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141 - Sean Shares Some Experience, Strength and HOPE!!!

Real Recovery Talk

Release Date: 05/21/2020

373 - Starting Off Sober: Taking it Slow and Setting Goals show art 373 - Starting Off Sober: Taking it Slow and Setting Goals

Real Recovery Talk

In this episode, we're talking about the importance of starting slow when you decide to get clean and sober. We'll share why it's crucial not to overwhelm yourself with too much at once. Plus, we'll break down the idea of setting SMART goals—simple, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—and how they can help you in the early stages of sobriety. We'll give practical examples of what these goals might look like, tailored to fit your own situation. Whether you're just thinking about getting sober or you're already on your way, this episode will give you useful tips for setting...

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372 - Patrick's Journey: Addicted in New York to Finding Sobriety in Florida show art 372 - Patrick's Journey: Addicted in New York to Finding Sobriety in Florida

Real Recovery Talk

Get ready for a raw and real ride as we dive into Patrick's gripping tale of addiction and redemption. Hailing from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Patrick's life was a rollercoaster of substance abuse from the get-go. No substance was off-limits as he struggled to cope with the chaos around him. Hoping for a fresh start, Patrick made the leap to Florida, seeking refuge from his demons. But sunny skies couldn't chase away the darkness of addiction. Despite his best efforts, he found himself drowning in the same old cycle. Yet, amidst the struggle, Patrick stumbled upon a lifeline....

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371 - Stages of Change: Navigating the Stages of Addiction and Recovery show art 371 - Stages of Change: Navigating the Stages of Addiction and Recovery

Real Recovery Talk

In this episode, we delve into the complex journey of addiction and recovery, exploring the stages of change individuals may encounter on their path to healing. From the initial recognition of a problem to the maintenance of long-term sobriety, we unravel the intricate web of emotions, challenges, and triumphs that characterize this transformative process. Through personal stories and professional guidance, we aim to shed light on the multifaceted nature of addiction recovery, offering hope, understanding, and practical strategies for those navigating their own path towards recovery or...

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370 - Crushed by 2,000 lb steel plate: Adam's Unstoppable Journey show art 370 - Crushed by 2,000 lb steel plate: Adam's Unstoppable Journey

Real Recovery Talk

If you are struggling with ANYTHING AT ALL please feel free to reach out to us: Buckle up, folks, because today's episode is a rollercoaster ride of resilience and redemption! Meet Adam, the man who survived being crushed by a massive 2000-pound steel plate—and wouldn't change a thing about it. We'll dive into Adam's incredible story of survival, exploring the moment that changed his life forever and the remarkable journey of recovery that followed. From the depths of despair to the heights of triumph, Adam's tale is a testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength. But Adam's journey...

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369 - From North to South: Nate's Journey to Sobriety in Florida show art 369 - From North to South: Nate's Journey to Sobriety in Florida

Real Recovery Talk

Join us in this episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Nate, a guy who found his way to sobriety without the confines of traditional treatment centers. Nestled in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, Nate's story is one of resilience, community, and finding light in the darkest of times. Without the need for fancy programs, Nate carved his path to sobriety through the supportive embrace of the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Through shared experiences, laughter, and tears, he found a solid foundation of friends who became his lifeline on this challenging journey. Tune in as Nate...

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368 - Double Birthday Bash: Ben and Tom both TURNING 40! show art 368 - Double Birthday Bash: Ben and Tom both TURNING 40!

Real Recovery Talk

Hey party people! Grab your balloons and confetti because this episode is a double celebration! Join us as we pop champagne and blow out the candles for a special occasion: Ben and Tom both turning the big 4-0 on the exact same day! But this ain't your typical birthday bash. Nope, we're diving deep into the journey of turning 40 and what it means for us, especially considering our shared journey through sobriety. From wild nights to clear mornings, we've seen it all, and now we're ready to share our reflections. We'll reminisce about the good ol' days when a night out meant bar-hopping and...

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367 - Bringing AWARENESS to Male Sexual Trauma show art 367 - Bringing AWARENESS to Male Sexual Trauma

Real Recovery Talk

In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Ben as he opens up about his journey through childhood sexual trauma. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Ben shares the painful experiences that once haunted him, and how he discovered the power of helping others by sharing his story. For years, Ben carried the weight of his past in silence, struggling with the scars left by his traumatic experiences. In this candid conversation, he bravely confronts the shadows of his past to find light and healing. Join us as Ben recounts the moment he realized that his story could make a difference in the...

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366 - How setting BOUNDARIES helped this young man get sober! show art 366 - How setting BOUNDARIES helped this young man get sober!

