Real Recovery Talk

If you or a loved one are battling alcoholism or drug addiction, this podcast will give you inspiration and hope that there is a way out. Addiction isn't a life sentence. People recover everyday. It takes time and some hard work, but in the end it is worth it! Hosted by Tom Conrad, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict himself. Tom shares from his own experiences and the experiences of others to teach you the things that you can do TODAY to start living a sober and free lifestyle!

167 - Ask yourself these 3 things before speaking to your son or daughter about getting clean and sober! 01/21/2021

167 - Ask yourself these 3 things before speaking to your son or daughter about getting clean and sober! Today, I’ll be talking about three questions you want to think about and reflect on before deciding to speak with your loved one about becoming clean and sober. No matter if they are a daughter, son, parent, or friend, these are three critical questions that you want to have answered before you start the conversation on recovery. Keep in mind that drugs and alcohol are not the only two forms of addiction. Food, sex, gambling, and shopping are all conduits for addiction. These outlets are no less of an addictive substance than drugs or alcohol as the process ignites the same pleasure systems in the brain. Common Themes Parents Talk About with their Addicted Children While deciding to have a conversation with your child about their drug habit is a good choice, you first want to consider if this is a fear-based or care-centered conversation. Parents who have conversations out of fear speak out of emotion, leading to a charged conversation with negative side effects. Words such as “need to”, “should”, “do you realize”, “how can you”, don’t belong in a conversation in which your goal is to get your loved one to rehabilitation. What do You Want for Your Son or Daughter? Many parents have a big plan for their children for what they want for their son or daughter based on what they want out of life. We want them to live a happy life with a caring partner, have children, and experience grandchildren for themselves. However, we must pause and reflect on what we are asking of them. Are we basing our children's plans based on what we want for them or what they want out of life? I’ve experienced parents who have expectations of their children based on what they want for them, not what their children want. For selfish reasons, parents are looking for their kids to live a certain lifestyle because it’s easier for the parent, not the child. Evaluate your motives when you are thinking about what your children “should or should not do.” Give your kids space to breathe and space to make decisions on their own. Do You Have Realistic Expectations for Sobriety? I can’t tell you the number of parents who had no realistic expectations of their children for their recovery. Children are set up for failure when they can’t achieve their parent’s goals. Understand that when your child enters into sobriety, they are most vulnerable. They must solely focus on themselves to successfully move ahead in the process and become clean again. Check out our where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [05:41] Conversations I have with parents about talking to their children about recovery. [08:41] Negative side effects of having a conversation out of fear. [13:38] Tom recalls the conversation with his dad in which he decided to become clean. [17:37] Make sure your goals for your children are based on what they want and need out of life. [23:50] How children decide who is involved in their recovery process. [27:38] Reasons to reflect on these questions before you talk to your son or daughter. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17633384

