by Paul Churchill | Aug 13, 2018 | Podcast
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Chris, with 96 days since his last drink, shares his story…
In sobriety, it’s possible to become more in tune with the inner workings of our minds. By stopping the intake of a numbing substance, our minds and bodies become more sensitive, and with that sensitivity comes a glimpse into the processes and systems that run under the hood. Our emotions and how we handle them (or, in early sobriety, often we will see how our emotions are handling us!), the physical sensations that return as our body heals, and how our subconscious mind has an impact on our every waking moment.
In practices like meditation, we can begin to see how our thoughts can interrupt our every waking moment. As we examine further, we can see that thoughts have a big impact on how we see ourselves, the world and, ultimately thoughts can make up who we are.
To learn to manage your thoughts, follow Paul’s first steps:
– Trust that your body knows best. – Your mind is a secondary organ to your body. You may think you are in control, but the mind is a tool that works for the body, not the other way around.
– Learn to quiet the mind. – In the early stages of recovery, especially, it’s important to recalibrate your sense of stillness. Chances are in the throws of addiction you have lost your center.
– Don’t get hooked – When you become aware of a thought entering your mind, simply notice it for what it is and let it float by. You can use a safe word to remind you to come back to the present moment. “Here”, “Stop”, “Thoughts..”
SHOW NOTES
[12:48] Paul Introduces Chris.
Chris is 37 years old, lives in Arizona. Chris is married with two kids, has two dogs, is a musician and likes to ride his motorcycle.
[14:33] When did you first realize that you had a problem with drinking? Why did you decide to quit?
He realized that alcohol had a hold on him. He couldn’t stop. It was affecting everything. He felt like the party was over. He went to get beer after his kids were asleep. Suddenly he realized that if he had gotten a DUI, no one would be able to take care of his kids. He asked a friend in recovery to help him get cleaned up. He started going to AA. He would get 30 days and then relapse. He worked at a bar and was drinking non stop. It started to take a toll on his body.
[18:56] When did your attempts to quit begin to get some traction?
He would try to moderate. He switched to wine. They moved to Arizona, and he wanted to use the chance to get clean. He found himself isolated and depressed, and anxious. He used his exercise to earn his drinks. He kept repeating the cycle.
[21:23] What are your thoughts on the “geographical cure”?
He thought he was going to start over in a new place, and leave the negativity behind. He started working quickly after the move. Anxiety started to set in, he felt uncomfortable being alone and bored. He turned to alcohol. Alcohol was the ice breaker in social situations.
[22:47] What would you consider to be your rock bottom moment?
He feels that he had many. Every time he would wake up feeling ashamed was a rock bottom moment. He felt that he couldn’t escape alcohol’s grip and he was scared. He wanted to quit but felt that he couldn’t. The night would start with one beer and end after multiple.
[24:30] What changed this last time to ensure your success so far?
He had researched a medicine called kambo. He had read that it would help him quit alcohol. He found someone in his local area and he signed up to try it. The scrape the venom off a frog from the amazon. The practitioner lights the tip of the incense stick, then marks your arm, then applies the venom to your arm. He didn’t hallucinate, but had intense bodily sensations. It’s a giant purge. He puked like crazy and felt a sharp pain. He found a blockage, and puked it out. He did another purge that evening and hasn’t craved alcohol since.
[31:39] Have you noticed any other improvements in other areas of your life?
He’s less stressed. He tries to block negative energy. He lets things roll off and relaxes.
[33:19] Did you try any other resources to quit?
He tried AA. He didn’t click with his local group. He liked the online group better. The plant medicine was sort of a last resort for him. He thinks it was a reflection of the amount of desperation he had at the time.
[36:00] What’s your proudest moment in recovery?
He was around 50 days in sobriety. He took his son to a Metallica concert without drinking.
[36:45] What’s on your bucket list in sobriety?
Continuing down the path. He wants to be of help to anyone trying to get sober. He is into the plant medicine world.
[39:20] Rapid Fire Round
- What was your worst memory from drinking?
A huge fight with his wife. He threw glasses at the wall.
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?
- What’s your plan moving forward?Continuing down the path. Staying active in the online group.
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery?Cafe RE Blue. Talking with more people.
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?
It’s easier to stay sober than to get sober. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?
Just do it. Go for it. Take your time, get comfortable. Find the path for you.
