The Sober Fix Podcast

This episode is part of the “Ask It Basket” that Robert, Michelle, and I have been doing once a month. They go into various treatment centers and spread the message of recovery. The patients in these rehab centers get to ask them anonymous questions pertaining to addiction and recovery. Robert and I answer these questions and discuss our own sober journey. I love these questions because I can relate to them. Whether you are just starting to get sober or have been for years, they are beneficial. Come join Robert and I as we dive into various topics about sobriety and addiction.

Takeaways:

Recovery is a journey, not a destination.

The 12 steps are a vital part of recovery for many.

Sobriety improves all aspects of life.

It's essential to maintain connections with supportive individuals.

Treatment centers play a crucial role in recovery.

Recognizing the need for treatment is the first step.

Alternative recovery methods exist beyond traditional AA.

Old lifestyles should not be romanticized.

Open communication about substance abuse is important in relationships.

Cravings can be managed through mental strategies and support.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

Robert Pardon: @recovery_guy

recoveryguy.org

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast, I discuss the journey of sobriety and recovery. I try to emphasize the importance of community, the progressive nature of addiction, and practical tips for maintaining sobriety. The conversation highlights personal experiences and insights into the challenges and rewards of living a sober life, along with strategies for managing stress and preparing for social situations. It’s always a good thing to hear advice from others and figure out how it can be implemented into our own program. It’s not easy to live life sober, but it beats living in the hell of addiction.

Takeaways:

Sobriety is a journey that often requires support from others.

Addiction is progressive and can worsen over time if not addressed.

Building a strong support network is crucial for recovery.

Managing urges and stress is essential for maintaining sobriety.

Finding meaningful activities can help distract from cravings.

Preparing your story can ease social interactions regarding sobriety.

Being the designated driver can provide a sense of purpose in social settings.

It's important to explore various recovery options and find what works best for you.

Exercise and physical activity play a significant role in mental health during recovery.

Staying out of risky situations is a key strategy for avoiding relapse.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected]

I had the pleasure of having Daryl Dittmer join me for round two on The Sober Fix Podcast. Daryl has decades of sobriety, and has just written his second book When You Stop Fighting: The Road Your On Is Your Own Asphalt. Daryl shares his personal journey through recovery, and emphasizes the importance of community and support in living a happy life. He dives into the challenges he faced and the insights he gained along the way. Daryl also highlights the transformative power of personal growth and strong connections with others. We cover a lot of topics that I think will be useful for those starting, or continuing their sober journey.

Takeaways:

The sober journey is a testament to resilience.

Community support plays a crucial role in recovery.

Personal growth is a continuous process in sobriety.

Sharing stories can inspire others on their journey.

Challenges in recovery can lead to profound insights.

Building connections is essential for lasting sobriety.

Daryl emphasizes the importance of gratitude in recovery.

Understanding oneself is key to overcoming addiction.

Recovery is not a linear path; it's filled with ups and downs.

Daryl's experiences highlight the power of hope and perseverance.

Daryl:

www.daryldittmer.com

@whenistopfighting

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected] to collaborate

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Mario B. Mario is 25 years old, and is coming up on a year of sobriety. He talks about his struggles with alcohol and the underlying causes that led him to drink. Mario talks about being bullied as a kid, and turning to alcohol to cope with emotional pain. Mario walks us through his decision to get help and how he came to be in recovery. He discusses the different components of his recovery program and how he maintains and prioritizes his mental health. Mario uses his social media platforms to spread hope to those battling addiction and is currently writing a book about his journey. Come join us on the episode!

Mario: @StayClean365

@Mario_Bencivenga

Takeaways:

Recovery is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

Support systems play a crucial role in overcoming addiction.

Sharing personal stories can inspire others in their recovery.

Growth often comes from facing and overcoming challenges.

Future aspirations can motivate individuals in their recovery journey.

Understanding the triggers of addiction is essential for recovery.

Building a community can provide necessary support during tough times.

Celebrating small victories is important in the recovery process.

Self-reflection helps in recognizing personal growth.

Hope and resilience are key components of successful recovery.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected]

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast, I talk about the sober problem. I always thought I had a substance problem, but I have come to realize it’s a sobriety problem. I turned to substances because I couldn’t stand being sober. I would put the drink and the drugs down, but I had thinking that was always trying to lead me back to a drink. I would get out of detox and think that my life was guaranteed to get better. I eventually found out that I need to treat my addiction like any other disease. I need a program of recovery that makes sobriety worth living. Recovery provides me with the support and the tools to live in this world sober. There is hope for everyone that thinks they are too far gone. There are thousands of examples of people that can show you the way!

Takeaways

Recovery can bring joy and new experiences.

Addiction often creates an illusion of control.

The transition from wanting substances to needing them is subtle.

Isolation can worsen addiction and recovery struggles.

Daily recovery practices are essential for long-term sobriety.

Sobriety can lead to confronting underlying emotions and resentments.