166 - Is Methadone an Effective Treatment Option? 01/14/2021

165 - How Self Esteem Directly Affects Our Recovery 01/07/2021

165 - How Self Esteem Directly Affects Our Recovery Everyone on the planet is affected by self-esteem in one way or another. Today, Tom discusses how self-esteem in general can influence addiction. In this episode, he talks about what self-esteem is and why positive self-esteem is so important for sobriety and getting and staying sober. He shares his own battle with self-esteem issues and why finding the root cause is so important. He also stresses that it’s a process that needs to be facilitated by a good therapist. He talks about action steps that anyone can take to start building up their self-esteem in a positive way. By the end of the show, you'll be able to understand how the health of one's self-esteem can directly impact whether someone will have or develop an addiction problem. Show Notes: [02:03] Just after we did a show on the dangers of Suboxone, we found out that the manufacturers have been ordered to pay a 1.4 billion dollar settlement for negligent marketing. [04:14] Everybody has self-esteem. It can be good or bad, and it's learned over a period of years. [04:51] Traumatic events are a driver of negative self esteem. [05:41] The majority of the way someone feels about themselves will develop during their childhood state. [06:35] If someone has negative self-esteem growing up, the likelihood of them turning to something like addiction is higher. [07:43] One of the first things Tom and his team try to do is help clients identify where their negative self-esteem is coming from. [08:48] Figuring this out comes through therapeutic process. [09:19] If we can figure out what it is that's causing low self-esteem, we are in a position where we can reinforce positive things to build self-esteem back up. [09:26] Once self-esteem is built up, it won't be necessary to act out the way an addicted person did in the past. [11:20] Tom shares his childhood abandonment issues and how when he first began counseling he didn't believe that it was a problem. [12:12] Once Tom realized that he did have abandonment issues, it was a good place for him to start building upon that. [14:05] We want to know what happened prior to your drinking and using drugs that made you turn to them in the first place. One of the biggest reasons for this is one's self-esteem. [14:45] Providing a life that reinforces positive self-esteem will reduce the likelihood of your child turning to drugs and alcohol. [17:19] Once the self-esteem issues are established, it's time to reinforce and build up things that will encourage positive self-esteem. [17:33] People have to have some type of sense of identity and sense of security where they are okay with themselves. [18:00] Community and having friends is a big part of the sobriety process. [19:03] Take the top five people that you surround yourself with the most and you are the average of those five people. [19:39] Having a sense of purpose is a big part of the process. Having something to work towards will keep you going when you are sober. [21:59] It takes internal search to find your purpose. It's also okay to reach out to people and be vulnerable. [22:48] You also have to feel capable and have a sense of self-confidence. [23:19] Tell yourself that today might be hard, but you can get through it. If you don't believe this, you'll never achieve it. [24:22] Make a list of your strengths and things that you have accomplished in the past. [26:04] Eat good food and exercise. What you put in your body will directly impact the way that you feel. [26:57] Have some quiet time and go for walks on your own or listen to a podcast. [27:24] Be clean and take care of yourself and your hygiene. [27:38] Make sure you're home and living area is clean and organized. [28:10] Do things that you enjoy. Try things that you haven't done before to see what you like. [28:35] Doing all of these things will really help to build up your self-esteem. Links and Resources: /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17457596

164 - The Unfortunate Truths of Addiction 12/31/2020

164 - The Unfortunate Truths of Addiction We received two phone calls a couple of days ago that two people we know quite well had overdosed on drugs. One was rushed to the hospital, treated, and released. However, the second person is in ICU and will most likely not make it through his overdose. As a result of these recent tragedies, Ben and I decided to talk about what happens when addicts come to a place where they overdose and signs you can look for to hopefully prevent this from happening to someone you love. Ben Recalls His Early Days of Addiction While addicted, his mom would warn him to make sure that his drug source was “OK” because she was worried that his source could be laced with another drug. His mom was concerned, and now, Ben feels the same. When Ben would doctor shop, he knew his opiates would be regulated through a pharmacy. The “Wash and Rinse Cycle” of Treatment People will go to treatment, get clean time, and then their tolerance to drugs and alcohol drops as they haven’t had their drug of choice in their system for some time. At this point, you can get the wrong combination when you buy drugs off the street and you can easily overdose. It’s playing Russian roulette if your drug of choice is opiates and you choose to purchase them off the street. The majority of clients coming in for treatment have dabbled in opiates, even if their main drug of choice is alcohol. It’s rare to see a client that hasn’t tried opiate drugs. The primary drugs we see people recovering from at Rock Recovery Center are heroin and opiates, although many identify as an alcoholic. Relapsing to Drugs Via Alcohol Alcohol is a gateway drug to other harder street drugs. We’ve seen people start to drink from an office party, then slide back into drug addiction. Whether or not alcohol has been a problem for someone in the past, if you’ve been an addict to drugs, you also need to stay away from alcohol so as not to relapse back into your old pattern. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:41] Differences in drug addicts and alcoholics. [07:19] The dangers of laced drugs in the 21st century. [10:08] What it means to have a case of severe jitters when you’re addicted. [14:05] Alcoholics typically die slow, painful deaths. [16:46] Relapsing into drugs starting with alcohol. [18:53] The ease of covering up alcoholism as it is socially accepted and easily available. [22:25] Why alcoholism needs to be recognized as a powerful drug. [26:38] Addiction needs to have more resources to be combated. [30:20] This circumstance has been heartbreaking and we don’t want to see another person overdose again. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17375096

