Told the Cops on DUI Number Seven: I’m Too Drunk to Do Your Test 🤦 – Lisa K.

You're bad. Come on up, Lisa. Thanks, Kat. Give it up. Thank you, Kat. And thank you, Tim, for asking me. And thank you guys for reading. My name is Lisa. I'm an alcoholic. I'm really grateful to be here tonight. I'm grateful to be sober. I'm grateful to be asked to do anything other than speak and tell my story. I always say yes when I can because the things that have happened in my life, the things that I've been through, I've brought upon myself or maybe have happened to me. I can help somebody else with that. And so I share my story to do that, you know. I hope you guys can get something out of this. So my sobriety date is April 8th of 2012. I'm about to be a teenager. That's very exciting, very fun. Being a sober alcoholic is really on it. It's definitely the best thing that gave me a life and it saved my life. And so let's start off with back in my childhood. Let's talk a little bit about that. I had a very privileged upbringing. My mom and dad wanted me to have the best of everything all the time. And I really did, no matter what happened with them, because eventually it wasn't so great. But two loving parents, and they did everything they could. And so I'm very grateful about that. Eight years old. It caused such an impact on me and in me that I will never forget ever, you know, the corded phones that we used to have, the corded phones. I didn't think my parents were fighting because they had never done this before. And so I go out in the living room and I see, you know, my parents are fighting. They're yelling at each other. It's really my mom yelling at my dad. And that just, that was that day. And that was the next day and the next day. And it just kept on going. Dad was always trying to, he didn't want us to be around any of that. But my mom couldn't help herself to make it known that she was not happy. She threw things. She yelled. She did all the things that, you know, I never wanted to do. I say that to say, my childhood was pretty chaotic because of that. You know, being around, is today the day that they're going to, or is this the time that they're going to start yelling? You know, any time they would start fighting and stuff like that, I would always try to make it a little bit better. You know, like, let me come in the room. And be kind of fun. So, you guys will stop fighting. Let me do this. And that will change what you guys are doing. If I act this way, then maybe, maybe you won't fight today. You know, I don't know. I was always trying to, trying to do that, control the atmosphere that I was in. Can't really change what's going to happen. My parents didn't get, they actually did get divorced eventually. But I was 21 when that happened. So, that was a pretty long, long time. I didn't move out of the house until I started, until I graduated high school. He wanted to. And, you know, keep it like that. And it went up to me if all it was here, what they think. But they did it for us. You know, it had nothing to do with other than love for us. And they thought that having two parents in the home would help them better than just one. And so, I didn't want to be around my parents a lot. You know, even though I asked, I was going to say it like it is. I adored my dad. And I was a daddy's girl. And so, I wanted to be around my dad all the time. And I always wanted my dad around me. I loved my mom. And so, I always felt things together. I mean, he ended up, he did so much for my sister and I. He was really, I mean, he took me to get my first bra. Usually, dads don't do that. But, anyway, just all the things. So, daddy's girl to the umpteenth. And so, I go into my high school years. I haven't done anything crazy. A lot of people have drank by this time. But for me, I... I hadn't done that. All of a sudden, I know some of my friends are drinking and stuff like that. And I'm in the refrigerator. And I get a glass of Chardonnay. And I smoke one of her Vantage cigarettes. And I thought it was very adult. You know, you always feel adult when you do that first kind of drink thing. And that was just a little drink to get drunk. I was also at 13 years old. And I don't remember the flavor, but I'm sure it was delicious. My friend Lisa. My name is Lisa and her name is Lisa. We were Lisa-Lisa and the cult jam. So, she drank her pour. I drank my pour. And we got trashed. And I just remember walking down the hallway and thinking, this is really funny. I thought I was walking sideways down the hallway. And I thought it was super fun. That's the last thing I remember. I know I passed out. I don't know if I got sick. I don't know anything else from the night. But I thought it was the most wonderful thing to not feel or everything to just lose. Because if you're anything like me, I just felt like I was like this all the time. I was like this all the time. I always tensed up. I never knew what was going to happen. And once I put alcohol in my body, it was like this. I could breathe. You know, I finally could calm within. And so, the story of my drinking. That's how I drank. And every time I drank, really, I drank to get drunk. That was, I don't really know why people drink normally. I don't know why you waste calories with one or two drinks. I don't know why you waste calories