Dr. Jason Powers took his last drink in June 2003. With many days away from all substances, this is his story of living substance free.
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Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding Your Better You
What do we do when we are waiting for an outcome or a result? Traditionally: we bolt, we remove ourselves from the moment. In sobriety we have to feel all our feelings. Feeling them is the proof that we are staying true to ourselves. And that in itself is bad ass. Keeping in mind we have to feel the feelings, but also process them, not allow ourselves to get stuck in them. On days like today, when most people feel depleted, we have to find ways to fill up our gas tank.
[7:03] Odette introduces Dr. Jason.
Jason is 50 years old and lives in Houston, Texas. He is a physician that focuses on addiction medicine as well as an author, an interventionist, the founder of Positive Recovery. He is married and has 3 children: 18, 15 & 11. For fun he exercises and plays the drums,
[10:07] Can you give listeners some background on your story?
Jason said his first drug was sugar. It was the summer before 9th grade when he first tried marijuana. While he would quit from time to time, he consumed it a lot. He drank in high school and college. Jason quit everything during medical school. He said he went out of control after his residency because no eyes were on him anymore. He had access to cough syrup with hydrocodone which had its own set of repercussions. He had an intervention and went to rehab. In rehab he had a moment of surrender to addiction.
[16:30] What is your definition of Positive Recovery?
Jason said while he did get sober through a 12-step program. However he woke up later to exploring beyond the 12-steps and a broader array of recovery methods. The science of happiness (Positive Psychology) was something that he learned about and jumped in. He began to apply these methods to addictive disorders. Helping to improve outcomes is Dr. Jason’s end goal.
[25:13] Personally, did you have to deal with any relapses after your time in treatment / early recovery?
Jason said he felt like he had a lot of reasons for shame surrounding his addiction. In his profession it’s often looked at as a character flaw. He was very distraught and afraid when he finally surrendered to the addiction. He didn’t have a relapse, but realizes he is an anomaly. In the beginning there was the desire to relapse, but he pushed through the feelings that came with it.
[29:56] Tell me about CBT.
Jason said that Dr. Aaron Beck created CBT. Dr. Beck decided he needed to develop a tool to change the thinking and behavior and there is a different result. The ABC’s are: A- Activating Event, B- Belief/Thought, C- Consequence. Making the change and having people argue with themselves (A & B) to change the consequence.
ACR- Active Constructive Responding- Dr. Jason wants us all to google this and inform ourselves and apply this to our lives!
[38:28] Tell me how your life has changed.
Jason said a part of him woke up or was reborn after addiction. He’s still himself, but just different. He’s living a full complete lifestyle away from substances. He’s honest, my generous, more empathetic.
[40:38] How do you navigate difficult situations personally?
Jason said he makes amends a lot. He gives himself permission to be imperfect and to circle back. He practices and allows room for mistakes to happen. Being compassionate with himself. He also applies the ABCs.
[42:46] Rapid Fire Round
Diet orange soda.
Go find Amy Powers and marry her and get into recovery quickly!
Other people, other people, other people
Ken Follett, A Dangerous Fortune
What are you waiting for? Try it out.
You may have to say adios to booze if...
it’s causing more negative consequences to your life then it’s adding benefits.
Odette’s weekly challenge:
Think about the intro, how do you spend your waiting periods? Do you know you can come back to yourself by simply breathing and being mindful? Peace begins with you.
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