About this episode
Paul discusses Step 2 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Mike, with 86 days his last drink, shares his story SHOW NOTES [11:31] Paul Introduces Mike. I live in Vermont; I'm 33 years old. I work as a social worker; I hang out with my wife, my 12-year-old son, and play video games. [16:50] Paul- Describe the progression, coupled with Father time, hangovers are getting worse and worse, talk about that progression. Mike- Yeah, I would buy those little boxes of wine, then I would just buy the bottle, and the bottle would be gone. It felt like I was in quicksand, when you are running in sand and can't get any traction. [20:21] Paul- It's tough to get 86 days of sobriety, how did you do it? Mike- Listening to the Recover Elevator was huge. I felt like I was in the contemplation stage. I've been thinking about quitting for years. Listening to Recovery Elevator is what really helped motivate me jump right in. I listen to "This Naked Mind" on audio book and really tried to "brainwash" myself, and felt like it worked. [28:12] Paul- What advice would you give to your younger self? If you could go back to your 16-year-old self, what would you say? Mike- I would like to go to my 15-year-old self and smack the beer out of my hand. I disagree with the stance that some people can drink normally. Don't be ashamed that it's hard. [35:29] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? The day after St. Patrick's Day party trying to piece together what happened. Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? I had a lot of times, the most recent time I drank, I had the house to myself and just laying there by myself. What's your favorite resource in recovery? "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? Alcohol is shit. It resonated with my bodies' reaction to alcohol. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? When we are in the contemplation stage of am I an alcoholic or not. The real problem is alcohol is an addictive poison, and anyone can become addicted to alcohol. You might be an alcoholic if... you go to St. Patrick's day party, spill red wine on the rug, you put your arm around another woman, and rub her back while standing with your wife, and you black, the last thing you remember is raising both fists to the sky and yelling "I'm the king of the world" Resources mentioned in this episode: RX Bar - Visit www.rxbar.com/elevator for 25% off your first order. Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code opportunity to waive the set up fee. 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!"