with one or two drinks. If you're going to do it, go big. You know, drink two bottles of wine. Drink a full pack of, whatever. Have a couple shots with it. I don't drink just for the taste anyway. Because I could talk to everybody and have a good time and socialize. And I remember somebody sharing in a meeting what they felt when they got home. When they got home and walked onto their driveway, they felt like they couldn't breathe again. But once they walked off of their driveway, that's it right there. Because it was one of those. You never know. You just never know once they're there. She felt the same way she did. We could share that common bond and we could have a conversation about that. But she has a sober mom and that's a thank you AA. So, at 19 years old, I graduated from high school. I wanted the party to continue. All of my friends were going to college. I went to a community school because I wanted to stay nearby. I wanted to keep the party going. I was so upset that everybody was leaving me. My only goal was the party. I guess I accomplished that. I did do that. So, you know, I was 10 years old. Out of a bar with my boyfriend at the time. And, of course, the light back here, there are two cops. So, needless to say, they pulled me over. I'm 19 years old. I'm not even old enough to drink. And they told my boyfriend, you need to walk away and leave. And we're going to take her to jail. And that was Doraville. Doraville. The only thing. I was upset about. I was not upset about, oh, gosh, I'm going to be in trouble or anything like that. Because trouble to me, my dad's going to pay my way out of it. They are taking my jewelry. They are taking my jewelry and they're taking my accessories. And what is going on? That is why I was upset. I wasn't upset that I was getting in any type of trouble. But I called my dad and that's what I cried to him. They've taken my jewelry. There's this, that, whatever, you know. And he comes and picks me up. And we go to the Waffle House. And we have a conversation. And then he takes me back home. That DUI, $500 in the community service. But I'm not sure. It caught up with me. I had plenty of community service to do in the later future. Because I'll just cut to the point here. 19 was DUI number one. At one time within a five-year time frame. And that makes you habitual. They do not pay them. I did have to. Believe me, I've done jail time. I haven't gotten out of everything. And at one point in time, my dad said, Honey, I cannot pay your way out of anything else. They're going to put you underneath the jail. You know, I'm trying to get my license back from that. But, you know, I had. Consequences never did anything for me. And I don't know if it's because my dad paid my way out of it. Because I still had to go to jail. I still had to go to jail. I've been on house arrest. So many different consequences in my life. The consequences really didn't. And I had to do the work alternative to pick up trash. And that's pretty cool. That's a lot of fun. And, you know, you're in a safe. You're in a safety vest. And you're in parks. And this is when I had already. So I'm married and I have two kids. With two kids. And I've got this safety vest on. And people are. You're not near that prison. And you talk about ego deflation. There's some ego deflation for you. But do I think it has anything to do with my drinking? None of it had to do with my drinking as far as I'm concerned. Because I thought I drank because I wanted to. And the consequences, yeah, they happened. But it's only because my husband was a jerk. Because I was a jerk. Because the cops ought to get me. If this wouldn't have happened, I wouldn't have gotten the DUI. I had an excuse for every single thing. And the peace taker. Those were the two biggies. Into it and sitting down. Because I would be upset about something that I'm sure was more to blame on somebody else. And I would come in in a big storm and sit down. So everybody's looking at me. Oh, Lisa, what's going on? And then I could explain everything to you. But in the meantime, everybody else had been having a good time. Until Lisa walked into the room. With whatever her drama du jour is, you know. To everybody, I really thought that I did. I mean, but let me tell you something. I think if you at that time looked up drama and chaos in the dictionary, that would have been me. You know. I just started it everywhere I went. And I did not realize that. I had, you don't know until you know. And God is the, he is such a gentleman. You know. And the more you use the things that I've seen that I have done that I know it's me. It's not anybody else. It's me. In 2010, 2010, I was court ordered to Alcoholics Anonymous. Because I wanted to. It had nothing to do with me being an alcoholic. Obviously, the law was telling me I had a problem. The court was saying you need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous. But I myself, my parents wanted me to go to Alcoholics, you know, to stop drinking. I went to AA because I was court ordered. But I did hear some things. I heard, I controlled drinking. It really is the one I hung my hat on. You know, I remember hearing that and I'm like, I control my drinking anyway. I drink because I want to. You know, I remember. It was also wonderful to hear the doctor's opinion