by Paul Churchill | Jun 19, 2017 | Podcast
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Becky, with 10 months since her last drink, shares her story…………
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
- What was your worst memory from drinking? not being sober when my father passed away
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? my decline was more slow and pervasive
- What’s your plan moving forward? go to bed sober tonight
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery? SHAIR and Rich Roll podcasts, book “Being Sober” by Harry Haroutunian
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? I drink but we don’t
- 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
- 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:
Recovery Elevator Retreat
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
www.my2point0project.com
Book – Being Sober, author Harry Haroutunian
“We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”
by Paul Churchill | Jun 12, 2017 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Dan, with 27 years since his last drink, shares his story……
The new Café RE Blue has been launched. This face book group will cap @ 200. If you would like to join, go to www.recoveryelevator.com. Enter the promo code 1month to get the first month for free.
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
- What was your worst memory from drinking? totaling my mother’s car on Mother’s Day
- What’s your plan moving forward? living a full life and not tying myself down with negativity
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery? people
- 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
- You might be an alcoholic if…….every time you are in trouble, you’ve been drinking
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Recovery Elevator Retreat
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 | Jun 5, 2017 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Jason, with 4 years since his last drink, shares his story…………….
Sign up now, there are only 3 spots left for the RE Retreat in Bozeman, MT (www.recoveryelevator.com)
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 (jgras@sailingscubeadventures.com)
[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
- What was your worst memory from drinking? that horrible hangover that made me feel like I was having a medical emergency
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? when my hangovers would last for days
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery? the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tony Robbins “I’m Not Your Guru”
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? make your bed every morning, the miracle will happen
- 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 mentioned in this episode:
Recovery Elevator Retreat
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Jason’s e-mail = jgras@sailingscubaadventures.com
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 info@recoveryelevator.com
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!”
by Paul Churchill | May 29, 2017 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Kari, with 4 years since her last drink, shares her story……………….
Café RE is now on a waitlist to join. Once the list gets to approximately 30-40 people, another group will be formed. To be placed on the waitlist, go to www.recoveryelevator.com and click on the Café RE tab at the top of the page. Enter the promo code RE1month to join.
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
- 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
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? when I realized I couldn’t control my drinking
- What’s your plan moving forward? sharing my story as often as possible
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery? AA
- 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
- 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
- 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 mentioned in this episode:
Recovery Elevator Retreat
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 | May 22, 2017 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Steph, with 6 months since her last drink, shares her story
Café RE is now on a waitlist to join. Once the list gets to approximately 30-40 people, another group will be formed. To be placed on the waitlist, go to www.recoveryelevator.com and click on the Café RE tab at the top of the page. Enter the promo code RE1month to join.
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
- What was your worst memory from drinking? all of the non-memories
- Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? when I tried to stop drinking and couldn’t
- What’s your plan moving forward? helping others
- What’s your favorite resource in recovery? A Facebook group called “Onwards and Upwards”
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? get out of your comfort zone
- 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
- If you decide to start a family with hope that it will help you moderate your drinking, you just might be an alcoholic.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Recovery Elevator Retreat
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!”
