Why I'm Participating in the Big House 5K: Izzy Yardley
2/20/2020 10:45:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement, Big House 5K
The 2020 Big House 5K presented by Toyota will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
Please note: The University of Michigan Athletics Department and U-M health professionals are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting impact on our communities. In alignment with the University's protocols, we have canceled the 2020 Big House 5K. However, the 2020 race has moved to a virtual format. In the interest of "social distancing," we are encouraging our registrants to support our beneficiaries and participate in our Virtual #BigHouse5K.
By Izzy Yardley
Hi! I'm Izzy. I am running the Big House 5K for the millions worldwide suffering from addiction and for their families who are affected by the disease. I run to support the U-M Addiction Center, and I run because I work for University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS). I run because I'm an alcoholic in recovery.Â
In 2005, after six years of marriage, I filed for divorce. I had married an abuser. While my husband was out of town on business, I took all four of my boys to live in an apartment I rented. Shortly after that, I had reached that point where my pattern of drinking began to progress from problematic to full-blown alcoholism.
By December 2006, I was unemployable, staying drunk 24 hours-a-day. I consumed a fifth to a half-gallon of 100-proof vodka daily. I was so sick in my alcoholism; I could not care for myself, let alone care for four children. I knew in my heart that I was failing my kids. I sent the younger two back to stay with their dad. A few weeks later, Child Protective Services removed the older boys from my care. The guilt and shame I felt were suffocating and fueled my drinking. I was heartbroken and completely powerless to stop the cycle.
The night of my last drink was Jan. 17, 2007. I haven't found it necessary to drink since that day. I owe that accomplishment to the treatment center, which introduced me to AA, gave me a lot of tough love, and taught me how to live sober. I owe it to the selfless people of AA who gave their time, guidance, and love to me until I could start to love myself. I owe it to my family who supported me but learned not to enable me. I owe it to my addictionologist, who provided me with medication and educated me about my illness. I owe it to the hundreds of alcoholics whom I have been privileged to help over the years. I owe it to dozens of friends who lost their lives, those who taught me that the disease is fatal if not treated. Finally, I owe it to myself and the hard work I put in and to my beautiful, wonderful boys who simply forgave and loved me at my worst.Â
Today, I run with my heart filled with gratitude. I am grateful that the proceeds from the race will benefit the Addiction Center! With accidental drug overdose topping the leading cause of death list for Americans under 50, the funds are timely and desperately needed.
But perhaps most important of all, I am grateful for what my alcoholism has brought into my life: love and purpose. I'm grateful that I can reach, relate and connect with my patients through personal experience. Sharing my experience with patients eliminates shame, reduces the stigma, and I've found it to be invaluable in doing this vital work.
About University of Michigan Addiction Center
University of Michigan Addiction Center is one of the nation's leading centers for addiction treatment, research, and education. We are the premier experts and leaders at the forefront of improving prevention, treatment, and sustained recovery for substance use disorders. Our mission is three-tiered:
1. To deliver specialized treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders. We provide individualized addiction treatment to give patients and their families the tools and resources they need to achieve and sustain recovery.
2. To conduct clinically-relevant research on the onset, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course of substance use disorders. Our faculty conduct breakthrough research to increase understanding of the biological mechanisms, genetic factors, and social determinants that lead to substance use disorders.
3. To generate and disseminate new knowledge to educate and train the next generation of clinicians and research scientists. Our fellowship programs are preparing the next generation of leaders to meet the growing demand for addiction care and continue to move addiction research forward.
For more information, visit medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/addiction-center
