Unleash the Ultimate You

I Didn't Know I Was an Addict - Until I Quit


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🎧 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

About a year ago, I went through something I never expected: addiction.

What started as a natural, alcohol-free wellness drink containing kratom extract slowly turned into something I couldn't ignore. When I finally decided to quit cold turkey, I experienced intense withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, and a complete disruption of my dopamine and serotonin balance.

In this raw, unscripted conversation with my friend John from WarriorsBFit, we talk about: β€’ Addiction recovery β€’ Kratom withdrawal β€’ Breaking unhealthy habits β€’ Mental health and resilience β€’ Why people can't "just quit" β€’ Personal growth through pain β€’ Masculine accountability and discipline β€’ Rebuilding identity after addiction

This episode is about habits, self-awareness, and what happens when you finally let go of the thing holding you backβ€”even when it hurts.

If you're struggling with a substance, a coping mechanism, or a season of burnout, anxiety, or depression, this episode will resonate.

🧠 You are not weak. You are rewiring. πŸ”₯ And recovery is not linearβ€”but it is real.

⚠️ This episode discusses substance use and withdrawal. If you're struggling, consider reaching out to a qualified medical professional or support resource.

⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Welcome to Unleash the Ultimate You 0:19 – Why I'm sharing this story 0:47 – Highs and lows of personal growth 1:27 – Growth isn't linear 1:56 – Pain as a prerequisite for change 2:18 – Pressure, leadership, and expectations 3:05 – The physical breakdown begins 4:54 – Speaking on habits and identity 6:35 – Losing my brother and the reality of addiction 7:16 – Kratom extract and "natural" misconceptions 8:18 – Escalation without realizing it 10:11 – Quitting cold turkey 10:25 – Withdrawal symptoms hit hard 12:04 – Insomnia, anxiety, and recovery tools 12:31 – Why people can't "just quit" 13:39 – Drawing the line in the sand 14:03 – Letting go of what holds you back 15:29 – Replacing alcohol with another dependency 17:36 – Removing temptation completely 19:11 – Dopamine, serotonin, and brain recovery 21:17 – Sleep, hydration, and nervous system regulation 23:47 – Withdrawal symptoms people don't talk about 25:09 – Training and sunlight during recovery 26:55 – The opioid epidemic and accountability 28:23 – Becoming yourself again 29:46 – Why sharing this story matters

πŸ’¬ QUOTES

"I finally understand why people can't just quit."

"You can't reach your next level while dragging what's holding you back."

"The low point existed because I was removing the worst thing in my life."

"Recovery isn't weaknessβ€”it's discipline."

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Unleash the Ultimate YouBy Gordon Brodecki