188 - Ken B - 35 retired from the Army, discusses his alcoholism and addiction throughout his life and ultimately where it led him
Release Date: 09/09/2021
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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!
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
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
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...
info_outline“You couple substance abuse with PTSD and I’m wondering, ‘How do I fit in?’” -Ken
Today, Ben and I are talking to Ken, a 35-year active military combat-in-arms, now veteran, discussing his alcoholism and addiction and what his post-military recovery journey has been for Ken. He is now paying it forward, helping others recover from their addiction.
Ken’s Background
Born in 1964 to an Irish-Catholic family and the youngest of seven, the first memory of drinking alcohol is at age eight. With an abusive family environment, and alcohol readily available, Ken needed an escape.
As a child, his escape was sports until he started drinking hard in 7th grade. He met up with a guitar player in his teens and started a band. After that, he skipped most of high school until he was thrown out of school at 16. He remembers trying everything except for heroin.
“We knew the path we were on and decided that we can’t keep on this path, so we joined the service.” Having enrolled in the military in 1981, he saw much of the similar trauma he grew up with, such as suicides, fighting, and seeing a lot of blood, were familiar sites to Ken.
The Military and Drugs and Alcohol
Ken remembers how alcohol was a part of daily life in the military. “This is normal, this is the way we operate.” He remembers the monthly keg in the breakroom and the keg in addition to alcohol troops brought to the barracks, there was “alcohol in mass quantities.” He also recalls that the military didn’t have the same policy regarding drugs as they would “disappear.”
Once he left the army, it was hard to integrate into society with a different language, no one to give orders, and a different lifestyle. So when he re-entered the civilian world, his life slowed down exponentially.
Check out our website where you can download any episode along with helpful information for those in recovery and the families of those in recovery.
- Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Notes:
[06:20] Ken talks about the parallels between his childhood and the military.
[07:38] He discusses how drinking was embedded into the military back in the 80s and 90s.
[10:01] Ken recalls his experience in Iraq on a specific “crazy” mission.
[13:25] Why many men in the company used heroin as their drug of choice in the military.
[16:10] How the military and his marriage kept him busy enough that he drank less.
[21:17] Having the root of his moral compass grounded in God.
[22:52] Ken describes the series of events leading him up to his successful recovery at Rock Recovery Center.
[31:59] The seven points of rehabilitation he took on his journey to recovery.
[50:23] Where Ken is going from here and what his future looks like.
Episode Links and Resources
Leave Real Recovery Talk a review on iTunes
Real Recovery Talk on Facebook
Find out more about Al-Anon and how this resource can support your family
Ideas for a show? Email us [email protected] and [email protected]
Podcast editing and show notes by Pro Podcast Solutions