then the next day she was so hungover that she couldn't enjoy the birth of her first granddaughter. She made a decision right there to get sober and she did it alone completely. She has been sober for 19 years now.

[@nyxxie023]

***** True. But since my mom was able to do it - means there will be others that can do it as well.

[@adventhiel]

nyxxie023 My grandma did the same. She had been an alcoholic for her entire adult life. When I was about six months old, she wanted to take me for a stroll in town. My father was driving through town when he saw her drunk, with me in the stroller, walking along the main road. I don't think my mother or father thought she would do something like that. My father took me from her, and told her she would never see me again if she didn't stop drinking. She ended the drinking the same day, and never took one sip again. She even took care of my brother and I after kindergarten and school before our parents got home, for many years. She was the best grandma. Love her so much

[@tylercarley8643]

I think they are saying that you need support from those around you

[@stevengonzalez27]

nyxxie023 A woman of character. To be admired.

[@adisamagickal8339]

That doesn't mean EVERYONE can do it alone. It is very, very rare.

[@ladym2398]

The bottom line is the bipolar disorder. It's hard work for the sufferer and the family. Mental illness is life changing. Its affects are inside and out. Without addressing the condition, the probability of sobriety is almost nil.

[@TheFever77]

What a lovely woman.

[@melanieholstra4397]

So it’s still the same. If you get help and people find out that u had a problem, you are shunned. No wonder people die alone and desperate.

[@oscarwilliamson1264]

Melanie Dawson,you are right 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Melanie Dawson,hope you are good!

[@evasivy855]

Her teeth are really white.

[@keialove-black3950]

Her son crying was so heartbreaking...made me cry 😢

[@JETTISHERE]

I know, I was sad!

[@deathbybettie]

Alcoholism is pretty serious, it's great to see she went to rehab. Some people don't have that opportunity and it's amazing she was able to get clean. She looks so healthy now.

[@MARLYJEANE]

That sounds like a school math question or something... "Did the alcoholic mom stay sober ?"

[@lifegoeson9695]

Yeah, there is so much stigma around mental illness... it's just so ridiculous. I'm the first one to say that it IS serious as any physical illness.

[@happyhorse1028]

Part of the stigma comes from the fact that it can’t be proven beyond reasonable doubt. It is only proven from a patient’s word. Not all people are honest. It also stems from the fact that so many people who commit crimes claim to suffer from mental health issues.

[@Lolkatlolkat]

Bipolar is so often self medicated with drugs and alcohol.

[@Litago2330]

I grew up with a alcoholic mom, it ruined my childhood. So happy she was strong enough to win over this for her self and her kids ❤️

[@IfYouMeetAWolf]

She looks like Khloe Kardashian at 3:16

[@hanan2629]

+IfYouMeetAWolf i thought the same thing!!

[@goblin8368]

I thought so to

[@MandaTheMoonChild]

You CAN do it alone. A lot of us have, and we find it terribly misleading to have folks say "you're not strong enough to do this on your own"

[@teenindustry]

Many people can Amanda I agree. But I think this woman couldn’t and she was speaking to others in a similar predicament

[@aprilgosa5779]

Amanda Blahey true that some people have no choice but to do it alone but asking for outside help does not make one weak

[@bitescratchkill6849]

Nobody’s strong enough to do it completely on their own,,

[@kitteekittee4010]

Thank you

[@katymcginn4644]

💜 ABSOLUTELY WE CAN! I'VE BEEN SOBER FOR 23 YEARS. NO REHAB, NO MEETINGS, NO OUTSIDE HELP. I PRAYED & DID IT FOR MY CHILDREN ☺🙏💜

[@katherinerinck3722]

I am so proud of her reaching out for help. The honesty and bravery that takes, and then accepting her diagnosis and working to treat it, not many people understand how difficult that is. Congratulations to her!