Community support is crucial in the recovery process.

Gratitude can serve as a thermometer for recovery progress.

Recovery is a continuous journey with no finish line.

It's okay to need more support in recovery than others.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected] to collaborate

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast I reflect on my journey from addiction to sobriety. I discuss some of the challenges I faced during the holidays and how I rarely could go on trips. I emphasize the importance of support, the struggles of isolation, and the limitless possibilities that recovery offers. I never realized just how much addiction was affecting my life until I got sober. Sobriety has opened up new doors and new freedoms that I didn’t think possible. I have a gratitude for life that I don’t know I would have had I not gone through addiction. Recovery is all about the journey.

Takeaways:

The journey of sobriety is filled with ups and downs.

Holidays can be particularly challenging for those in recovery.

Moments of clarity can lead to significant changes in behavior.

Isolation is a common struggle for those battling addiction.

Finding freedom in recovery is a transformative experience.

Sobriety allows for new opportunities and personal growth.

Support from others in recovery is crucial.

The fear of sobriety often outweighs the reality of it.

Recovery is a continuous journey, not a destination.

The possibilities in sobriety are limitless and exciting.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected] to collaborate

In this episode, I talk about the prevalence of addiction. It can affect anyone and definitely does not discriminate. It doesn’t care about your social or economic status and most often than not wants you dead. I also dive into what I call the obliteration phase of addiction. This is way beyond drinking or using to have fun. This is the last stop in addiction where most people find themselves homeless, locked up, or facing serious health issues. I found myself in this place, and could not imagine a life without drugs or alcohol. I was never sober long enough to really experience how amazing recovery can be. There is a place in recovery for everyone that earnestly seeks it. My hope is that more people suffering from addiction find their way into recovery.

Takeaways

Podcasting has allowed for meaningful connections.

Addiction is a widespread issue that affects many.

The journey of addiction can progress to a dangerous phase.

Fentanyl is a growing concern in the addiction crisis.

Reaching those in the obliteration phase is challenging.

Only a small percentage of those with substance use disorders receive treatment.

Addiction does not discriminate based on background or status.

Functioning addicts still face significant challenges.

Early intervention is crucial for those struggling with addiction.

Recovery can lead to a fulfilling life without substances.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected]

I had the pleasure of having Daniel Ritchie come on to The Sober Fix Podcast. I saw Daniel on the show 60 Days In, and loved what he had to say about recovery. Daniel is a former MMA champion who eventually battled with Fentanyl and other opiates. He has one of the best comeback stories I have ever heard. Daniel survived being stabbed, and multiple overdoses. He eventually went on to get sober, and found his calling working with those suffering from addiction. He has now been a part of thousands of people getting treatment for their addictions. Daniel is a motivational speaker, and a big advocate for recovery. You have to check out this episode!

Takeaways

Recovery is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

Understanding addiction is crucial to overcoming it.

Support systems can significantly impact recovery success.

Personal stories of transformation inspire hope.

Sustaining recovery requires ongoing effort and strategies.

Mental health is intertwined with addiction recovery.

Triggers must be identified and managed effectively.

Community support can enhance the recovery experience.

Future perspectives on recovery are evolving and hopeful.

The journey of recovery is lifelong and requires commitment.

Daniel Ritchie: IG @danweapon513

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected] to collaborate

In this conversation, Drew from The Sober Fix hosts Robert and Michelle, who share their experiences and insights on recovery from alcoholism. They discuss the challenges of sobriety, the importance of understanding the nature of alcoholism, and the various paths to recovery, including the role of Alcoholics Anonymous. The conversation delves into the concepts of cravings versus obsessions, the process of self-forgiveness, and the significance of living an honest life in recovery. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of a higher power and community support in maintaining sobriety.

Takeaways

No real alcoholic can have one or two glasses of wine.

The problem starts with the first drink.

Understanding the nature of alcoholism is crucial for recovery.

There are multiple paths to sobriety, including AA and personal spirituality.

Cravings diminish over time with recovery work.

Forgiveness is a process that involves understanding one's past actions.

Living honestly is essential for maintaining sobriety.

Surrendering to the recovery process can lead to redemption.

Community support plays a vital role in recovery.

Recovery is about living a fulfilling life, not just abstaining from alcohol.

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected]

Robert: @recoveryguy

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast, Chris comes on and shares his story of hope. Chris talks about childhood abuse, and how he turned to alcohol to mask his emotions. He talks about a time when he used to consume alcohol, and then it started to consume him. Chris has found that one of the most helpful things in keeping him sober is reaching out to others. Chris uses his TikTok page to express his gratitude for God and his recovery. After going through a relapse, Chris is coming up on a full year of sobriety. I could relate to so many aspects of his story, and I bet that you can too! Come join us on this episode and our recovery journey.

Chris’s TikTok: SoberLifestyle!!

www.thesoberfixpodcast.com

[email protected] to collaborate