- You might be an alcoholic if…
“If you have to put venomous frog poison in your skin to get sober..”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
You Are the Placebo – A book by Dr. Joe Dispenza
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 info@recoveryelevator.com
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
by Paul Churchill | Aug 6, 2018 | Podcast
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Jodi, with over 100 days since her last drink, shares her story…
You’d think that when dealing with something as simple and common as water, there couldn’t be any confusion. Water is water, right? It turns out that not all waters are created equal.
Water comes in many forms and despite what you might think, the differences aren’t just regional nomenclature. There are distinct differences between these types of water, and while they are somewhat slight, they’re enough to merit their own name. Here’s what you need to know:
Mineral Water
Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring which contains various minerals, like salts and sulfur compounds. It’s defined by its “constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source.” Minerals aren’t added to this water and neither is carbonation (with the exception of San Pellegrino, which has additional carbonation added by the bottler). That means that the bubbles in these bottles are completely natural. You would typically drink this water as is (not mixed in a cocktail), since it’s a tad expensive and has a slight mineral-y taste.
Seltzer Water
Seltzer water is just plain water that has been artificially carbonated. This water, which contains no sodium salts, gets its name from the German town of Selters, which was renowned for its natural springs. Seltzer water was first introduced as a cheap alternative to sparkling mineral water — and it still is an economical option today.
Club Soda
Seltzer water and club soda are very similar, but there is a notable difference between the two. Unlike seltzer, mineral-like ingredients are added to club soda to enhance the flavor. If you look on the list of ingredients, you’ll likely see potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate listed.
Tonic Water
Just because it contains the word water in its name and is carbonated doesn’t mean that tonic water is in the same category as bubbly waters. Unlike the other carbonated options, tonic water has a distinct flavor and it certainly can’t be swapped out for carbonated water. Tonic water is a bitter drink, a result of the addition of quinine, which pairs particularly well with gin. Also unlike the other waters, Tonic contains calories — about 130 for 12 fluid ounces.
SHOW NOTES
[9:05] Paul Introduces Jodi.
Jodi is 34-year-old artist and musician living in Detroit, Michigan, with her dog. She has a podcast called “Detroit Craft Academy”. She went to art school for photography originally.
[12:20] How has sobriety affected your personal relationship with your art?
It’s been a little difficult. She had a romanticized definition of what an artist was in her mind that involved drinking. She feels it was learned. She no longer buys into it. She’s realizing that her art is now better with a sober mind.
[14:25] When did you first realize you had a problem with drinking, and how did you quit?
She grew up straight edge. She started drinking with a guy she met. She enjoyed alcohol after she tried it. She feels that she’s always had an addictive personality, which worsened after she started drinking. She was always at the bar before and after class during school. She began hanging out with musicians. She began to black out, and felt that she was time traveling. She would have to investigate to find out the events from the previous night. She had a stint of sobriety for two years as her boyfriend turned out to be an addict. She started again at 22 and hid it from her partner. She tried to go to AA.
[20:25] Did you experience a rock bottom?
She had many. She didn’t consider them rock bottoms because she wasn’t ready to address the fact that she had a drinking problem, and she also thought that it was typical artist behavior. She associates her addiction with “Large Marge” from Peewee Herman.
[22:29] What was different about this particular attempt to quit that’s been successful so far?
Before quitting she had been dealing with depression and a relationship with an addict. She experienced some trauma. She started seeing a counselor. The counselor didn’t know that she had a drinking problem. Alcoholism runs in her family. Alcohol dulled the emotions she didn’t want to feel and enhanced the positive ones, but the depression didn’t go away. She tried many things to get rid of it but they didn’t work. She tried to quit drinking for a month and felt amazing. This time something different happened. She recently tried a sensory deprivation chamber. She heard a voice tell her to quit drinking. She feels her consciousness shifted. She calls it the voice of silence. She told everyone she knew that she quit drinking, creating accountability. Everyone has been supportive. She started changing her group of friends. She started going to AA. It’s been great. Every meeting has been different.
[38:44] What have you learned about yourself in sobriety so far?
With her shift in consciousness, she is trying to be open minded. She’s learning how to break down her strict boundaries. We are bigger than the boxes in which we put ourselves. She’s open to not pleasing everyone.
[40:25] How is your depression now that alcohol is removed from your life?
She still suffers from depression, but she changes how she responds to it. Before she would turn to drinking, and now she tries to face it. She’s finding different ways to deal with it. She goes for walks, calls her sponsor, focuses on art. She’s considering medication.
[42:42] Rapid Fire Round
- What was your worst memory from drinking?All the holes in her memory. Playing detective to figure out what happened the night before.
