I started drinking at 12. It took multiple DUIs, serious health issues, and homelessness for me to quit at 44.

Katie Rosier recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of her sobriety.

Courtesy of Katie Rosier Katie Rosier drank beer, wine, or liquor practically every day since the age of 12.

She worked as a high-functioning alcoholic for years until health crises forced her onto disability.

Her ailments prompted her to get sober and healthy, with help from the medication she takes monthly.

This story is based on an interview with Katie Rosier, 48, who is on disability after leaving her procurement job.

It has been edited for length and clarity.

Four years ago, at age 44, I was newly discharged from the hospital with a stent in my heart, and I thought about the five strokes I'd had and the poor state of my health overall.

I looked down at my hands to see myself holding a glass of bourbon.

Despite everything I'd been through over the last few years — including a stay at a homeless shelter — I was still drinking.

It was one of many rock bottoms during my past 32 years as an alcoholic.

This time, however, I knew it was get sober or die.

Have you got a story about surviving an addiction? Please email Jane Ridley at [email protected] if you'd like to be interviewed by Business Insider.

I started drinking early I became Dad's drinking buddy at the tender age of 12.

My 10 older siblings had flown the nest, so it was only him and me after my mother died.