#6: Dave grew up in Anaheim, CA. His father left when he was 2, and they met again when he was 30. He was raised by his mother and stepfather who were “hippie bikers,” and his stepdad was often confused with ZZ Top. Dave has 24 years of sobriety after getting sober at the age of 22. HIs best friend committed suicide on the same day Dave found out he had also been sleeping with his wife. Through all of this, he did not pick up a drink or drug and has been able to build a beautiful sober life. We are so excited to have Dave here to share his story!

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Show Notes:
1:23 - Growing up

3:45 - Meeting his biological father

6:18 - "Hippie Biker" parents

9:07 - Taking his first drink

13:08 - Doing acid and ecstasy on top of drinking

16:18 - "Why don't you just drink?"

19:40 - The drugs aren't normal, but the drinking is

22:24 - Going to a 12-step meeting for drugs, meeting his sponsor

24:27 - "Try some controlled drinking"

29:00 - Intrusive thoughts and dealing with fear

30:43 - Meeting his (ex) wife at a meeting

33:51 - The relationship's demise

34:28 - "I'm sleeping with your wife"

36:20 - His best friend's suicide

37:58 - Trauma bonding

39:48 - "Don't drink, no matter what"

45:19 - Trying to date someone who wasn't sober

50:21 - The "emotional peanut allergy"

57:43 - The problems that would come with drinking/substance use as an adult

1:01:05 - It became clear I needed to date someone who was sober

1:05:30 - Trying something different when disagreeing

1:13:25 - Why he still does the "work"

1:20:30 - Being sober and the amazing things that come with it (and...we don't have a choice)

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Lionrock Recovery (http://www.lionrockrecovery.com)The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Lionrock Recovery, for their support. Lionrock Recovery is an online substance abuse counseling program where you can get help for drinking or drug use from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit http://www.lionrockrecovery.com.