Recovery Elevator

Today we have Becky, with 10 months since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

What I learned after spending the weekend with 12 other people at a lake house:

• People did not care that I was not drinking
• People were appreciative to have a designated driver
• Drunk people have the memory of a goldfish
• Hangovers still suck
• Noticed potential problem drinkers
• Everyone overshot their mark
• Alcohol makes you act like an ass
• The yawn game sucks
• Snap Chat only exists because of drunk people
• Sober check ins are a good idea
• You can do sober weekends

SHOW NOTES

[11:30] Paul Introduces Becky.

Becky – I have been sober for 10 months and live in Indiana. I work in the HR industry, am married and have 2 children. I like to garden and cook.

[13:00] Tell me about hearing your friend Lisa on the RE podcast.

Becky – I was starting to listen to a variety of podcasts on sobriety and heard Lisa's story. I reached out to her via face book and she talked me through the process of AA. I was able to ask her questions. Something was guiding me.

[18:00] When did you realize you had a problem?

Becky – I was a binge drinker in high school but my drinking tapered off during my first marriage. I soon fell into having a glass of wine every night as a reward. I suffered from a major episode of depression and my therapist suggested I stop drinking. After the depression lifted, I continued drinking 1-2 bottles a night. I tried moderating but could not stop. I felt miserable inside.

[20:30] Tell me about your "yets".

Becky – I would stumble around parking lots and pass out on the sidewalk. Anything could have happened. I would usually drink after a long day at work. I knew my mother was an alcoholic but I had so much shame that I could not stop. I suffered from black outs and self- loathing.

[24:21] How did you get sober?

Becky – I spoke with Lisa and told my husband. During the first week, I went to meetings. The first 30 days were tough both physically and mentally. Shortly after 30 days, I started to feel better.

[27:16] How was your patience during the first 30 days?

Becky – I was anxious and very short on patience during the first 30 days. The more I fought the craving, the worse it got. I allowed the craving to wash over me instead of fighting it. I was able to take a step back and just look at it.

[29:00] Paul and Becky talk about her hesitation with AA because of God

Becky – I was probably an agnostic before AA. I did not know how I was going to bring God into my life. But there were too many coincidences. There had to be a type of HP intervening. I just know that I could not do this by myself. Some people choose G.O.D. (group of drunks)

[31:49] How important is it for you to be surrounded by others in recovery?

Becky – I could not have gotten sober without my local meetings. I stay active in on-line support groups. It is critical for me to be able to connect with others.

[33:41] Describe a day in your life

Becky – I meditate every day and journal. I try and stay balanced between exercise and work. I have also created my own blog for personal accountability (www.my2point0project.com).

[36:26] What have you learned the most about yourself?

Becky – I am more of a type "A" personality than I thought. I want things done a certain way and have to learn to let that go.

[37:47] What is on your bucket list in sobriety?

Becky – I want to continue to wake up feeling good and strong. I want to help others find jobs and help schedule interviews for them.

[38:45] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? not being sober when my father passed away
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? my decline was more slow and pervasive
3. What's your plan moving forward? go to bed sober tonight
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? SHAIR and Rich Roll podcasts, book "Being Sober" by Harry Haroutunian
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? I drink but we don't
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? reach out, this is not a weakness
7. You might be an alcoholic if…..you schedule your grocery shopping experience to not happen on Sundays – (because your state is dry on Sundays)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

Book – Being Sober, author Harry Haroutunian

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Dan, with 27 years since his last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Getting sober can be confusing. 14 medical schools only offer 1 class on addiction so it is no wonder doctors do not always "get it." Just how do we navigate sobriety? Since alcohol is legal and we are bombarded by an estimated 50 alcohol related ads a day, the path is not always clear. We often think we are cured after having some consecutive days of sobriety but achieving emotional sobriety is where the real work happens.

The main point to remember is that recovery can take different paths. What works for one may not work for another. Since this disease tells us that we do not have a disease, we have to be ever mindful of that inner voice and realize that we do not have to have all of the answers. Help is available, but you have to ask.

SHOW NOTES

[9:27] Paul Introduces Dan

Dan – I have been sober for 27 years and am from New Hampshire. I am a professional skier, film producer and love most things outdoors.

[12:06] When did you realize that you had a problem?