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?She realized that her only desire to go out was because she wanted to drink, and she had to drink to have a desire to go out.
- What’s your plan moving forward?One day at a time. She journals a lot.
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery?Cafe RE, honestly.
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?Don’t beat yourself up if you fail. You won’t see the successes if you concentrate on the failures.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?Tell everyone. Tell the bartender to punch you if you order alcohol.
- You might be an alcoholic if…“you lose your car, and then go to the police to help you find your car, and drop you off, and you think it might be a trap.”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
This episode is brought to you by Zip Recruiter. Right now, listeners can try Zip Recruiter for free by visiting Ziprecruiter.com/elevator
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 info@recoveryelevator.com
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
by Paul Churchill | Jul 30, 2018 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Craig, who has been sober since 9/21/16, shares his story.
The unprecedented success of this podcast mirrors a simple approach to recovery. Just show up and continue to show up.
The future of Recovery Elevator is promising! The plan is to migrate the growing community over to a private forum and away from facebook. The focus will be on creating many local groups, in-person meet-ups, sober travel, and sobriety events .
SHOW NOTES
[14:00] Paul Introduces Craig.
Craig is 40 years old, from central Scotland. He’s married and a father of two. He works in flooring and is a part time Taekwondo instructor.
[16:53] When did you realize you first had a problem with drinking?
He started when he was about 14. His family moved a lot. Alcohol was a big presence. His first binge was extreme and he had to go to the medical center. He started to drink a case per night. Eventually whiskey entered the picture. He became more isolated. He couldn’t relax without alcohol. He would drink with colleagues after work and it progressed into something very difficult to control.
[23:07] How did you achieve your 9 weeks during your first attempt at sobriety?
He ended up in the hospital after a suspected heart attack. After some liver tests the doctor gave him a pep talk. His first attempt was sheer will power.
[24:48] What led to the following relapse?
He wanted to celebrate his 9 weeks by drinking. After he did not really try to self moderate. Eventually after a binge on a trip to Mexico he woke up with a painful hangover and decided that he couldn’t do it any more. He sought out recovery sources online and discovered the podcast. It resonated with him. He realized he wasn’t alone.
[27:47] Once you made the conscious choice, how did you stop?
His realized he was a bad example for his son.
[29:40] What were some of the other recovery resources you found?
Recovery Elevator, also Omar and Shane Ramer, the Sober Guy podcast, and the Share Podcast, the Good Dad project and Sean Croxton’s Quote of the Day.
[30:30] Walk us through the early stages of your recovery.
He had two difficult episodes with Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptom (PAWS). Fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, loss of concentration. The first one was about six weeks sober. He went to his doctor and said he wasn’t feeling well. The doctor suggested AA. He realized there is life after drinking.
[35:39] When did you begin implementing what you learned into your recovery?
He started listening to motivational podcasts in addition to recovery podcasts. He started to see things in a different light. He joined different online communities and enjoyed being able to bounce different ideas off people in the forums. He examined his internal dialogues and focused on self love.
[40:36] What advice do you have for someone who is on day 1 right now?
Day 1 is where the adventure starts! Let’s look at how we can get you to day 2 and beyond. 1 day at a time. Break it down into pieces. Get through the cravings. The numbers don’t matter, you’re already worth it. Beating yourself up doesn’t work. Nobody’s recovery is exactly the same.
[44:43] Is there anything you would have done differently in your recovery?
No. He feels that he had to go through what he went through to get to where he is. He is grateful for the doctor’s presence in his life. He doesn’t regret drinking either, but he’s glad he stopped.
[46:16] What have you learned about yourself in recovery?
First all, I’m good enough. Secondly, I deserve this recovery and all its benefits. Everyone deserves it.
[46:56] What’s on your bucket list in sobriety?
He’s got more of a “fuck it” list. If he wants to do something he’s going to do it. He’s going to keep living and spending as much time as he can with family.
[49:40] Rapid Fire Round
- What was your worst memory from drinking?Not remembering three days from being 14 years old after a binge.
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?Before his trip to Mexico, he drank heavily and woke up fearing death. He realized that he needed help.
- What’s your plan moving forward?Let’s get 644 days in the bag and he’ll deal with 645 days tomorrow.
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?From Hank at Hope Rehab, “Take the cotton out of your ears and stick it in your mouth.”
- What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?Don’t try and do it alone. You need the community. You need accountability with the right people, the ones that can actually help you.
