(Minghui.org) I began my practice of Falun Dafa in 1997 and am now 47 years old. Falun Dafa improved my life in many ways. Here I would like to share the story of how I was able to quit my addiction to alcohol after I began practicing Falun Dafa.
My father was a big drinker and had many friends to drink with. When I was still very young, he and his friends would drink at our house and they would dip chopsticks in their alcohol and then into my mouth.
Once in elementary school I went with a classmate to his home. I got thirsty and grabbed a military canteen off the wall and took a sip. It was not water but alcohol. I recognized the flavor – a bit spicy but familiar to me.
In college I often went outside on a hill near school to drink for the afternoon with classmates.
After college I got a job and attended many business meals where I would drink. One day I found myself in my office looking out the window at the snow falling, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and began to drink there at work. My manager came in and witnessed it. He looked at me oddly but did not say a word.
Sometimes after drinking I would drive my motorbike recklessly. Once I had a collision with a tractor, flattening the front wheel of my bike.
I thought that drinking brought me happiness, so I continued to do it even though I would feel bad the day after being drunk.
In addition to drinking too much, I also smoked a lot. In the summer, I smoked at home. I closed the windows, turned off the fan, and smoked one cigarette after another one until I felt nauseous.
After I started cultivating Falun Dafa, I knew I should quit drinking. In the Fa teaching, it clearly states that a Dafa practitioner should not drink alcohol. It was difficult for me to stop. I was addicted and had no control. Also I felt there were many social and work situations where it was expected.
I tried to avoid drinking, but even after a long time I had not quit. Then something happened. Whenever I went into a restaurant where I intended to drink, I would come down with a bad case of diarrhea. This began to occur every time. I knew that it was a sign I had to quit drinking completely.
Now everyone knows that I am a Falun Dafa practitioner and I do not drink.
Just a few days ago, a colleague mentioned that one of his relatives was injured after driving drunk and was taken to a hospital where he needed over 20 stitches.
I realized that if I had not begun to practice Falun Dafa, I would still be addicted to alcohol. Where would I be? I am sure I would be in poor health or dead from an accident. I certainly would not be how I am today – clear minded, energetic, and hard working!
Being a cultivator and giving up alcohol changed my life. In fact, it saved my life. I truly thank Master and Dafa.
For people who are addicted to drinking and don't think they can stop, you can learn Falun Dafa and change your life.