Richard Ratcliffe (@the.recovery.club - 100k+ followers) joins the Willpower Podcast for a raw, heartfelt talk on his 9-year sober journey. From childhood shame and "wearing masks" to fit in, to daily 2 liters of vodka leading to seizures, an induced coma at 24, and doctors warning "you won't make 25" - Richard opens up about waking up angry to be alive, true surrender, turning grief into purpose through vulnerability and his "12 Steps to Freedom" blueprint.

Real wisdom on shame as a "backpack of boulders," early sobriety agony, codependency, and carrying your "shadow self" with kindness. If you're in recovery or loving someone who is, this is gold.

Trigger Warning: Discusses coma, seizures, grief, suicide ideation, addiction rock bottoms. If struggling:

US Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Canada Suicide Prevention: 988 (or 1-833-456-4566)

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Childhood Shame

05:09 - Alcohol as "Medicine"

10:09 - Daily Vodka & Internal Battle

13:24 - Induced Coma Rock Bottom

18:31 - Shame Lives in Silence

26:20 - Surrender & New Way of Life

33:28 - Early Sobriety Agony

37:17 - Deeper Wounds: Abandonment & Codependency

42:07 - Speed Round: Addiction Lies & Myths

47:44 - Grief, Purpose & Why We Share

Follow Richard: @the.recovery.club (DM "freedom" for his blueprint)

His book: 12 Steps to Freedom (link in comments)

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Sober Mentoring:

https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min

Subscribe, like, share if this moved you. More real recovery ahead.