Dan – I was always a partier. During high school, I was a daily pot smoker and weekend binge drinker. I always wanted to be around people who were drinking. I had this mental obsession with booze and drinking was a part of my life.

[15:23] Did your drinking progress faster as you continued using?

Dan – I was introduced to cocaine in the 8th grade. My tolerance progressed and drinking and driving was just normal for me.

[17:11] Were you always chasing those euphoric feelings?

Dan – I was always chasing the rush of the party. We would throw huge parties any time that we could.

[18:00] Did you have a rock bottom?

Dan – We got kicked off of a booze cruise after only 45 minutes. I told everyone I was going to stop using but instead I hid it. One of my friend's mothers was in AA and she could tell that I was not comfortable in my own skin. I went to a meeting and first learned of the term "stinkin thinkin"

[22:35] What finally worked?

Dan – I was involved in a tragic storm accident in Russia that resulting in people losing their lives. There was a lot of fallout from this accident. Anger built up within me and soon I started drinking and using again. I reached out to my friend's mother and she got me into an outpatient center. I also got into therapy and started going to more meetings. I traveled for my job and got sober going to meetings all over the world.

[29:18] What is your day like?

Dan – I am involved in a large sober community. My Catholic faith continues to grow stronger and helps me every day. I go to 2-4 meetings a month and like to read spiritual readings.

[31:14] What do you value most in recovery?

Dan – my relationships with God, family and friends

[32:00] What advice would you give to someone who is resistant to AA because of God?

Dan – you can attend AA without believing in God. The more you attend the meetings, a light will begin to shine. You will start to find peace and contentment within the AA program. It is a program built on faith and love.

[34:06] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? totaling my mother's car on Mother's Day
2. What's your plan moving forward? living a full life and not tying myself down with negativity
3. What's your favorite resource in recovery? people
4. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? alcohol is a time bomb just waiting to go off
5. You might be an alcoholic if…….every time you are in trouble, you've been drinking

Resources:

Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Jason, with 4 years since his last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Paul reviews the GQ interview with Brad Pitt. Pitt states that he was boozing too much and learned that either you deny your feelings and stay where you are or you feel the feelings and evolve. He did not want to live that way anymore. Pitt is learning to accept the things about himself that he does not like.

SHOW NOTES

[9:13] Paul Introduces Jason

Jason – I have been sober for 4 years and live in Big Sky, MT. I am a firefighter/paramedic and enjoy outdoor activities.

[11:10] How did you meet your wife?

Jason – I had walked into a bar in the middle of a scuffle. My "soon to be" wife was on the ground and bleeding from her head. I felt the need to come to her rescue. We have been married for 9 years now.

[13:45] When did you realize that you had a problem?

Jason – I did not know I had a problem because all of my family were heavy drinkers. One night I went out with friends and drank very heavily and then drove home. The next morning I had the worst hangover of my life. I really thought I was having a medical emergency, I felt so bad.

[16:46] What were your drinking habits like?

Jason – For the last 10 years, I would get off of work and start drinking. I would spend the last 2 days of my days off sobering up. We had lots of house parties where there was plenty of drinking. My wife and I would also take yearly sailing excursions. They would turn into 2 weeks of binge drinking.

[19:48] How did you get sober?

Jason – I reached out to a family friend who has been sober for 42 years. At first I did not want to go any meetings but I had wanted my wife to stop drinking so we both ended up going to a meeting. The meeting was a total mix of people and completely changed my life.

[23:59] How do you remain sober?

Jason – I go to AA meetings. In early sobriety, I would just show up at meetings and listen. Currently, I stay very involved with my sober community. I also send out daily recovery related e-mails. It helps me stay accountable. If anyone else would like to be added to this e-mail list, send Jason and e-mail ([email protected])

[29:52] Paul and Jason discuss being a grateful alcoholic

Jason – I have learned to be grateful and humble. The program has allowed me to change. It has been a journey through self-restoration.

[31:51] Paul and Jason discuss Sober Scuba Sailing Tours

Jason – My wife and I thought it would be a great idea to offer sober sailing excursions. We are organizing a trip in June. For more information on future trips, go to www.sailingscubaadventures.com and send Jason a message.

