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160 - Pastor Tullian Tchividjian shares the disconnect between Church and recovery principles - What the Church can learn from recovering addicts

Real Recovery Talk

Release Date: 12/03/2020

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...

info_outline 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....

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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...

info_outline 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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“There are two kinds of people in this world: people in recovery who think they’re not and people in recovery who think they are.”

Tullian Tchividjian

Today, I’ll be talking with Tullian Tchividjian, a pastor and active in the addiction community that Ben and I have gotten to know very well. He has come to Rock Recovery Center to share his experience and strength with our clients. Tullian is a pastor for The Sanctuary, a church in Jupiter, Florida.

Tullian grew up in a laid-back Christian home that was supportive and friendly. In the middle of seven children, he always had a family at hand. At the age of 16, Tullian started to dabble in drugs and alcohol. His parents gave him the choice of giving up drugs and alcohol or leaving home. Tullian decided to live life on his own.

First, he enjoyed his newfound freedom. Then, at age 21, he realized “there’s got to be more to life than what I’m experiencing.” With his parents laying a good foundation, Tullian realized he needed to go back to God, similar to the Prodigal Son story in the Bible. “I was so taken by God’s amazing grace and his unconditional love in coming after a train wreck like me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life telling the world about this God.”

At the age of 41, his entire world came crashing in with a divorce, losing friends, and book deals. “Dealing with the guilt, shame, regret, and loss of all of this and beginning my life of recovery from this ordeal” felt to Tullian as if he was in recovery and dealing with many of the same feelings although he hadn’t been an addict.

His second wife, Stacey, came into his life and was an active part of recovering his life. At this point, non-Christians were the people who helped him feel “less alone,” which resulted in Tullian having no interest in leading a church as a pastor again. His belief is that we all have a negative connection to something in this world and that we are all in constant recovery to reach the next level of our own humanity.

Listen to his amazing story of how he came to transform and reinvent himself, his new congregation and his message of Christianity for everyone.

Bio

Tullian is a south Florida native. The middle of seven children, he dropped out of high school and got kicked out of his house at 16 years old. After a few years of running from God, God captured him and gave him a burning desire to reach a broken world with God’s boundless grace. He eventually graduated from Columbia International University, where he earned a degree in philosophy, and Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree.

At Rock Recovery Center, we take a humanistic approach to recovery, teaching our clients how to live independently in a sober world. We care about the success and safety of each and every one of our clients from the moment they step into our center to the future of their well-being.

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:

  • [05:15] Tullian speaks about his background and history.
  • [08:47] He ended his life of enjoyable freedom from his parents and school at age 21.
  • [10:14] Tulian finds out that he needs to go back to God to find purpose.
  • [15:39] How his world came crashing down during his first divorce.
  • [17:20] His second wife Stacey and how she was the cornerstone of his recovery.
  • [23:48] The activities Tullian used to fill the void of his life.
  • [25:20] Tullian’s views on why God is in your life even though you may not feel his presence.
  • [27:45] How shifting blame from himself to others played a role in his recovery.
  • [31:00] The moment he recognized his freedom for himself.
  • [38:38] God works with everyone, including “messy” people.
  • [43:00] How Tullian approaches people that don’t buy Christianity.
  • [50:26] “The only qualification to be a part of Christianity is to admit that you’re not qualified.”
  • [51:25] His experience with his younger brother, Antony and Antony’s battle with addiction.
  • [55:14] Tullian says “The best people to lead a recovery center are former addicts.”
  • [58:07] Pastors could get farther and reach more people in their ministry if they were transparent about their shortcomings.

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