Zach Loescher – A Journey From Addiction
In about 1998 or so a great longtime friend Nate and his wife Faith introduced me to Amway. I learned the process and get really into their personal development series that we got monthly. Before that, I’d barely pick up my college books, as I was really only there to play soccer. I did alright in Amway but, got burnt out with some of their policies and practices back then. So, fast forward through to 2012 and I would have laughed if someone told me I would have accomplished or even considered doing this in March 2012!
December 27th, 2008 marked what should have been the worst night night of my life, but this was only the beginning as I see it now. It was a necessary wake-up call, and I received the consequences I deserved. I am grateful to a higher power for sparing me and everyone involved. Working in Emergency Medicine for years had taken a toll on my mental health, and I turned to alcohol to cope with the trauma of my job. This led me down a path of lost friendships, failed relationships, and a constant battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
After 2008, I bounced from job to job, seeking new challenges and excitement. Unfortunately, I struggled to find satisfaction and was often met with disappointment. I felt undervalued and underappreciated as a leader at the bottom of a corporate ladder. The years that followed were full of ups and downs, with people coming and going from my life.
Despite the challenges, each day is an opportunity for growth and gratitude. In 2011/12, I reached a turning point when I completed court, classes, and rehab. I was no longer bound by the system and could see a bright future ahead.
Around this time, I was reintroduced to Network Marketing. Initially, I rejected the idea but was eventually convinced by a friend. After sifting through the noise online, I found the truth and decided to give it my all.
Previously, due to my weight and associated health issues, I struggled to complete basic physical tasks such as running a mile or climbing a flight of stairs without becoming breathless. As an EMT, I weighed around 260 to 280 pounds and was ashamed to weigh in at 248 pounds after beginning Vi. I realized that my unhealthy lifestyle and addiction hindered my ability to assist others, which is why I turned to Network Marketing for a solution. With this approach, I was able to prioritize my health and battling my addiction while also advancing my future. Thanks to this shift in mindset and the support of those around me, I have made significant progress in improving my health and well-being. The health issues and lifestyle habits that could have been fatal in 2008 are being worked on and I am excited to continue on this path of transformation.
When I first started my weight-loss journey, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of a certain shake, but decided to give it a try to get rid of my spare tire. To my surprise, within the first 90 days, I lost 37 pounds! This motivated me to continue, and even while living in a hotel due to probation orders, I maintained my progress and lost even more weight over the next 90 days.
On June 16th, 2013, I completed the toughest Tough Mudder course in Beaver Creek, CO. I am proud to say that I have lost over 75 pounds up to then, decreased my body fat by 15%, and gained 15+ pounds of lean muscle. I am in the 190s and feel confident enough to take my shirt off without any embarrassment.
Fast forward to 2023, and Zach has truly hit rock bottom with his drinking, losing everything. I can only thank God for sending Jen into my life back in 2013. Through some friends we met at a Vi conference, we stayed in touch over the years and in 2023, we really started talking more. I took several trips to Michigan to visit her. She is the most amazing, beautiful, and caring person I have ever met. During my trips, she showed me what true love is supposed to be, introduced me to Michigan, and we shared many firsts together. However, this came to an abrupt end when my drinking resurfaced and i created some very hard times for us.
After some dark and downward-spiraling days and nights in an AirBNB, I posted about suicide on social media, feeling depressed, lonely, and was drunk. Jen saw it and had an officer come check on me, which turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. She truly saved my life, truly showed how much she cared, and it was up to me to make the choice to enter rehab. I did, and on November 24, 2023, I marked my official sober date.
While my drinking was over and after nearly three weeks of inpatient rehab, I still had a significant mental and psychological journey ahead. I hurt Jen deeply with my lying and cheating, and I struggle with the weight of my actions daily. I am working every day to be a better person, but the pain and extreme hurt I caused Jen remains with us. It’s something I have to live with every day and I forever regret those actions, a constant reminder of my addiction and its psychological grip on me. I am committed to working on myself, my realtionship with Jen, and family daily, taking it one 24 hours at a time and will not fall back into my old toxic habits and be better than the day before. I hope that we can be forever, as she truly is my Guardian Angel and my rock, driving me forward each day.
I So Love You and Forever, Jen!! Words can not express it!
Sober Date 11/24/23