[39:42] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? that horrible hangover that made me feel like I was having a medical emergency
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? when my hangovers would last for days
3. What's your favorite resource in recovery? the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tony Robbins "I'm Not Your Guru"
4. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? make your bed every morning, the miracle will happen
5. You might be an alcoholic if…..you see a half full cocktail and think, "Now that's alcohol abuse;" then you finish it yourself

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Jason's e-mail = [email protected]

www.sailingscubaadventures.com

Tony Robbins – I am Not Your Guru (available on DVD and Netflix)

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

Hold on tight as we follow Paul's journey coming off his anti-depression meds. Good luck Paul!

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Kari, with 4 years since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Paul reviews the video "The 13th Step." The 13th step (where new comers are "preyed" upon by others in AA) is joked about in and out of the rooms. The fact is that courts are ordering violent sexual predators to AA for a plea deal. AA should not be a punishment but 40-60% of its attendees are court ordered. This movie depicts AA in a negative light. Sure, there are flaws with AA. Every program has negative aspects and positive aspects. I personally dislike movies that bash any recovery program.

SHOW NOTES

[ 8:39 ] Paul Introduces Kari

Kari – I am 4 years sober and live in Montana. I am married and enjoy skiing, hiking, biking and running.

[11:42] What were your drinking habits like?

Kari – I drank through high school but it really ramped up after college. I was a binge and social drinker but would drink until I blacked out. I would often try and regulate my drinking and could do this for a little while. I would track my drinks on a calendar but was miserable when I tried to moderate.

[22:00] Did you have a bottom?

Kari – After my college boyfriend committed suicide, I just didn't care to keep my drinking in check. Another bottom was when I locked myself out of my truck after a concert. My husband had to come and get me. He was very angry and I came to the realization that my life and marriage would not continue if I was still drinking.

[29:17] How did you get sober?

Kari – I reached out to some friends who were in AA and attended my first meeting. I immediately knew that I belonged. I saw hope in these meetings and a light at the end of the tunnel.

[36:00] Describe what your day is like.

Kari – Every morning I do some type of reading about recovery (Today's a Gift, Each Day a New Beginning). I enjoy the beauty around me and it helps keep me grounded. I say thank you every night.

[39:30] Paul and Kari discuss her recent sailing trip

Kari – Both my husband and I were nervous that we wouldn't have fun. We still enjoyed our fruit drinks without alcohol and kept up our tradition of drinking during the sunsets. I was able to remember the entire sailing trip.

[42:40] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? when I was in college and went up to the rooftop thinking it would be a good idea to jump
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? when I realized I couldn't control my drinking
3. What's your plan moving forward? sharing my story as often as possible
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? AA
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? there is nothing that says that you have to figure this all out on your own
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? no matter how bad you feel, you can turn your life around
7. You might be an alcoholic if….you order 2 drinks and slide the first one to the side because it's the first one that gets you

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Steph, with 6 months since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

It is often said that our HP will not give us more than we can handle. For the last 8-10 months, Paul has been suffering from depression. Around this time, he received a link from his brother about the black dog aka depression (www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc). God shout out? The video basically describes how depression creeps up on you whenever it wants to. It is very exhausting trying to keep the symptoms of depression hidden from others. Depression is like losing all of the joy in your life. Your addiction can start talking to you and may say that 1 drink may help. But this is only temporary. Drinking will not help!

SHOW NOTES

[9:00] Paul Introduces Steph.

Steph – I am 6 months sober and feeling great! I am 46 years old, married and have 2 daughters. I currently live in Canada and enjoy cooking and gardening.

[9:25] When did you first realize that you had a problem?

Steph – I have known that I had a drinking problem for the last 25 years. I would drink and drive, blackout, etc. and went to a few AA meetings in my early 20's. I was sober for 3 years. I do not think that I was ready to give it up entirely yet and started drinking again. My drinking started out slow but steadily got worse. I worked in bars and surrounded myself with other drinkers. After I had my children, I tried to moderate but would still drink to get through the stress of parenting.

[15:53] What was it like to start drinking again after taking some time off?

Steph – After my pregnancies, my drinking very rapidly increased. I reached a point where I was physically addicted and had to drink to keep the symptoms of withdrawal away. If I did not drink, I would get severe anxiety.

[18:35] Did you have a rock bottom moment?