talking about the phenomenon of craving. The things that happen to me when I put alcohol in my body. If I'm an alcoholic. The amount of craving, the things that happen. Men and women drink essentially because they're like the effect flies in me. I thought it was really cool that you guys wanted to hang out before the meeting. And talk to each other. And hang out after the meeting. And talk to each other. But I don't need to do that. I'm going to hang with my drinking friends. And I'm going to drink water. And I'm going to be having a great time. Before whistling in the dark. Because there is nothing that I wanted more than anything. I wanted to drink so badly. But I put on a face for the greatest time. And I was in, it was an inner turmoil. Like, you know what that feels like. And instead of, I did my time of going to AA. I was done being court ordered. And it happened when we drank. And stuff like that. But still I was of the belief that I drank. And so I get one of my friends. Because you know guys can see me. Buying a six pack of beer. You know I'm a grown woman having a friend of mine. Buying a six pack of beer. And I drink one. I drink six. I am what they say I am. It was horrible. Because first of all. You know people have been saying. I never believed anybody. I just. You guys know how. If you have had that profound psychic change. You know what it's like to one day think this way. And the next day completely differently. That day where I thought that I drank because I wanted to. Then all of a sudden. Now I know that I'm drinking because I have to. I have a big solution. Because I've only been. Now I'm embarrassed to go back to Alcoholics Anonymous. And now I've drank again. And now since I've drank the phenomenon of craving has kicked in. And I'm just going to keep drinking. Because I've believed in God. You know there were many times. Thinking about me. Because I was the biggest loser. Two times I tried to kill myself. I can't believe I'm still here. Four times I tried in total. But two times I cannot believe I am here. But I'll tell you what. I know now. God uses our pain for purpose. I do know that. The gig is up. I'm an alcoholic. Those people were right. I get to my heart. On January 10th of 2012. I get DUI number 7. And that's a really fun story for you guys. My husband is the one who called the cops on me. Driving in our neighborhood. And uh. Good times. Marriage solid. Honey I love you. That was not a good day. I had been at a neighbor's house drinking. All day. This was always what I did. Over here drinking. And I'm driving a car. Four houses away. I pull into the driveway. And I hit his truck. Not bad. Just a little hit. Wasn't anything major. And really my car had no damage. I think there was a little dent on his truck. I'm not saying he shouldn't have done anything. I'm just saying. He had had enough. He had had enough. I did this to him. He used to go out to my car and disconnect things. So I wouldn't drive. He would stand behind my car. So I wouldn't pull out of the driveway. And I would pull around the house. So you were talking about wild child. This is not the woman standing here today. That is for sure. But um. You know. I can't believe the things I used to do. So at that point in time. He was just sick and tired of me. He's sick of it. And then he calls the cops. You know. I hit his car. And really what he thought was going to happen. It was going to be an insurance thing. His whole point was not for me to get a DUI. But. Dun dun dun. Guess what. That's what happened. So I pull down my street. Because I'm not about to stay in the driveway. Where he's calling the cops. You know. The cops in the cul-de-sac. Naturally I give oh pretty blue lights. And I pull right on down there. Because that's what I think you should probably do. When you're drunk and driving a car. And so. They asked me to get out of the car. And I was like. If you're trying to get me to do any road tests. I'm too drunk. I mean. Okay. I just want to tell you guys. At that point. I have attorneys. That have told me. A million times. Don't say anything. And my first thing that I say. Is I'm too drunk to do your test. Because I thought. Because I'm in a neighborhood. I'm not going to get in any trouble. My house is right there. Can't you just let me go home. I mean. This is like four cops. This is seven o'clock at night. In a neighborhood. Blue lights flashing. And I'm now. Handcuffed. In the cul-de-sac. My husband is standing in the driveway looking. And I'm yelling. Bleep you. You know to him. This is in front of all the neighbors. They're getting a big old Jerry Springer show. Right there. Episode number 289. Man. You know I said it probably. Maybe solid seven times. Very attractive. Very very beautiful. Lady standing there looking like that. And then the cop pulls me right in front of my head. And it's this girl. She's probably 15 years younger than I am. Then. Can't you just let me go home. My house is right here. And she was not having it. She did not. She was like no. I'm not going home. This is number seven. She's probably like. I don't remember everything. But I'm sure I probably told her. You know. I'm going to have your job. Or something you know. Really crappy like that. Like we like to do to people sometimes. You're a horrible cop. I will tell