A Journey of Recovery
Dr. Chris Schenewerk, a primary care physician from St Louis, Illinois, has shared his personal journey of battling alcoholism and finding sobriety. His story is one of resilience, deception, and ultimately, transformation.
The Deception of Addiction
For years, Dr. Schenewerk managed to hide his alcoholism from everyone around him—family, friends, colleagues, and even his patients. He would drink up to four bottles of wine a night, along with a fifth and a half of vodka. To keep his habit secret, he employed some creative methods. One of his tricks was to drink a bottle of wine, refill it with water containing purple dye, and replace the cork. This way, the bottle looked brand new again. However, this method eventually backfired as he often opened the bottles by mistake.
His drinking began at the age of 14, during the summer between middle school and high school. It was considered a rite of passage. While others were passed out, he would be the one urging them to keep going. Over time, his drinking became increasingly destructive. He would stay up late, trying to prolong the feeling of being alive. Although he didn’t drink during the week while in pre-med, it wasn’t until after completing medical school and residency that his addiction took a more destructive turn.
The Impact on Personal Life
After starting his practice, the pace slowed down, giving him more breathing room. He had two sons, now 29 and 27, and he and his wife often hosted parties at their home. He became known as the party guy who liked to have fun. However, during his divorce, drinking stopped being fun and became a means of survival. It felt like the only way he could ease the pain and depression. Despite his struggles, he never drank before work, during work, or when he was on call.
Things worsened during his second marriage. He was drinking up to four bottles of wine and a fifth and a half of vodka each night. Financially, this was expensive—between $2,000 and $3,000 a month on alcohol. It became harder to disguise his problem, but he continued trying. He would check into the bar after office hours, pretending he had gone to the gym. He even poured water over himself to look sweaty, as if he had just finished a tough workout.
Breaking Point and Recovery
The turning point came seven and a half years ago. During a dinner at a winery with staff from his practice, he excused himself to use the bathroom. That’s when he looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize his reflection. When he came out for some fresh air, he ran into the wife of one of the doctors. She made a joke about him leaving so soon, and he asked her to come outside with him. That’s when he broke down, admitting he was drunk and didn’t know where he was.
She called her husband, and within a week, Dr. Schenewerk was in rehabilitation in San Diego, then St Louis. His sober date was November 8, 2018. At the time, he had chronic liver and kidney disease, with blood pressure in the 200s over 100s, and cholesterol levels off the charts. Standing at 6ft 2in tall, he weighed almost 300 pounds.
New Beginnings
Although his marriage didn’t last, he continued his recovery. He attended and later launched AA meetings in his local area. He also increased his muscle mass and became the medical director of a recovery center, where they often start people off on a drug that reduces the desire for alcohol.
In 2025, he established The Walk Forward Foundation, which helps others get into drug or alcohol rehab who cannot afford it themselves. His third wife, Angela, whom he met in recovery and who works for the foundation, has been his rock. He now eats a lot of clean, plant-based food and exercises at least five times a week. His weight has dropped to 245 pounds, and he has much more muscle mass.
Support and Transformation
Dr. Schenewerk’s colleagues and patients have shown overwhelming love and support. Without them, he wouldn’t be alive today. His journey is a testament to the power of recovery and the importance of seeking help when needed.
