Amanda had a difficult childhood and upbringing, with a largely absent biological father, a turbulent relationship with her mother, and family trauma. She joined the Air Force to get away and start her own life. She started drinking heavily during her first assignment in South Korea, setting the stage for later issues with alcohol. This continued during deployments and assignments in flight squadrons with a strong drinking culture.
She went through two failed marriages while in the Air Force, the second of which was especially painful as it resulted in losing her stepson who she had helped raise. This led to increased drinking to cope. Amanda has a scary realization during a DUI crash that changed the trajectory of her life in a whole new, yet very tough direction.
Her drinking worsened during COVID-19 lockdowns in England, as she was isolated and alone after her second divorce. She reached a low point where she asked her mother to come stay with her.
Recently, she has focused on her recovery from alcoholism, repairing family relationships, and finding purpose.
Her story illustrates the impacts of trauma and hardship, the spiral of alcohol abuse, and ultimately the power of resilience, self-discovery, and growth.
