Barbara Face Celebrates Sobriety After 55 Years of Alcoholism

Barbara Face, a 70-year-old former training manager from Phoenix, has overcome a lifelong struggle with alcoholism, achieving sobriety after more than 55 years of drinking. Her journey began at the age of 14 at a church retreat, where a boy introduced her to beer, sparking a habit that would dominate her life for decades.

Reflecting on her early experiences with alcohol, Face recalls the exhilaration of drinking among friends. Initially, it provided an escape from her difficult home life. As a teenager, she and her friends relied on older acquaintances to purchase sweet, fortified wine, with Face quickly noticing her consumption was heavier than that of her peers. On her 18th birthday, she crossed the border into Wisconsin to indulge in the thrill of bar life, a pivotal moment that set the stage for years of dependency.

Face’s drinking escalated over the years, particularly following her divorce at age 24. She often found herself in dangerous situations, including a harrowing incident in her early 30s when she crashed her car while intoxicated. Despite attending a treatment center and joining Alcoholics Anonymous, she found herself relapsing repeatedly, with her drinking peaking at two bottles of vodka every weekend.

Her life took a downturn again while pursuing a Master’s degree at Ohio State University, where she began drinking nightly. A particularly alarming moment occurred when she totaled her car on the way to a casino. Fortunately, a police officer who attended the scene could not administer a breathalyzer test, allowing her to avoid a DUI charge.

The turning point came in September 2024, during a routine medical check-up. Her bloodwork indicated dangerously high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. The doctor’s questions about her alcohol intake prompted Face to lie about her consumption, admitting to only two glasses of wine per day. This moment of realization motivated her to seek a change.

Around the same time, Face received a marketing email about an app designed to help individuals reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Intrigued, she downloaded the app and began tracking her intake. Slowly, she reduced her drinking by 10%, eventually incorporating online support groups that provided a non-judgmental environment.

Face’s commitment to sobriety was solidified when she successfully went without alcohol for one day, which turned into two, then a week. Her last drink was on December 9, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey.

As she approached her 70th birthday in January 2025, Face felt anxious about celebrating without alcohol. However, she managed to enjoy the occasion, even embarking on a cruise along the River Danube, where she opted for cranberry juice and tonic water while others indulged in alcoholic beverages.

In the months that followed, Face saw remarkable improvements in her health. Her blood pressure decreased, and she was no longer at risk of pre-diabetes. She reported feeling better both physically and mentally, noting a reduction in bloating and an increase in fitness through activities like yoga.

Today, Face remains resolute in her commitment to sobriety, motivated by the desire for a healthy future. As she reflects on her past, she acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the importance of her new lifestyle. “As I approach 71, I find it worthwhile to be alcohol-free,” she affirms, embodying resilience and hope for others facing similar battles.