Cancer & Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

My name is Lawrence ‘Laurie’ Traynor, and I am an alcoholic.

I am also a seventy-three-year-old retired entrepreneur, business owner, and four-time cancer survivor.

The hidden weight of head and neck cancer

So many of us in the head and neck cancer community are burdened with more than the physical weight of treatments, surgeries, and long-term side effects. We also face countless arrays of varied emotional and mental challenges—some we recognize, and others we only begin to understand as we heal.

What Alcohol Use Disorder really is

I too live with a mental health condition that requires daily honesty and daily action: I am a recovering alcoholic. On January 22 of this year, I celebrate thirty-four years (12,590 days) of continuous sobriety—one day at a time.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a disease that is both cunning and baffling. It is the only illness that attempts to convince its victim that they don’t have a problem with alcohol. Over the years, through countless conversations with others, I’ve learned a simple truth: If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you probably do.

Lessons from thirty-four years of sobriety

My journey in sobriety has taught me so many wonderful and powerful lessons. I stay healthy—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—by staying connected. By showing up for others. By sharing openly, like this.

The paradox is beautiful: to keep what I have, I must give it away. And what I have to give is my experience, strength, and hope. Thank you in advance for helping ME stay sober for one more day.

- Lawrence "Laurie"