Alcoholism Recovery & Treatment

Question by You’re gonna love my nuts!: Should I divulge my past struggle with alcohol abuse on a college acceptance essay?
I’m returning to school after not having been in school for thee years. I did get an associates degree (after several years of going to several community colleges). My GPA is substandard, and my transcript littered with multiple withdrawals and failed courses. A big problem I had was that I had a serious drinking problem and suffered from severe depression.

However, I got treatment and have not had a drink of alcohol since 2008. I do have a degree, though my GPA is garbage. Would it be wise or unwise to divulge my struggle with alcohol and depression on a college acceptance essay? Even if I have goals set for myself and have moved beyond these struggles, would it hurt my chances of getting in?

Best answer:

Answer by ♥ eѕѕвee
Sometimes you have to take that risk. You have to show yourself to the colleges, being compeltly open and honest with who you are and why you are there, and why they should give you a change.

Say it in a way that shows personal growth.

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Today I started my Antabuse medication and I have counselling lined up starting next Monday.
Today I said Goodbye to alcohol.
I have to leave you now
I have to say goodbye
We must never meet again
You must be cast aside
Your usefulness is over
This game is at an end
I’m leaving now for better things
But I want to part as friends
I know you never did me harm,
It was I that caused the bruise,
I cannot blame the tool
That I chose to abuse
You gave me everthing I asked of you
And you would have till the end
It was I that ruined the trust we had
I wish I’d been a better friend
I must turn away from your sweet kiss
We must never more embrace,
Our fevered dance is ended
And shall not be danced again.