Steph – I tried to quit cold turkey and ended up in the hospital. My children saw me being put into an ambulance. 1 week later, I was drinking again. I felt like I had severely damaged my brain chemistry with all of the alcohol and I could not sleep without sleeping pills. I eventually felt suicidal.

[20:45] How did you get sober 6 months ago?

Steph – I had to start tapering off because I was so physically addicted. My husband helped me by locking up all of the alcohol and only giving me limited amounts each day. I slowly decreased the amount of vodka over 10-12 days. I really wanted to get sober so I did not drive to any liquor stores myself.

[27:22 ] What did you do after those 10-12 days went by?

Steph – I took Kevin O'Hara's "How to Quit Drinking" course. I would also start my day with recovery books and podcasts. I also got very involved with an on-line community.

[29:00] How has your physical and emotional state evolved since quitting drinking?

Steph – I was on an emotional rollercoaster in the beginning. Now, I have learned to respond rather than react to things.

[29:41] Paul and Steph talk about her U-Tube videos and blog.

Steph – my blog can be found at https://bestirredblog.wordpress.com. Another friend in recovery and I started doing video blogs which can be found on U-Tube, called The Way Back. I also do group skypes with other people in recovery.

[31:20] What have you learned the most?

Steph – I am a lot stronger than I thought.

[31:45] What is on your bucket list in sobriety?

Steph – I would like to help other people get sober.

[32:37] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? all of the non-memories
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? when I tried to stop drinking and couldn't
3. What's your plan moving forward? helping others
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? A Facebook group called "Onwards and Upwards"
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? get out of your comfort zone
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? put the same amount of time and energy into your recovery, that you put into your drinking
7. If you decide to start a family with hope that it will help you moderate your drinking, you just might be an alcoholic.

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Ashley, with 16 days since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Alcohol does not make us more intelligent. We all know that drinking and drinking is not good. When we start drinking, our mind starts to shift and suddenly is seems like a good idea. We only have a short distance to drive, right? The statistics show that we drink and drive 76 times before getting caught. Drinking also causes us to say and do stupid things, like trying to coax a poodle to run across 5 lanes of traffic, or shout out that a girl had a funky looking toe at a bar. It you would like to send an e-mail with the most unintelligent thing you have ever done while drinking, drop a line to [email protected].

SHOW NOTES

[11:22] Paul Introduces Ashley.

Ashley – I have been sober for 16 days and feel more focused this time. I am from Iowa, 32 years old and have 3 sons. I am trying to find new sober hobbies.

[13:11] When did you first notice that you had a problem?

Ashley – I started drinking at the age of 12. I would party with older people. I was sneaking booze at the age of 14 and my family sent me away to a home. By the time, I was 21, I had 3 children and 2 DUI's. I still did not think that I had a problem. I later lost my license for 5 years. I was home alone, couldn't drive and my drinking really took off.

[16:11] Was it hard getting sober at such a young age?

Ashley – It has been really hard since everyone I know drinks. I am trying to distance myself from my drinker friends and find sober friends.

[17:47] You were sober before. What happened to cause you to drink again?

Ashley – I was doing a cleanse to try and lose some weight. But then a concert came around and I drank there. I stopped for a few weeks but went to a funeral where everyone was drinking. I ended up doing a shot and it was game on from there. I drank for 6 days straight after that. I just couldn't say no whenever someone offered me a drink.

[21:11] Did you ever put any rules in place to try and control your drinking?

Ashley – I've tried every rule imaginable; from only drinking on the weekends, to never drinking at home, or only drinking after the children went to bed.

[24:00] How did you get sober this time?

Ashley – I try and go to AA every day and I listen to podcasts.

[25:41] What are you going to do differently this time?

Ashley – I am distancing myself from my drinking friends and trying to make new sober friends. I also am looking for on-line support in order to locate sober people in my area.

[27:54] Do you think you will ever be able to attend shows sober?

Ashley – Right now, no. But I love music so eventually I would like to be able to go. It is going to take some time.

[29:23] Did you ever go to any "dark" places while drinking?

Ashley – I had tons of blackouts and I lost my license for 5 years.

[29:23] Paul and Ashley talk about a time when she felt like drinking but managed to control the urge.

