About this episode
Patrick, with 10 years 2 months since his last drink, shares his story. SHOW NOTES [10:50] Paul introduces Patrick Patrick is 37 years old, and is from Brooklyn, New York. He's been sober since August 23, 2008. He is married and has no children. He works as a stand up comedian, recovery coach, and a video editor. He likes to try to squeeze in a good meal between shows, visit friends, and snowboard. He would like to get better at rollerblading. [14:08] Give us a little background about your drinking habits He did not drink until his freshman year in college, because he has a family history of alcohol abuse. When he tried alcohol for the first time, he loved the way it made him feel. Alcohol became problematic within his first year of drinking. When he was drunk, he became unpredictable: he was the guy who took off his clothes and climbed buildings. Despite getting warnings from counselors, he continued to drink for the next 8 years. [30:40] What finally made you make that decision to go into sobriety? While at a baseball game, he told his friends that he wasn't going to drink. His buddy said, "but you can have just one," and Patrick said, "of course I can have just one." 6 hours later, he was ejected from a bar for being too intoxicated. The next morning, his girlfriend told him that he had to move out. That became his sobriety date. [41:00] In the last 10 years, have you noticed any cross addicitions? He definitely needs to look out for working too much and not eating in a healthy way. When stressed, he turns to ice cream. He's realized that since he was a kid, he's tried to change how he feels on the inside by using things on the outside. [44:10] Is there something that you have done differently while getting sober? He would have gone to 12 step meetings immediately. Learning the idea of doing the next right action sooner. [ 48:48 ] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? The trip to Italy when he became "a monster" and his girlfriend threatened to leave early. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? He was moving out of an apartment a few years before he got sober, and he realized that no one, neighbors, roommates was unhappy that he was leaving What's your plan moving forward? Staying true to sharing his story through his comedy What's your favorite resource in recovery? The phone. Calling other sober people and being available. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? Show up with integrity. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? If you're going through hell, just keep going. This too, shall pass. You might be an alcoholic if... If you're doing "sober October" for the 10th year in a row, and you rarely get through a few days of it, you might be an alcoholic. Resources mentioned in this episode: 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!"