you now. My perception has also changed on that. Because thank God. They got me off the road. I was driving a load. I may have seven DUIs. Seven times drunk. So thank you God. I never killed anybody. Behind the wheel of my loaded weapon. Thank you God. And I do believe. And I think every single time. Every DUI. The six DUIs prior to number seven. God was like. Here's your chance. I was too covered up in self to hear anything other than me. By number seven. January 10, 2012. And I called my husband from the jail when I get there. And it was horrible. It was such a horrible night. I mean it was pouring. It was just. You know. It's how I felt. It was pouring outside. It was cold. And it was gross. And just. You know that feeling. Getting out of jail. And just. You already feel like such a loser. And then you know. I get to do all the stuff for DUI number seven. But what started happening with this was. My husband and I were going to get a divorce now. He was like. I am sick of you. I said to him. We're going to get a divorce now. He's like. Yes. I was thinking I'm such a prize. Why would you want to get rid of this? And he's like. Yeah. We are done. But I now have. Not feeling real good. Kids having to deal with all of this. They don't ask. The sadness and the uncertainty. And the mistrust within them. It's just. I still tell her. It caused you problems. You may not know it today. And you may be happy I'm sober. But I caused you harm. This is going to come up at some point in time. You know. So I feel like. If my kids ever say anything to me. Anything ever. I'm super grateful for that. To be a sober mom. To be trusted and loved. My kids were skeptical. Because at that point in time. They were scared. Now I'm a DUI attorney. This is all about my husband. My husband is the one that got me arrested. It's his fault. I was really believing this in that moment. We get to April. And it's going to be awesome. I can't wait. Because I can drink like I want to drink. Nobody is here. Nobody is going to be complaining. Talking about it. I can do whatever I want to do. My kids are afraid. My friends are like Lisa you got a problem. Talking to me. Because I did not do anything. I listened to some stories that I was not in. He said why don't you make Sunday yours. He is too. And he said it would be a reverse. So I was happy about that. And then. So we get to Saturday. And Bob and the kids come home. They are scared. Victim self-pity. I'm just like. Next day. That day I had to drink. I think I had like two drinks. I had to drink something. The journey. Incredible life. I yelled at the top of my lungs. Help me God. Because that is the most sincere prayer. That I have ever said in my life. To this day. Like Ralph White likes to say. I love that. Where it all began. And the suggestions. And the steps. To come to believe. And I didn't realize that I was insane. And some days still can be. Some days I still need to be restored. I still can see it on that line. But I have a program today. That can get me right back in line. If I get a little too far off the track. I have a home group I can go to. And people will be like. Hey Lisa. What is going on with you today? I see something different. You look sad. You look upset. It is good to have a home group. And go there. I have a wonderful prayer life today. God is the center of all of it. Because that is the whole thing. And I am getting good with it. By making amends to people. I can walk around in the world. I have heard of so and so. I have been a big girl. I just wanted it to be done. I never wanted to talk to that person again. Because I just didn't want to be an adult. And actually have a conversation. Because I have other people. That I have on my other side every single time. And go man God you are so good. Thank you. We can walk through anything. The reason why we can. And we are putting traditions behind things. And putting principles behind things. And we are doing all of that together. Working with others. Because they are going to happen. In December I lost my 10 years. And they gave me my medallion. What is cool about that. God is a hindsight God. I can turn around and go oh my gosh. Look at all of these things lined up. That he has done and put into place. So that we are right here right now. In this amazing beautiful moment. And she was the one that was there. Last year. So it is just God is cool. One sentence and no mistakes. And each day I get to come back. And get a little bit better. God does for me constantly. What I can't do for myself. And a lot of times what I used to not do for myself. Today I listen. I will sit down. Suit up. Show up. I don't know everything. I don't know everything today. I used to know it all. How we were given help. Is that very thing that makes life seem so worthwhile to us now. Cling to the thought that. In God's hands. The dark past. Is the greatest possession you have. The key to life and happiness for others. What you can avert death and misery for them. What a gift it is for me to realize. That all those seemingly useless years. Were not wasted. The most degrading and humiliating experiences. Turn out to be the most powerful. Showing the depth of shame and despair. Reach out with a loving and compassionate hand and know that the grace of God is available to me. Thank you, guys.