163 - Charlie celebrates 2 years of sobriety! 12/24/2020

163 - Charlie celebrates 2 years of sobriety! Charlie is here today to pick up his two years sobriety medallion at Rock Recovery Center. He is a graduate of our program and has successfully navigated a clean and sober life since leaving Rock Recovery Center. Charlie and his wife chat with us about how Charlie has been living his daily life as a clean and sober society member. The Beginnings of Charlie’s Addiction At age 13, Charlie left his home and started drinking socially to the point that he was drinking five gallons of alcohol a week. Before he started drinking heavily, he started taking hard drugs. “Once the drinking took off, my addiction became like a wildfire.” His portfolio of drugs included “meth, cocaine, crack, acid, shrooms, and I was in for anything that didn’t take a needle.” “Balancing” Work-Life and Addiction At 42, Charlie had to make sure he was clean for his job. “I was a Union carpenter, and I worked in a nuclear facility, so my background had to be squeaky clean, so I could pass the Homeland Security background check.” He would work 12 hour days, six days a week. After work, he would drink a few shots, go to sleep, then get up and go back to work. His addiction progressed into drinking in the morning to hold him over until break time at work, where he could drink a few shots, then drink again when he drove home from work. Switching from Drugs to Alcohol At first, he was able to “drink like a normal person,” and Charlie says that the “alcohol was socially acceptable, so it was easy to get.” He felt it was OK to get drunk at home by himself, watching TV, or “playing around in my workshop. I could cut off as many fingers as I wanted to because I was by myself, and it didn’t bother anybody.” Charlie was a solitary alcoholic and didn’t drink around friends or family. Charlie’s Wife Amy and Her Perspective on His Addiction “When we first got together, he point-blank told me that he was an alcoholic and he likes to drink.” She was OK with that until things progressed and they were in a more serious relationship. He started isolating and not paying attention to her or the children. Charlie decided to go to recovery, came back, and then relapsed soon after. “We live right down the street from a liquor store,” so it was easy for Charlie to get a hold of alcohol. They separated, and then Charlie decided to go to Rock Recovery Center for treatment as Amy didn’t want to continue the relationship with Charlie’s addictive behavior. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [02:24] Charlie talks about his childhood and addiction background. [05:48] He reflects on his history of work and addiction. [09:57] Amy gives her perspective as a wife of an addict. [12:15] Charlie remembers driving drunk with his three-year-old grandson in the car. [14:25] Coming to Florida to Rock Recovery Center was Charlie’s first immersive rehabilitation experience. [19:05] What Charlie is doing daily to continue his successful recovery. [19:45] Amy’s experience with Charlie’s recovery and her wedding proposal to Charlie. [24:28] Living life on life’s terms and the importance of reaching out for support. [28:01] Charlie talks about his solid sobriety foundation. [31:36] Why life isn’t boring when you’re sober. [32:46] Charlie’s recommendation on the first steps to sobriety. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17310521

162 - Ben celebrates 10 years of sobriety!! 12/17/2020

162 - Ben celebrates 10 years of sobriety!! “I feel that if I didn’t take that crappy job that I hated, that I wouldn’t be here on the path I was meant to be on.” -Ben Ben's First Two Years in Recovery Today, Ben and I celebrate Ben's tenth year of sobriety! "Years two through now have flown by for me," says Ben reflecting back on his journey. He remembers his first two years being rough for him as his first two years were a struggle. Ben refers to AA's founder and his recollection of having waves of resentment and self-pity through his process. Why Ben's First Year Was Extraordinarily Hard Ben realizes what made his first year so difficult was that he wanted to go back to his comfortable life. This was when he started taking suggestions and takeaways from meetings and other members of the various groups he belonged to in his recovery. Ben encourages others to take advice and try suggestions from successful sober society members to see what works for their recovery. If something doesn't work, they need to note what didn't work and try a new solution. After two years of sobriety, he created a career change from bartending and personal training to working for a moving company, although he didn't want it as a job choice. He didn't realize that this job would lead him to go to school, getting his degree, and giving him the ability to work with recovering addicts. People realized Ben was owning his own plan and working out of his comfort zone, and they decided to support him. How Trust Makes Sobriety Work When you first come "off the street," you don't trust hardly anyone. However, to have a complete recovery, you'll need to put your trust in a few people to support you in your journey. Ben reminds us that we cannot have a successful recovery without trusting others, giving them a chance to "buy-in" to our recovery, and letting them be a part of our team and lead us to a healthier lifestyle. Listen to Ben's challenges his first two years and how he got through his hardships, how he came to accept "life on life's terms," and how he changed his life's paradigm to create less conflict and justification in his life, which led to his complete recovery. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [02:36] Ben celebrates ten years of sobriety! [03:37] He reflects on his first two years of being clean and sober. [09:14] Trying new solutions when the previous idea didn’t work. [12:33] Do you really need a job that humbles you? [14:37] Getting out of your own way and how that can help you in life. [18:05] Ben’s most challenging hardships the first two years of sobriety. [21:13] What prevented Ben from picking up drugs and alcohol during his recovery. [25:41] Playing “Simon Says” to stay sober. [31:07] Confidence in taking action in order to stay clean. [35:17] Life doesn’t get easier, you have to get better at handling life situations. [38:20] What he does today to stay sober and how sobriety is possible. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17219999