[@reakapur]

Aw I’m glad she’s happy now, I’m an alcoholic borderline and I wish I had the courage and self reflection to improve myself radically like she did. So proud of her

[@sandycummings4135]

You DO have the strength.. let it out, and love yourself ☺

[@undefinedd1147]

❤

[@jaeboogie2786]

I'm late but I pray you've gotten a hold of your self

[@ems8717]

she got nice legs

[@skywatcher651]

She has great kids. They're worth living for, changing for, and living life for. Hey, she even is prettier when sober.

[@khrystianniyoko5619]

Wow people are so scandalous. I applaud her for her bravery and vulnerability. Judgemental people need to worry about themselves you are not perfect so hopefully no one treats you like you treated this brave soul.

[@jaycole2109]

Good for this woman! It is so hard, and she’s doing great for her children!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@rosiewhitfield123]

It’s great to see Sarah accepted help for her alcoholism. It takes strength and your willingness to go into a rehabilitation centre. I’ve had some issue with Alcohol myself. It’s hard to stop mainly until something wakes you up to it. It seems people in her community shunned her away. It wasn’t fair or nice. She did her rehabilitation and that shouldn’t be against her name. No substance abuser bounces back to a non addict in the space of a month. It takes time. Sarah May have relapsed but not drinking to her previous loading. Fall three times, rise up four times. Good to know Sarah wasn’t drinking a third time. It would be great if we could have an update on how Sarah and her big kids are doing. People don’t have a chance to show people they’ve kept to their words 😎🙂

[@leona6415]

I’m legit choking on my tears as I lay next to my 4 year old and watch Sarah’s pain and bravery. God bless her.

[@mmmmlllljohn]

Kudos to her for keeping on keeping on ... and eventually she made it out from under her addictions. Also kudos to her kids for their forgiveness.

[@janeylee7819]

alcoholism is the hardest thing. especially at 17, i’ll be going to a rehab soon. to everyone that thinks they can’t do it, please try to get help. we’re in this together

[@gecks3464]

janey lee I started drinking socially at 17. Quickly it became a pastime for myself only. I’m 20 now and just peaked in my alcoholism after being diagnosed with BPD followed by a traumatic breakup, drinking every other night after work and most times blacking out by the end of my binge. I hope you’re doing better now...

[@Ms.MD7]

I hope you're doing ok

[@VioletJoy]

What a great personality! She sounded incredibly determined when she was first on the show. She's obviously a hard worker. What a wonderful ending - she sober, working on furthering her education to help others and her children appear well adjusted... and there's lots of love. So happy for you all. Your hard work paid off. And kudos to the kids for being so understanding and forgiving. ❤

[@carolnewlands8630]

GOOD FOR YOU!! Me 6 years clean!!

[@mandystaton6721]

Wish I could get Oprah’s help with the same problems. I’ve lost my child and my job as a nurse and the judgement stigma others give is, some days, all- consuming.

[@stevengonzalez27]

Mandy staton Reach out to Oprah, or any other place that will help you. Reach out to God in prayer, if you are sincere and believe, then He will help you. You can pray also to loose the desire to drink, or whatever the addiction happens to be. Sincere and heartfelt prayer are truly powerful, believe.

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

Very important! You can't just treat the addiction you've got to treat the cause behind it!

[@Tia-vs4xu]

She’s got really great skin

[@blastoff2022]

I wonder who drank in her family....or did drugs. Some addictions are learned behavior~

[@FKDJFeliFel]

Thank you for this update. As a now 5 year sober recovering alcoholic I’m so greatful to see struggle and the success. Silencing the stigma

[@anewloveofficial9137]

I'm so proud of this woman for accepting her bad condition and she's trying to change her life for the better. We should have to remember that their is always a hope and believe in your self that you can do it.

[@TGATP]

So happy for her. I myself have been sober for 3 yrs and 4 months. I DID do it alone. Happy that I didn't haveta do rehab just realized it was a problem and asked God to help.

