Mona, with 2 weeks since her last drink, shares her story…….
Paul starts the show by answering some “fan“ mail questions about God and AA. Many listeners wonder how they can participate in AA without accepting a higher power. When the pain of drinking outweighs everything else, you just may be willing to try anything. Statistics show that alcoholism is on the rise but attendance at AA meetings is stagnant or even on a slight decline. Attendance at AA meetings may be on the decline because it is a religious based program and also because of the stigma involved (don’t be a hater!).
In a recent article found on TheInfluence.org, http://theinfluence.org/american-gulag-the-five-ways-hundreds-of-thousands-of-people-are-coerced-into-rehab-and-aa/ , it is discussed how people are being forced into AA or rehab, either by employers or the Courts. Legally, however, a person cannot be forced into AA because it is considered a religious program. Experience shows us that you will be more successful in a program that you choose voluntarily. So whether it is AA, SMART, Life Ring, or your own personalized plan, find a program that makes you want to live and love life. Work that program as if your life depended on it (because quite frankly, it does!).
SHOW NOTES
[ 10:08 ] Paul Introduces Mona
She currently lives in Chicago. She is 23 years old, loves to read and create playlists. Mona is still figuring out all of the new things she likes to do now that she does not drink.
[ 13:43 ] When did you realize you had a problem?
Mona – it has been about 4 years in the making. When I was 19 years old, I drank way too much and was super hungover. I was totally embarrassed because my parents witnessed this. I quit alcohol for the next 30 days but knew that I was not completely done with it,
[ 16:21 ] Did you ever put any rules in place to try and moderate your drinking?
Mona – for 2 years I tried to manage the amount of drinks I would have in 1 sitting. I set my limit at 4 and after that I would just leave the bar. I realized I had a problem when I was putting so much energy into trying to moderate.
[ 20:13 ] What was your bottom?
Mona – I did not really have a rock bottom. I remember my parents had paid for this great trip to the Grand Canyon and the entire trip I was trying to keep control of my alcohol intake in front of them. The Grand Canyon was so beautiful and it just showed how messy my life had become because of alcohol.
[ 21:57 ] How does it feel to be sober at 23 years old?
Mona – I feel proud but also overwhelmed at the thought of never drinking again.
[ 23:15 ] How did you do it?
Mona – I tried will power at first and I was also seeing a therapist who I was finally honest with. So far the temptation to drink has not been too bad. My holiday work party was slightly difficult and I left early. I also started telling my close friends that I had stopped drinking.
[ 26:30 ] What do you think would happen if you started drinking again?
Mona – nothing productive would happen. I would be totally stagnant in my life and in my job. I would not be happy at all.
[ 28:38 ] What is your plan moving forward?
Mona – I am experimenting with creating my own plan of recovery. I want to explore all of my options.
[ 32:52 ] What do you want to achieve in sobriety?
Mona – I would like to have deeper and more authentic relationships. I want to become connected to who I really am and to go after the jobs that I really want.
[ 35:07 ] Rapid Fire Round
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Book of the Month – The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free
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!”
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
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free
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!”