161 - Why 12-Step Programs Don't Work - And Why They Do 12/10/2020

160 - Pastor Tullian Tchividjian shares the disconnect between Church and recovery principles - What the Church can learn from recovering addicts 12/03/2020

160 - Pastor Tullian Tchividjian shares the disconnect between Church and recovery principles - What the Church can learn from recovering addicts “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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! 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. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by Visit Tullian on the web Listen to his podcast /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/17042543

159 - Alex Uslar - Hybrid Performance Method - From Druggie Punk Rocker to Strength Icon 11/26/2020

159 - Alex Uslar - Hybrid Performance Method - From Druggie Punk Rocker to Strength Icon Alex Uslar is the manager of the Hybrid Gym and the Director of Operations for the online company Hybrid Performance Method. Alex is a powerlifting, weight lifting, and crossfit coach. The Hybrid Performance Method is a virtual gym that provides accessible, affordable, and effective online workout programs to athletes of all skill and experience levels. In this episode, we talk about Alex’s journey and how he used nutrition and working out to stay sober. Like many addicts, Alex had a rough start and turned to alcohol and drugs. Unlike many, he discovered what he wanted to do at a young age. He was then able to harness that desire and use it as fuel for sobriety. We talk about his journey and how he was able to turn his experience into a positive. Show Notes [02:47] Alex is 26 years old, and he just had his 7 years sobriety date. [02:59] He was born in South Florida and moved to Pensacola when he was 4 years old. [03:15] When he was 13, he moved to Miami. [03:44] He had some emotional and psychological abuse when he was younger. [04:13] He was expelled from private school, and he started public school in the middle of the year. [04:47] It only took two or three days before kids tried to sell him drugs. [05:06] He started smoking marijuana. [05:31] There are people who drink super heavily in the punk rock scene. They're also the straight edge kids. [05:49] Things escalated after 8th grade for him. [06:51] His parents are from Venezuela. [07:18] His family left Venezuela when things got really bad, but his dad stayed over there. [08:01] Ben and Tom see a lot of clients who have had instability in their lives when they were young. [09:12] From 13 to 19, Alex's entire life revolved around music and partying. [10:51] Alex wouldn't change or trade anything that he went through, because without that he wouldn't be where he is now. [12:49] He dropped out of school and in the process, he got arrested. The counseling he had to go through helped him a lot. [17:09] He still went down a super destructive path. When he was 19, he wanted to get his act together. [20:29] The catalyst for him was getting a DM from an older punk rocker who owned a gym. They had similar stories and signing up for the gym was his first day sober. [21:23] He even realized that he wanted to work at a gym. [21:53] Staying sober and staying mentally strong and going to the gym was one of the hardest things he did. He had to relearn how to live. [25:34] He was given an opportunity to do an unpaid internship at the gym. The owner was his mentor in sobriety and coaching. He eventually became one of the head coaches. [32:06] Follow your passion if you work hard, you have the opportunity to rewrite the script. [32:46] Taking steps forward can be uncomfortable. [33:56] Alex became an extrovert as he learned how to sell gym memberships. There weren't any promises that he would get hired. He still worked hard and kept getting more and more work. [35:44] He ended up with the most personal training clients and made more money than anybody at the gym. [36:32] He showed so much ambition and desire that he kept growing and growing until h maximized his abilities and income. [38:52] Alex left his mentor's gym in 2017 to go work for Hybrid. [40:18] They talked three or four days ago. [45:18] People come and go in life sometimes. [47:16] Utilizing fitness and nutrition in sobriety. Alex feels people need something to rely on. [49:39] He believes that you control your thoughts and your actions. [52:06] At the end of the day, we are all trying to get to a better place. [53:58] If you don't want to look for a higher power, find a higher purpose. [55:46] Alex got sober by working out. [57:44] He loved seeing his clients transform. Now his social media following has grown. Links and Resources: /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16966661

