RE 115: Big Alcohol

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Julie, with 92 days sober, shares her story………

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

What was your worst memory from drinking? withdrawing while in the pysch ward
Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? every day was an oh shit moment
What’s your plan moving forward? staying active and reading
What’s your favorite resource in recovery? RE podcast and the private FB group
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? do not feel like you have to do it all at once
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
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