About this episode
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!"