Real Recovery Talk

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In this episode, we take a closer look at GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide, Ozempic, and Mounjaro and their potential impact on alcoholism. These medications, widely known for treating diabetes and aiding in weight loss, are now being studied for their ability to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption. Could this be a game-changer in addiction treatment? Dr. Tamanini joins us to break down the science behind this exciting research and explain how these medications work in the body.

We also dive into some important questions raised in our Facebook community, The Sobriety Network. How do you navigate pricing out treatment for a loved one who needs help? And is it possible to get addicted to prescription drugs while trying to stay sober? These are critical issues many in recovery face, and we offer practical advice and insights to guide you.

If you’re curious about cutting-edge advancements in addiction science or looking for answers to common recovery challenges, this episode has something for you. Tune in to learn, grow, and stay inspired on your sobriety journey!

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In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by Ryan Laab's, an associate campus pastor at Christ Fellowship Church in South Florida, who shares his profound journey from addiction and self-destruction to a life of faith, purpose, and service. Ryan opens up about the years he spent battling self-harm and addiction to drugs and alcohol—struggles that often led him to emergency rooms and moments of despair. At 28 years old, after years of denial, he entered treatment and finally surrendered to the disease of addiction, beginning the hard but rewarding path to recovery.

Ryan credits his transformation to his relationship with God, specifically through his Christian faith and connection to Jesus Christ. He speaks candidly about how embracing his faith gave him hope and direction when he needed it most, leading to a life far greater than he could have ever imagined.

Today, Ryan celebrates multiple years of sobriety, a loving marriage, and the joy of raising two adopted children. He dedicates his life to helping others through his ministry work, offering guidance, empathy, and inspiration to those struggling with their own challenges.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, especially those wondering how faith and community can play a role in recovery. Ryan’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, surrender, and the transformative power of finding your purpose.

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The conversation begins with a discussion on a recent study that claims selling 2/3 pints of beer instead of full pints could potentially reduce overall alcohol consumption. While this may sound effective for social or “normal” drinkers, we dive into why this approach wouldn’t necessarily work for those struggling with alcoholism, who might simply compensate by drinking more of these smaller servings.

From there, we tackle the core question of the episode: Is being "ready" a requirement for getting sober? Often, people feel they need to reach a point of complete readiness before committing to sobriety. However, we explore why this readiness may not actually be essential. Many individuals find that by surrounding themselves with a strong community of sober people and receiving support, they can begin to follow a positive path even if they initially had doubts.

We highlight how sober support can be a mirror, reflecting back the values, habits, and choices that encourage sobriety. Being in the company of like-minded people can inspire change without the individual needing to feel fully prepared or confident at the start. Having a roadmap or guide in early sobriety—someone to lay out achievable steps—also helps keep motivation high and provides a sense of direction.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of connection, guidance, and community, arguing that with the right support system in place, readiness can emerge naturally over time as individuals grow into their sober journey. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we approach sobriety and to trust that with the right environment, change is possible—even if you’re not fully "ready" yet.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Tek, who opens up about his powerful story of sobriety. Growing up in California, Tek faced unique challenges that tested his strength and resilience at every turn. He shares the struggles he’s endured, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how each hardship has shaped him into the person he is today. Join us as Tek provides a raw, unfiltered look at his journey—proof that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to find strength, growth, and ultimately, sobriety.

Inthis episode of Real Recovery Talk, we dive into two essential parts of early recovery: setting realistic goals and maintaining mental health. Starting out in sobriety often comes with a renewed sense of purpose, and setting goals can be exciting. But it’s easy to get carried away with big plans and forget that staying sober is the top priority. We discuss how to create simple, achievable goals that support your recovery journey without adding too much pressure.

We also talk about mental health—an area that’s especially important in early sobriety. With emotions and challenges that come up, keeping your mind healthy is crucial. We’ll share practical ways to take care of your mental health, like grounding techniques, finding healthy routines, and staying connected with people who support your journey. This episode is all about building a steady foundation in recovery so you can grow without losing sight of what matters most.

