About this episode
Shaun, with 2 months since his last drink, shares his story One of the most common questions we get asked as alcoholics is, "What do you drink now that you no longer drink alcohol?" Or, "How do I fit in at social functions now?" There are plenty of tasty non-alcoholic drinks to choose from, so when water is just not cutting it, check out the list below: Shirley Temple (don't' forget to double up on the cherries!) Ginger Beer (Cock N Bull brand) Sugar Free Red Bull La Croix (basically flavored soda water) Soda water with a splash of cranberry World Market is the place to go if you are looking for a large selection of ginger beer. SHOW NOTES [ 11:48 ] Paul Introduces Shaun Shaun is 30 years old and currently living in Bozeman, MT. In his free time, he plays hockey, snowboards and coaches little league flag football [ 13:13 ] Paul asks Shaun to describe his bottom Shaun – I was drinking all day and through the night. I proceeded to drive home after fighting a friend for my keys. I drove down a very dangerous canyon and hit the guard rail with my car. The police eventually pulled me over. I woke up in the hospital and my father was there, looking very disappointed with me. [ 18:00 ] When did you realize the gravity of your drinking situation? Shaun – Even though I knew right away how bad it was, it still just seemed surreal. A few weeks went by before I realized this wasn't a dream. I went about 3 weeks without a drink. I started drinking again at my 30th birthday party and went on a 6 week bender. I then started to just slow down on my own. I was suffering from deep depression, had walked away from my job, and realized that I was not attaining the goals I had set out for myself. [ 21:54 ] What do you think would happen if you started drinking again? Shaun – I would be right back to where I was before. I really do not want to know. [ 23:00 ] What were your drinking habits like? How much did you drink? Shaun – I was your typical college drinker. When I started drinking, I was ready to party. My drinking escalated when I moved to Bozeman. [ 25:47 ] What was your depression like while drinking? Shaun – My depression was usually triggered by the hangovers. I would think to myself, "What could I have done instead of drinking?" I would feel worthless about myself the next day. Alcohol just kept the depression going. Without alcohol, mild depression is still there but overall I feel more even keel and it is easier to deal with. [ 27:39 ] How about anxiety? Shaun – My anxiety was also heavily triggered by booze. It is still with me now, but has lessened greatly. Normally after a night of drinking, I would feel totally anxious and would end up with the "screw it's," it's time to drink this away. [ 29:00 ] How did you get sober? Shaun – I just took it day by day. I would think that today may suck but tomorrow will be better. I told many of my friends that I had stopped drinking. Some of these friends understood, while others are still waiting for me to start drinking again (they are no longer friends). I also tried to keep focused on my goals and my profession. Alcohol does not fit within my goals anymore. [ 32:00 ] What is your plan moving forward? Shaun – I will continue to surround myself with positive peers, see my therapist, and basically build a new friend base that does not revolve around alcohol. [ 34:00 ] What is it like getting sober at a young age? Shaun – It is very hard. Beer seems to follow all activities but I am trying to make new sober friends. You have to work through the uncomfortable feelings of being in a situation and not drinking. [ 39:35 ] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? After a birthday party, I punched my buddy in the head and he proceeded to throw me down the stairs. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? When I would make jokes about being an alcohol and suddenly stop laughing because I knew it was me. What's your favorite resource in recovery? Hitting the gym What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? Just take it day to day. Win the fight for that day. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Just start. Start talking to people about your problem. You might be an alcoholic if……you make jokes about being an alcoholic but stop laughing because you know you are talking about 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 Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com If you are in the LA area on 1/22/17, Paul will be talking at a "This is My Brave" event. The event will be held at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica. Just google the event to search for tickets. "We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"