- You might be an alcoholic if…“you drank so much that the next day you start going into DT’s at 3pm the next afternoon.”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Recovery 2.0 – A book by Tommy Rosen
Hope Rehab – A recovery center in Thailand
The SHAIR podcast – a recovery podcast
That Sober Guy podcast – a recovery podcast
The Good Dad Project – podcast
Sean Croxton’s Quote of the Day – podcast
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY for your first month free
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies! – Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
by Paul Churchill | Jul 23, 2018 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Problems are a part of life. When one problem is resolved and filed neatly away a new one arrives to take its place. At times, our problems in life may seem overwhelming. When the pressure is on and things get difficult, often our response is avoidance or escape.
In sobriety we learn to neither rely on fight nor flight when things get tough. Instead, we consciously engage in the life long practice of facing our fears. We have a choice. With courage, acceptance and humility we can find the strength to deal with our problems.
Kelsey, with 94 days since her last drink, shares her story..
SHOW NOTES
[8:10] Paul Introduces Kelsey.
Kelsey is 26 years old, from Utah. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her boyfriend and two dogs. She manages a coffee shop and runs a business producing handmade clothing. She likes the outdoors and sports. Sewing has been therapeutic for her since she quit drinking.
[10:56] What was your drinking background, and when did you first realize you wanted to quit?
High school. She used to be scared of drinking. She used to have an eating disorder after a move to Arizona. Her drinking slowly progressed. She got a DUI in Arizona and served some time. She continued to drink after. It escalated. Her hangovers turned into withdrawal. She did outpatient therapy. She tried to get sober multiple times. Never really tried AA.
[16:22] Did you experience one addiction morphing into a second?
Yes. She went to therapy for the eating disorder and didn’t really recover fully. Alcohol helped her feel better. It was a slippery slope.
[17:30] What were your previous attempts to quit drinking?
She tried cold turkey. It didn’t work. She was searching for programs because she didn’t like the higher power aspect of AA. She found “Moderation Management”. She didn’t feel accountable. It’s an online forum with a workbook. The rules never worked for her.
[21:40] Why do you think you were drinking for a week straight?
She was tired. Initially it was fun, but it became frequent blackouts and very negative. She is a busy person and it was difficult for her to sober up. Her brain was forcing her to use alcohol to relax.
[23:20] Did you experience a rock bottom moment?
She started at her boyfriend’s show, and ended up drinking for a week straight. Her mother tried to help her. She had work obligations and the drinking got in the way. She tried to hide it from her mother. She’s grateful that she didn’t get into any accidents.
[24:42] Was there more than just being sick and tired?
She realized that she had other aspirations and she wouldn’t be able to achieve them without removing alcohol from her life. She realized that the path of drinking would ultimately lead to her death. She chose life and happiness.
[26:37] How did you implement the choice into your life?
She feels like she’s grown up a bit. She didn’t struggle with cravings. She reflects a lot on how good it feels to be sober. She’s choosing to focus on the positive parts of the journey instead of just the negative. She chooses to paint a new picture and reprogram her associations with positive memories. The first 24 hours were difficult. She felt guilty and anxious. Second day feels more optimistic. Third felt better. It continues to get easier. She started going to meetings and it really helped her solidify her plans for the future. Every day gets a little bit better.
[29:00] What are you thoughts on relapse?
It’s always a possibility. She resolves to try her best and not to feel guilty.
[32:44] How have you address self loathing in recovery?
She is talking more than before. She’s never been good at talking about her feelings. She’s had to learn to express herself. She’s able to recognize when she’s triggered and now she reaches out to loved ones when she is feeling down.
[34:20] What is your plan moving forward in recovery?
She is trying to be less negative. She wishes she could drink normally.
[35:10] Is there anything you wish you could have done differently?
Giving therapy more of a chance and giving things more time. Being okay with results coming slowly. Taking it as it comes.
[35:55] What have you learned about yourself?
She can handle a lot. She used to be more anxious because of alcohol. She feels more calm. She gives herself credit for being able to handle stress well.
[37:05] Are you in the pink cloud phase?
She isn’t sure. She experiences sudden bursts of emotions, and is still generally processing.
[38:24] Rapid Fire Round
- What was your worst memory from drinking?The moment she had to go to the ER.
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?When she started blacking out after only 3 drinks.
- What’s your plan moving forward?She would like to go more to AA.
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery?Recovery Elevator podcast. It fits nicely into her commute. Moderation Management website online chat.
