About this episode
Jeff, with over 38 days since his last drink, shares his story… During this festive holiday season, we will, no doubt, we encouraged to drink at one point or another. We can't think ourselves out of long-term addiction, but in the moment, there are tools we can use to help gives us the ability to say no. Follow the drink, and play the tape forward. There is plenty of data behind us to help us make an informed decision. If I have this drink, what will happen? Remember why you quit in the first place and remember all of the positive benefits you have experienced from sobriety. We all know alcoholic beverages can pack in the calories, but does alcohol have any nutritional value? It's safe to say that a Twinkie has more nutritional value than any alcoholic beverage. By not drinking, you are not denying yourself of any vital nutrients. In fact, alcohol inhibits general digestion in a big way. SHOW NOTES [8:57] Paul Introduces Jeff. Jeff has been sober for 38 days. Jeff is 27 years old, from Quebec City, Canada. He has a corporate job and also works in digital marketing. He is trying to transition to doing his digital job full time. He owns a dog and enjoys sports and reading. [10:30] Give us a little background about your drinking. He started when he was 13 years old. He never felt in control. He was shy and insecure. Marijuana was his drug of choice for a long time. When he would try to quit smoking marijuana, he found himself drinking more. When he would travel for sports he would notice that eventually he would revert to the same substance abuse patterns. [13:10] Did you experience a rock bottom moment? Most recently, a few days before his quite date. He went to a bar with the intention of only having a few drinks but ended up staying the entire night, consuming many drinks and then driving home afterward. He feels that one can't quit until the subconscious figures out there is a problem. He needed to re-evaluate his relationship with alcohol. He started with a 30 day sobriety challenge. He recorded a video of himself to help remind him of why he was quitting. He watched a lot of sobriety videos on YouTube. [21:30] Did you follow a program for your 30 day sobriety challenge? Yes, he followed a program from James Swanick. He sets a daily reminder to help keep him grateful and motivated. [27:27] Elaborate more about the idea that sobriety has to be a choice for a better life. Make sure that you don't just stay home. Don't deprive yourself of pleasures. You need the brain to realize that it can be sober if all sets of circumstances. He went to a hypnotherapist. He convinced him that everything had to be a conscious choice, and that there were choices happening in his life that he didn't consider. He had to switch the words from "have to" to "choose to". [32:06] Have you had any cravings or challenges in early sobriety? He keeps listening to podcasts. He is doubling down on what is working. He is reminded of his gratitude and how much energy he has. He hasn't experienced any cravings. His toughest moment was during a doubt of depression caused by a relapse dream. He reached out to the Cafe RE community and got support right away. Just talking about helped him a lot. Cravings are normal and just talking about them will make them go away. [35:26] What is your plan in sobriety moving forward? He wants to execute his business ideas. He wants to share his story. He wants to help other people quit alcohol and drugs. He loves traveling and sports. Sobriety gives him the energy and emotional intelligence to reach his full potential. [36:48] What have you learned about yourself in the past 30 days? Being vulnerable is being courageous. He has tried to act tough in the past and now he realizes that reaching out and asking for help is the better path to take. This is what true courage is about. [38:25] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? Just waking up so feeling so terrible and realizing that he could have lost everything. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? On his first day of sobriety, recording a video of why he wanted to quit, and the emotional outpouring that came with it. What's your plan moving forward? Keep doing what's working. He tries to keep his thinking positive so he doesn't look for something to help him cope with the pain that comes with negativity. What's your favorite resource in recovery? Cafe RE. He enjoys connecting with the community. Also sobriety videos on YouTube. What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? To not associate with the word "alcoholic". He preferred to say that he was a sober person with a drinking problem. He's still understanding that he has an issue but it helps point him in the right direction. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Rewire your subconscious. Also stack your resources. Don't put all of your sobriety eggs in one resource basket. Create accountability. You might be an alcoholic if… " ...it's Sunday night and you have consumed 14 beers. You talk to your mother on the phone and she can't tell that you've been drinking." Resources mentioned in this episode: 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge - a 30 day sobriety challenge by James Swanick Beyond the Influence - a book by Katherine Ketcham 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!"