Real Recovery Talk

In this touching episode, we delve into the powerful story of Josh's battle with addiction and his remarkable journey to sobriety. With heartfelt honesty, Josh shares how his mother, Julia, played a pivotal role by setting clear boundaries that ultimately led to his recovery. For years, Josh struggled with the grips of addiction, feeling trapped and lost. Despite his mother's unwavering love, it wasn't until Julia decided to establish firm boundaries that Josh began to see a way out. Join us as Josh opens up about the challenging moments of facing tough love and accountability. Through tears...

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365 - Why SLEEP is so important ESPECIALLY in early recovery show art 365 - Why SLEEP is so important ESPECIALLY in early recovery

Real Recovery Talk

In this episode, we delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of addiction recovery: sleep. Join us as we explore the profound impact of quality rest on the journey towards sobriety. We'll uncover the science behind how addiction disrupts sleep patterns and discuss the challenges individuals face in achieving restorative sleep during recovery. Through this episode with, we'll examine the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. From practical tips for improving sleep hygiene to strategies for managing insomnia and other sleep disorders, this...

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364 - Why Experiential Therapy and Art can HEAL your addiction show art 364 - Why Experiential Therapy and Art can HEAL your addiction

Real Recovery Talk

If you are struggling with ANYTHING AT ALL please feel free to reach out to us:  In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, host Tom Conrad is joined by licensed mental health counselor Brian Wood, known as B Wood, and primary therapist Maya to discuss the transformative impact of experiential therapy in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Through a deep dive into B Wood's journey from Barbados to becoming a pivotal figure in art therapy, the discussion reveals how engaging with the arts and other experiential modalities can facilitate healing beyond traditional talk therapy. By...

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“In every single way, my sobriety has become a blessing for me.” -Sean, Rock Recovery Center

I have a guest today, Sean, who is from Long Island, New York. He came to our recovery center eight years ago for thirty days and decided to become a resident of Florida. We talk about Sean’s stage character, how he dropped his walls, and his process of recovery.

Two days before he came to Rock Recovery Center, Sean remembers “almost drinking myself to death. Everything was dark in my life. I didn’t see a way out, and 99% of my thinking had to involve some sort of alcohol. I was losing my health, my wife and children, borderline diabetes with more than 120 pounds extra weight.” He was Baker Acted after police came to his house because they received a call and thought he was going to hurt himself.

When he returned from the hospital, he talked with his wife. In this conversation, he was yelling at her, then had a moment of clarity. The next day, he told his wife he needed help. Although he realized he needed help, he was adamant about not participating in a 12 Step Program as he didn’t think it would work for him. When Sean landed in Florida for his first day of recovery, he felt he would erase over two decades of drinking in 29 days.

In his first AA meeting, he didn’t let any of the conversations in his head. He was 100% sure that this program wouldn’t work for him. He created a calendar with 29 days to cross off until he went home. At the time he had six “x” marks on his calendar, he understood the fellowship of AA. “The lower your bottom, the higher your hope.” He heard others who had much worse situations with addiction tell their stories of hope. “They were talking about how wonderful and amazing their lives were. If they could do it, I could do it! That little mustard seed of hope, that little bit of open-mindedness cracked open. Once it cracked open, it was off to the races.”

Listen in to find out how Sean realized he had a problem with alcohol, why he owes a debt of gratitude to the friend who told his wife details about his alcoholism, and why he thought he could “think his way through this” because of his education as a health coach. Learn how Sean views his recovery process today, how he came to the realization that he had to let the program process “in,” and why prayer has made a significant difference in his life.

Check out my new website where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery.

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Show Notes:

  • [04:34] Sean’s story of how and why he came to Rock Recovery Center.
  • [07:34] What woke Sean up to his reality was a “look” he got from his then wife.
  • [09:29] His first day of recovery at Rock Recovery Center.
  • [11:33] Ben talks about his witness with Sean’s process. 
  • [13:30] Sean says, “I was without a doubt, a polished up garbage can.”
  • [18:18] He saw the pain and sadness in his wife’s eyes.
  • [20:55] The key people in his life that influenced Sean to go to recovery.
  • [22:55] For twenty years he tried to break the cycle of alcoholism on his own.
  • [24:32] What factors changed Sean to stop drinking and how he views his recovery process today.
  • [25:33] The day he decided to start praying, he has prayed everyday since and hasn’t missed a day.
  • [27:06] His experience in outpatient treatment after his inpatient time at the recovery center. 
  • [33:23] When Sean realized his new “normal” in his life.  
  • [37:27] How the community we build around us will directly affect your level of success.
  • [41:10] Sean getting in with the “old timers” who had been sober for many years. 
  • [45:08] His old company rehires him and he was able to stay away from alcohol on the job and how his sobriety has made him stronger.
  • [48:58] “There’s a lot of respect for my sobriety” with people who drink.
  • [51:14] His post recovery relationship with his children and his family.
  • [53:42] How he recovered his relationship with his sister.
  • [55:43] “You never know what meeting is going to change your life.”

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