Ashley – I was recently home alone and starting getting those thoughts of drinking. I watched a few videos on U-Tube and thought that if I drank, I would ruin my week again.

[33:05] What is a typical day like for you?

Ashley – I try to keep very busy with work. I also plan what AA meeting I am going to attend and get up and go.

[34:52] What are your thoughts on a HP?

Ashley – I believe in God and would go to church occasionally as a child. I am trying to get back into church.

[35:49] What are you most proud of and how are your relationships now?

Ashley – I am most proud of being there for my children. I am more active with them. My relationship is much better with them. My children see me being active and happy.

[37:33] Do you have anything on your bucket list?

Ashley – I want to be able to truly love myself and my life. I want to be able to do things without booze.

[38:35] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? when I was drunk, I got jumped in an ally way
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? not being able to stop drinking while attending that funeral
3. What's your plan moving forward? stay distant from my drinker friends, go to AA, podcasts
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? Verbal surgery podcast
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? do not think so far ahead
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? start right now, focus on today
7. You might be an alcoholic if…… you go to your local gas station and the cashier is questioning why you do not have any beer

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

Check out the upcoming Machu Picchu trip in 2018. Send an e-mail to [email protected]

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Laura, with 41 days since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Do you ever feel duped by alcohol? Throughout high school, we were all told to "just say no" to drugs but not much was ever said about alcohol. The reality is that only 1 in 10 people with an alcohol problem get treatment. The research shows that the number 1 most addictive drug is alcohol. It kills more people than all other drugs combined.

In 2015, Paul started the RE podcast just to stay accountable for himself. Now, the podcast has gotten so popular because so many people are still struggling. Even though addiction is a chronic disease of the brain, the stigma attached keeps people from getting the help that they need. The challenge for all of us in recovery is to be open about out alcohol use, and get it out in the open.

SHOW NOTES

[13:29] Paul Introduces Laura.

Laura – I am 40 years old and have not had a drink in 41 days. I am married with 2 boys and I live in Michigan. I am a special education teacher and enjoy most outdoor activities.

[16:41] When did you realize that you had a problem?

Laura – I had been drinking pretty heavily since my 20's. Last summer when I wanted to stop, I could not. During a routine physical, I mentioned to my Dr. that I had some liver issues and that perhaps I should go to rehab. He advised against it stating that there were only drug abusers in there. He suggested I see their social worker but she wouldn't see me because I was still drinking. I felt like I was going around and around. I even tried Harm reduction which did not work.

[19:46] When you stopped drinking did your health problems go away?

Laura – not entirely but they have gotten better. I exercise more since I am not drinking and that makes me feel better. My rheumatoid arthritis is still there. I thought that once I quit drinking, I would be pain free but that was not the case. After 40 days of not drinking, I am starting to feel some relief from pain. I have started reading "The All Day Energy Diet."

[23:14] Paul and Laura discuss the Harm Reduction Plan.

Laura – you are supposed to moderate and keep track of how many drinks you have each day. It wasn't working for me. I found it difficult remaining in contact with the other people in the group. School started and things got crazy so I started drinking again every night. I wanted to stop but just didn't want to put the work in to do it.

[25:25] How did that feel when you wanted to stop but just wasn't ready?

Laura – I could get a few days of sobriety under my belt but would always drink on that 3rd day. I was a responsible drinker and would get everything done in my household by 8pm so that I could start drinking.

[30:00] So how did you get 41 days of sobriety?

Laura – I kept myself very busy or would go for a walk just to keep my mind off of it. Every morning I try to exercise and it feels great to not have the guilt about drinking the night before. After work if I get cravings, I will drink a cup of coffee. I also enjoy reading sobriety books and once the summer starts, I would like to check out some AA and SMART meetings.

[32:14] Do you have anything on your sobriety bucket list?

Laura – I would like to run a 5K, travel, and spend more quality time with my children.

[32:59] What advice would you give to your younger sense?

Laura – Stop drinking when you are young. Drinking is not realistic. It is OK to experience your emotions. Do not be afraid to feel them.

[33:03] What are your thoughts on relapse?

Laura – The thought of relapse scares me. I do not want to lose control like that again.