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?From a lady in AA that has 45 years of sobriety. There is no gold medal. You always have to keep trying.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?Alcohol does not define you. You are so much more than your relationship with alcohol.
- You might be an alcoholic if…“Your boyfriend’s niece points to your drink and says it’s your drink”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Today’s episode is brought to you in support by RX Bar. Visit rxbar.com/elevator and enter the promo code elevator at checkout for 25% off your first order.
When Things Fall Apart – a book by Pema Chodron
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 info@recoveryelevator.com
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
by Paul Churchill | Jul 16, 2018 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Is knowledge alone enough to quit drinking?
“To know and not to do… is not to know.” – Buddhist Proverb
Are we able to successfully quit drinking by devouring books, blog posts, podcasts and internet articles? The facts about the dangerous nature of alcohol can be quite sobering. Though education is never a waste of time, knowledge alone is not enough to keep you sober. It can inspire, reinforce, or encourage you to quit, but it is not enough. Self knowledge is no match for our unconscious mind, which is where most of the internal workings of our addiction lie.
Sobriety requires knowledge, action and community.
Ky, with 10 months since her last drink, shares her story..
SHOW NOTES
[10:40] Paul Introduces Ky.
Ky is from 28 years old and is from British Columbia. She works 3 jobs and enjoys, cooking, comedy shows, movies, and crossword puzzles.
[12:50] When did you first realize you had a problem with alcohol?
She started drinking around 12 years old. She thought “This is it!” She thought it was something missing from her life. Now she realizes that many of the friendships she made through drinking were empty. She feels like she has been drinking most of her adult life. She feels like a baby in sobriety. Her dad was an alcoholic. He still drinks. In her early 20’s she drank more after a sexual assault. She had an alter ego while drunk. She moved to Hanoi, Vietnam but found that she couldn’t escape her alcoholism as she experienced a bump in income. Her drinking became more necessary. She eventually attempted suicide but kept on drinking.
[20:50] What was your mindset like before your suicide attempt?
She had felt stuck and empty for so long. She felt like she had been searching for something to make her feel good for her entire life. When she moved back to Canada she experienced a loss of purpose and increased boredom which lead to more drinking. She always assumed she would die at 27. Now she sees it as juvenile.
[24:38] What was the thinking before you attended your first meeting?
She really wanted it to not work. She went to an AA meeting just to give herself permission to drink after and she was blown away by how much she identified with the people there. The mental health side of her therapy has helped her. She’s now able to decrease the negative voice in her head that tells her she isn’t good enough or that she can’t do it.
[30:00] Are you living more in the present?
Absolutely. She was blown away when her therapist said that she wasn’t her mind. She started practicing meditation and has learned about deeper dimensions of life.
[32:12] Walk us through your first few days of sobriety.
It was really hard. The first week was difficult. She didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. She would set appointments with herself to keep herself busy. She knew she needed to get sober. She had nothing left on the drinking side of life. She was fully committed to sobriety because the other option was death, for her.
[35:18] How do you handle cravings?
The first few months were filled with cravings. She would ask for help in the morning and say thanks at night. She still gets cravings, but they get weaker and shorter. Her brother helped her get through the difficult ones.
[39:04] What is your plan in recovery moving forward?
She keeps things simple. She starts of with meditation in the morning. She focuses on gratitude. She still goes to meetings. She focuses on things that are good for her. Her life feels more full.
[39:38] What is your take on the 12-step program?
She hates the higher power / god aspect of it. She still identifies as an agnostic. She just removes the parts that are offensive to her. She just focuses on meditation and meetings. She reminds herself that she’s not alone and focuses on what she needs to do.
[40:43] Rapid Fire Round
- What was your worst memory from drinking?
Too many. When she showed up to her job after a 3 day bender. She told her colleagues that her bf had beat her up but later on remembered that she had actually beat him up.
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?
That weekend where she was trying to drink on pace with her brother and limit the amount she drank. She realized that if she can’t control it, she was going to have to give it up for good.
- What’s your plan moving forward?
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery?
The AA meetings. She also loves podcasts and her therapists. The Joe and Charlie Big Book Study, The One You Feed.
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?
Just don’t drink today, under any and all conditions.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?
Just try it. If you don’t like it, you can always go back to the way your life was before. Life without alcohol is so much more fulfilling.
- You might be an alcoholic if…
“you realize that all of your social media posts are related to booze.”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Beyond the Influence – a book by Katherine Ketcham
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 info@recoveryelevator.com
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
