In this episode of the Burnout Podcast, host Skip O speaks with Tom, an American who has lived in the UK for over 40 years. Tom shares his personal journey with alcoholism, including his struggles, recovery, and the importance of community support. He discusses the dark moments of his life, including suicidal thoughts, and how he found hope and purpose through the 12-step program and connecting with others. The conversation emphasizes the significance of reaching out for help and the transformative power of recovery.

Takeaways:

• Tom's journey began in New York and led him to the UK.
• He struggled with alcoholism for many years before seeking help.
• The first step in recovery is recognizing the problem.
• Suicidal thoughts were a significant part of Tom's struggle.
• Community support is crucial in the recovery process.
• Living in the present is essential for recovery.
• Tom emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help.
• There is no shame in seeking support for mental health issues.
• Recovery is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Tom's life today is vastly different from his past.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tom's Journey
03:06 The Struggles of Alcoholism
05:59 The Path to Recovery
08:49 Facing Suicidal Thoughts
12:09 The Early Days of Sobriety
15:00 Finding Hope and Purpose
17:51 The Importance of Community Support
21:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement



PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BY TAKING A LOOK AT OUR SPONSORS

• AdvoCast: https://advocast.media

PODCAST WEBSITE:

• https://burntoutnetwork.org

BURNT OUT CREW:

• Host: Skip O
• Bonus Episode Host: Capt. Chuck Bray
• Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
• Brought to you by AdvoCast

EPISODE HASHTAGS:
#firefighter #firstresponder #ems #emt #police #lawenforcement #military #trauma #mentalhealth #USMC #military