[35:00] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? I mistakenly hid my husband's iPad instead of my son's. The next morning I could not remember where I had hidden it.
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? I was at a bar with my then boyfriend. I made him so mad that he never spoke to me again and I have no idea what I had done
3. What's your plan moving forward? stay connected, trying some AA and SMART meetings and giving back to the community
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? I am reading the 30 Day Sobriety Solution, the RE podcast and the RE Face Book group
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? take it 1 day at a time
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Use the resources that are out there and do not give up.
7. You might be an alcoholic if….. you order 2 drinks at a time because the bartender is to slow

Interesting fact – India has passed a law that establishments that serve liquor cannot be close to federal highways. They have 400 traffic fatalities a day and a big portion of these are due to alcohol. You might be an alcoholic if you remove federal highway signs and replace them with city signs, so that your business is not affected by this new law.

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

Check out the new Recovery Elevator sobriety tracker

Book – The All Day Energy Diet by Yuri Elkaim

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Julie, with 92 days sober.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Big alcohol companies like to blame the individual rather than the poison that they sell. The liquor industry spends millions of dollars on advertisements that tell us we should drink responsibly. If we do not drink responsibly, than we are to blame. We should know when to say when, right? The facts show that alcohol kills 85,000 people each year. But to the companies selling the booze, money is the name of the game. These companies make billions while avoiding high taxes because alcohol is not taxed as high as other beverages.

*********************************Don't be duped by alcohol advertisements*****************************************

SHOW NOTES

[9:21] Paul Introduces Julie

Julie – I have been sober for 92 days and it feels really good. I did not think that I could do it. I am 35 years old and work as a nurse. I enjoy music and going to concerts.

[11:00] When did you realize you had a problem with alcohol?

Julie – I have known for years. I just could never get enough. My first issue was with drugs so I did not focus on my alcohol problem. I went to rehab for drug abuse in 2010 and stayed sober for 18 months after that. The rehab helped with my drug use but then I turned to alcohol. When I tried to quit alcohol, I had hallucinations and ended up spending 4 days in the psych ward.

[14:24] What happened after your 18 months of sobriety?

Julie – I had already started planning to drink. I knew I was going to attend another concert and thought I could drink normally. I ended up drinking so much that I blacked out and continued to drink for 5 more years. I always told myself, "when _______ happens," I will stop drinking. But I never stopped. I woke up each morning feeling defeated, angry and bitter.

[18:00] Was your rock bottom 92 days ago?

Julie – I did not have a bottom 92 days ago. I was just tired of being sick and tired. I kept wondering when I was going to lose my medical license. I knew it was just a matter of time before this happened. Then, I thought I would try to quit and when it didn't work, I could at least say that I had tried.

[19:05] Paul asks Julie how she got sober 92 days ago.

Julie – I listened to a lot of podcasts and made it to 30 days. I was feeling really good but still ordered a glass of wine while at lunch with my brother. I did not even enjoy it. I finally admitted to my family that I was done drinking.

[21:23] Paul and Julie discuss accountability.

Julie – My family has been super supportive of my sobriety. I try to take it 1 situation at a time. I still have not been completely honest with them about how much I was consuming but my parents are very encouraging to me.

[25:00] What else did you do?

Julie – My best friend has been sober for over a year and she has been supporting me. I do a lot of reading and am constantly working at changing my mindset.

[27:47] How have your cravings been?

Julie – I try and distract myself by taking my dogs for a walk or keeping busy. I know that the cravings will pass.

[28:34] How did you feel during your first week of sobriety?

Julie – I was pretty apprehensive the first week. I did not think that I could do it. Once 30 days went by, I felt that I had a chance at making it. I am more confident as each day passes.

[29:34] What advice would you give to your younger self?

Julie – You pay a price for everything that you do. You do not know everything when you are young. Drinking is not fun and games anymore.

[30:00] What have you learned in sobriety?

Julie – When I was drinking, I was not living in reality. I was just going through the motions. I have learned that it is possible to live sober and have a clear mind. I did not want to accept that I would be drinking for the rest of my life and possibly losing my career.

[31:00] What are your rules in sobriety?

Julie – Attitude is everything and I am learning as much as I can.

[33:38] Do you have a bucket list?

Julie – I would like to get out of my comfort zone more, try meditation and yoga.