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In this episode, we dive into a recent study from Stanford University that sheds new light on the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety. This comprehensive study compares AA to traditional therapy modalities, analyzing how AA’s community-based, peer-support approach stacks up against other treatment methods. The findings reveal that AA not only fosters greater rates of abstinence but can also reduce healthcare costs over time.

We break down the study’s key points, exploring why AA’s unique structure works so well for many people. From shared experiences and accountability to a focus on practical steps and self-reflection, we discuss what makes AA a powerful tool for recovery. Whether you’re in AA, curious about the program, or considering different paths to sobriety, join us for an insightful look at how AA continues to be a game-changer in the fight against addiction.

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In this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of relapse—an all-too-common part of the recovery journey that many individuals face. We delve into the signs and symptoms that often signal a potential relapse, discussing the subtle behavioral and emotional cues that can go unnoticed until it's too late. Drawing from the Big Book, we break down a key segment on relapse, offering insight into how it defines and addresses this issue.

We also explore why relapse can sometimes happen even while someone is still in treatment. This insight is crucial for understanding the complexity of addiction and the ways that patterns of behavior and thought can persist, despite external support and resources.

Our conversation doesn’t stop there; we share practical tools and actionable strategies to help individuals strengthen their resilience against relapse. From building a support network to maintaining healthy routines, we provide a toolkit that can serve as a foundation for long-term sobriety. Tune in to learn how to spot the warning signs early, understand the psychology behind relapse, and empower yourself or your loved ones with the resources to stay on track.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dominic Scalzo, who shares his journey of using health and fitness as a cornerstone of his sobriety. Dominic explains why he chose a fitness-focused lifestyle to manage stress and navigate the challenges of staying sober. We dive into simple, practical ways to incorporate fitness and nutrition into daily life, with Dominic emphasizing the importance of not overcomplicating things—starting with small steps, like taking a daily walk.

Dominic also takes us through his recent experience preparing for the Leadville race in Colorado. He opens up about the physical and mental hardships he encountered along the way and the valuable lessons he gained from pushing himself to new limits. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, self-care, and the power of health and fitness in recovery.

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In this episode of Real Recovery Talk , Heather takes us through her path to sobriety, sharing the unique challenges she faced while getting clean at such a young age in New York. Her story offers insight into the mental and emotional hurdles of young sobriety and how she overcame them through determination and support. She talks about the critical importance of finding a reliable sponsor and the difference it made to have a solid, supportive community of women around her who understood the journey.

Heather dives into how her faith became a cornerstone of her sobriety, not only as a source of strength but as a daily guide that she leans on for hope and direction. This faith eventually led her to take on a new mission: establishing a sober living home for women in Delray Beach, Florida. She describes what inspired her to create a safe space for women seeking recovery, emphasizing her belief in the power of community, accountability, and compassion. Heather’s story is one of courage and service, highlighting how faith and fellowship can transform not only a life but a community.

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In this episode of Real Recovery Talk we delve into the nuanced world of sponsorship within both Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Sponsorship is a cornerstone of these programs, but each fellowship offers unique approaches and philosophies. We discuss how AA’s focus on alcoholism and NA’s approach to addiction in general shape sponsorship styles and what these differences mean for the sponsor-sponsee relationship.

We also share our thoughts on guiding someone through the 12 steps effectively, emphasizing how critical it is to tailor the process to the individual. In doing so, we highlight some common missteps that can turn the steps into hurdles rather than tools for growth. For instance, moving too quickly, being overly rigid, or focusing more on personal beliefs than on helping can be detrimental to a sponsee's journey.

This episode serves as both a guide and a reflective piece, offering valuable insights for sponsors, sponsees, and anyone interested in how the right approach to sponsorship can make all the difference in recovery.