[@pkay4113]

Men who are alcoholic are accepted. Most women never seek help. Sad

[@GuerinGrad09]

+Pamela Julovich What!? That is SO not true. Its harder for women to get help, but I know many who have.

[@aprilgosa5779]

This means it is harder for women because women are shamed for it when Men are not not that women do not get help but some remain silent out of fear of being shamed specially a mom

[@adrianna986]

That’s not true at all

[@Kingseye7]

What? Don’t try and bring sexism to this. She’s a ex-alcoholic This has 0! Things to do with Alcoholism.

[@reeree1010]

Shapping addictions and taxic relationships.. that accent tho

[@cayk9444]

That spelling though.

[@lorabetht9206]

Cay K she was spelling it the way she said it

[@anastasiagirl1342]

To support a family friend who was trying to give up alcohol (and hasn't had a drink for now 1 and a half years) so the entire family never bought any alcohol for family events. Now none of us are really looking at drinking and personally I love it cause I didn't like it much in the first place!

[@sarahgeorge7786]

Amazing family support there

[@vetreferee]

Theres a pretty reason why AA strongly suggests anonymity. She came out on Oprah and was ostracized. There is still plenty of about addiction that is not understood. This woman's son lost a friend through ignorance of the disease that addiction is. I wonder if the friend would have been lost if the parents were told she was bipolar?

[@darensmith5270]

When I was a nursing student in the early 1970's we visited the cadaver Lab at the major University Medical school. A lab tech pulled out a drawer! This is the liver of a 40 year old woman who drank herself to death! Made a big impression on all of us! Feel this liver, it was as hard as a rock! I will never forget that experience. I drink beer on occasion 1-2 max! No more! German- American! Discipline! Drinking and taking drugs is a choice!

[@hannahb7038]

Hope you didn't actually become a nurse with that sorta attitude towards addiction. "Drinking and drugs is a choice!" Uhh, NO. You clearly don't understand addiction at all, which has universally been accepted as and called a DISEASE since I'm rather certain, the 1950s! Not everyone's so susceptible towards it, which is why you can handle 1-2 beers, but not everyone can. Not everyone has the predispositions for addiction, but that doesn't make it a choice.

[@JayNa886]

There is no perfect world. We all make mistakes, learn, and grow up but that's not the end of the story. We still stumbled in so many obstacles. I am so proud of her.

[@MichelleB2b]

A family member, a woman , suffered permanent brain damage from chronic alcoholism and being dehydrated. She rarely ate and was malnourished. She didnt want for anything, I suppose, other than emotional peace. I didnt know brain damage to this extent from alcohol was possible. Today she lives in a home, receiving 24hr care. I think people should be educated on the effects of alcohol such as this ace above. If you are female this can happen to you as a womans body does not tolerate alcohol as well as a man's.

[@oscarwilliamson1264]

The Utter Nerve of That Wo,Thanks for sharing this 🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌷🥀🤙

[@lisas2538]

I’m so happy for her. I’m rooting for her. She’s pretty.

[@judyingram4846]

Thank you God for helping this little beautiful mom.🙏❤️🙏

[@eohaver2]

30 days isn't long enough.

[@stevengonzalez27]

eohaver2 30 days and it has been years now for her. You got to start some place. People need to support those that are actually trying, not push them down again into the debts of despair.

[@emilycheek1899]

It can benefit people who want to get better

[@somcana]

You are a worrier Sarah. You remained brave at a time when the world was not linking mental health to addiction. Kudos!

[@Carouselpics]

The school she worked at. Smh, so much for having support. Please! There's so many who need this kind of support. Hey girl, I'm so proud of you for doing better.👊💥❤

[@lioydwilliams1850]

Carousel Photography,I admire your lovely smile

[@EYLS39C]

bless her heart

[@anniedcruz7025]

THANKS to Oprah for reaching out n saving her n her kids n MANY MORE.GOD BLESS