[34:47 ] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? withdrawing while in the pysch ward
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? every day was an oh shit moment
3. What's your plan moving forward? staying active and reading
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? RE podcast and the private FB group
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? do not feel like you have to do it all at once
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? take the first steps and worry about tomorrow when it gets here
7. You might be an alcoholic if….. you loathe the existence of everyone at the gas station because when they see you, they know that you cannot drink normally

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sobriety Tracker Android

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

Good Reads to Check Out: Blackout, This Naked Mind, Beyond the Influence

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Coral, with 7 months since her last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

Do we have to say it again? Let's drop the stigma regarding addiction. The research shows that alcoholics have a genetic predisposition towards alcohol. It is not a character defect, nor a moral weakness. Yet, even after these results are published, about 20% of the general population, along with many psychiatrists still believe that it is a personal weakness.

Kenneth Bloom conducted early experiments on neurology and molecular genetics. Hundreds of these experiments showed that alcoholism is hereditary. Many adoption studies have also been done and they show that children with at least 1alcoholic biological parent were 3 to 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic, regardless of their non-alcoholic adoptive parents.

When an alcoholic drinks, our neurotransmitters go awry and our bodies break down booze differently than normal drinkers. That's the facts folks.

SHOW NOTES

[14:08] Paul Introduces Coral.

Coral – I am 32 years old and live in Idaho. I work in an industrial plant. I am married and have a 9 year old son.

[16:08] Did you think you had a problem with drinking?

Coral – My husband and I have been trying to conceive but after our IVF failed, I went on a 2 week bender, full of self- pity. I would grab a beer first thing in the morning. Drinking was not helping anything. Now it just feels surreal to be sober. I did not think that I could do it. Drinking has always been a part of my life. But being in a recovery program keeps me from getting stagnant.

[19:21] When did you realize that you had a problem?

Coral – There were plenty of times I told myself that I should slow down. These slow down plans never worked. I would try to limit hard liquor or not drink during the day. Sometimes I was able to slow down but it never lasted long.

[22:11] Paul and Coral discuss her bottoms.

Coral – One of my worst memories was having some new friends over to my house for a BBQ. I ended up tripping over something in the yard and fell into the fire pit. I was burned over 10% of my body. Even after this, I never looked at myself as having a problem. It took a few months to re-cooperate after this accident. I was on heavy pain medications and still drank while on them. After 3 months, I went to the doctor to get a refill of my pain medication. He would not refill my prescription and I ended up going through withdrawal.

[26:00] How did you quit drinking 7 months ago?

Coral – I started listening to podcastsand going to meetings. I joined the Club Soda club on-line and I also started seeing a therapist.

[30:00] Paul and Coral discuss her relationship with her husband and his drinking.

Coral – My husband was also a drinker and struggles a little bit. He has been very supportive of my recovery. He has his own path in recovery and I have mine.

[31:33] When did your thinking shift from "I can't do this" to "I can do this?"

Coral – Probably around 90 days. I had been denied a promotion that I thought I had in the bag. I felt like jumping out of my own skin. I decided to get in the car and drove many miles to a meeting. I left the meeting wondering why I hadn't gone to a meeting in so long. It was so good to be around other people with this same problem. Sobriety is my #1 priority now, otherwise I will lose everything.

[33:33] What have you learned the most about yourself?

Coral – I am still learning about myself. Right now I am in the middle of the 4th step and it has been very eye opening.

[34:34] How have your cravings been?

Coral – I do eat a lot of sugar. I gave up alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes at the same time. So I need my sugar. When a craving hits, I try to meditate, exercise or go to a meeting.

[35:40] How have your relationships changed?

Coral – My husband and I get along much better. Instead of having arguments, we discuss things now. I am also closer to my extended family since they are non-drinkers.

[36:43] What is a typical day like for you?

Coral – I usually say a prayer every morning and then head off to work. I will go to a few meetings each week and enjoy spending time with my family.

[37:00] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? falling into the fire pit
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? I had a major blackout while drinking as a teen. Everyone told me I was running around screaming and I do not remember a thing.
3. What's your plan moving forward? working the steps and helping others
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? SHAIR podcast, The Bubble Hour podcast and The Big Book
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? You are the average of the 5 people that you hang around with the most.
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? If you think you have a problem, than you probably do. You can still have fun without drinking.
7. You might be an alcoholic if… you fall into a fire pit but still blame it on the misc. objects in your yard

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"

Today we have Michael, with 32 years since his last drink.

Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.

In a recent CNN interview with Jeremy Broderick, he talks about how the GOP replacement plan for Obamacare makes things worse for the addict. Many treatment plans were covered under Medicaid as well as the Affordable Care Act. Trump-care isn't what is seems to be and pushes more for accessibility instead of universal coverage. In the meantime, 200 people die a day while the government sorts this out. It is estimated that for every $1.00 spent on treatment, $4.00 is saved on healthcare and for every $1.00 spent on education/prevention, $50.00 is saved on healthcare.

SHOW NOTES

[8:18] Paul Introduces Michael

Michael – I am 60 years old with 32 years of sobriety. I have 2 twin sons and I run health and wellness websites. I like to walk, hike and meet like-minded people.

[10:48] When did you realize that you had a problem?

Michael – it was long before I was 28 years old. I started drinking alcoholically at age 14. I was in an accident and arrested for DUI at the age of 19. My drinking slowed down a little when my uncle died but I picked up smoking weed instead. Cocaine was finally my downfall. I was starting to spend hours in blackouts and was continuously apologizing for things that I had done.

[13:14] What were your drinking habits like?

Michael – During nights' outs, I could drink 20 bottles of beer. We would go out to the bars starting at midnight and drink until 7am.

[14:08] Did you ever put any rules into place to control your drinking?

Michael – I couldn't start drinking early in the day because I would keep going. I intentionally started drinking later in the day so that I had a chance to make it home safely.

[15:23] What drug do you think led you to cocaine? Pot or alcohol?

Michael – It was probably the pot. I needed it when I first woke up in the morning just to be able to get to work.

[16:04] How did you do it?

Michael – I started going to meetings and was completely overwhelmed by the love of the community. They enveloped me with their hugs and love. Our motto was hugs, not drugs. I went to 1 sober party after another. There wasn't any time to do drugs. I learned to be careful who I surrounded myself with. Build your community of sober friends. Community is everything to me. I never feel alone when I surround myself with people who are moving in the same direction. There is no addiction sigma within these sober communities.

[22:29] Did you start with NA or AA?

Michael – I started with NA and we were a small group. We were sponsoring 5-10 people at a time. I received some advice that I should try an AA meeting in order to see what longer term sobriety was. My first AA meeting had some old timers who basically told me to, "sit down and shut up." They taught us what real time recovery was.

[25:35] What is your advice for finding real recovery?

Michael – You've got to tap in to your resources. There are many milestones that are going to happen to you in recovery. Your world can still fall apart at any time. You will always have to deal with emotional experiences.

[27:27] What advice would you give to your younger self?

Michael – When we are drinking, we tend to gravitate towards other drinkers. Most of the rest of the population does not drink like we do. It is OK to be with these normal/non-drinkers. There is an entire world full of incredible people who do not care whether you drink or not.

[30:00] Tell us your thoughts regarding sugar addiction.

Michael – I think that sugar is the real gateway drug. It is so subtle that you do not realize it is even happening. Sugar is a powerful psychoactive drug. You can become physically and mentally addicted to sugar. We crave it when we need a mental break. When we eat sugar, we temporarily feel better about ourselves.

[35:40] What is viral recovery.com?

Michael – It is my website where I advocate to change the stigma of addiction with healthcare. I post what others are doing (such as Paul!) to change the attitudes surrounding addiction.

[36:51] Rapid Fire Round

1. What was your worst memory from drinking? I had been in a car accident and a telephone pole was literally sitting in the passenger seat of my car
2. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? every time I woke up in the morning with wet pants
3. What's your plan moving forward? spread the message and stay tight with your sober community
4. What's your favorite resource in recovery? On-line recovery tools
5. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? my sponsor had me look up at the stars and asked me if I thought it was possible that the whole world just might not be about me
6. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? be kind to yourself, learn to self-care and be aware of not degrading yourself
7. You might be an alcoholic if…..you look ahead through weeks of weddings, work parties, etc. and it's exhausting trying to juggle and control your drinking.

Resources:

Sobriety Tracker iTunes

Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected]

www.sugaraddiction.com

"We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"