158 - How to approach my loved one to get help 10/29/2020

158 - How to approach my loved one to get help Today, I’ll be talking about how to handle talking to your loved one to find out if they have a problem with addiction. Parents can have denial about their children’s addiction, and family members may not recognize signs of addiction. Find out how you can recognize the signs of addiction and what language to use in the delicate conversation of talking to your loved one who may be addicted to drugs and alcohol. How we frame our message in the conversation is important, such as, “I want to allow you to get help.” Be patient and don’t demand that they reach out for help. It is a privilege to be able to have the resources to obtain assistance to become clean. However, many times the addict doesn’t want to become clean and sober, even if they can participate in a rehab center. Be tactful when approaching your loved one. Make sure to have guidance on how to have this conversation. Create an open conversation to not push your child or loved one away from moving them towards recovery. Also, make sure to have options that you have vetted put into place before you speak with your loved one. If they agree to be treated, you want to keep that momentum going and have options already in place to offer to them. The next step should be readily available, and they should be ready to go within 24 hours of agreeing to treatment. If they refuse, use leverage points to make them uncomfortable and want to go. For example, if you provide a car, home, food, cell phone, or other necessity, take it away until they decide to recover. When you provide these things for them, it is easier for them to use their cash to buy drugs or alcohol. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:45] The difficulty of navigating talking to your children about addiction. [04:57] Does your child recognize that they have an issue with drugs or alcohol? [06:30] The privilege to have the resources to get clean and sober. [08:07] How to phrase your concerns - words to use and not to use. [12:10] Be ready with treatment options so as not to put time in between your loved one agreeing and going to treatment. [14:26] What to say when they refuse treatment. [19:45] Don’t go into a conversation being hostile. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16602362

157 - Sean B. breaks down the Full Circle of Recovery 10/15/2020

157 - Sean B. breaks down the Full Circle of Recovery Ben and I talk to Sean, who works for Behave and Detox here in South Florida in today's episode. He is here to share his story of addiction and his recovery process. Sean shares what to look for in a detox center and details about the detox process. Born in the Bronx, Sean moved to Brooklyn with his mom when his parents separated. Brooklyn was a tough place filled with violent crime, drugs, and alcohol - similar to his household. Today, his father has over 30 years of sobriety, and Sean follows in his footsteps. His mother was physically violent with him from an early age. "What I got as corporal punishment back then is considered child abuse now." He didn't get into drugs or selling drugs because he was too afraid of his mother beating him. At 12, Sean developed addictive behaviors as drugs and alcohol were easy to hold in his town. "That was when crack had first come out, and I rarely went to school in the 8th grade. He was offered his first drug in junior high during 6th grade. "When I really got in trouble in the neighborhood, my mother decided to take me out of there." He and his mother moved to Florida for a better life when he was 14. Once in Florida, he started doing drugs and alcohol. Every summer, he would visit his family in New York without rules or boundaries. An addict at 18, he had to change high schools five times before receiving his diploma. His mother wanted him to go to community college. "I said, save your money, I'm going to a party. That's what I wanted to do because that's all my friends did." Getting into the plumbing industry at the age of 22, he quickly spent his money on drugs and alcohol. As per tradition, apprentices in the union didn't pay for alcohol at the bar. For five years, he never paid for a bar tab. "That was the deal, Thursday at lunch we'd cash our paychecks, we'd go to the bar, and I'd drink for free. Then I'd go home and have my own party." Listen in to find out why Sean was constantly drinking and drugging, how he made excuses for not going to rehab and the events that led him to check in to rehab for the first time at the age of 33. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:51] Sean gives his background history. [06:15] He describes what it was like growing up in Brooklyn in the 80s. [07:35] How Sean was introduced to drugs at the age of 12. [10:01] When he was offered his first drug in sixth grade. [13:53] Sean’s life after high school graduation. [16:50] Getting into his 30’s as a full-blown addict and alcoholic. [17:33] Events that led Sean to realize he needed to go to rehab. [24:15] What happened after Sean left rehab. [29:10] Sean’s fourth attempt at sobriety with only two weeks available to him in rehab. [31:16] Ben gives his perspective on Sean’s story. [36:06] How Sean’s role has changed in his new life. [40:36] Why AA was the best thing that happened in Sean’s life. [43:53] Distinguishing “the life” from recovery. [46:46] Why Sean didn’t know how to live. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16406618

156 - Jeremy talks about his experience in the military and his addiction - NOW HIS RECOVERY! 10/09/2020

156 - Jeremy talks about his experience in the military and his addiction - NOW HIS RECOVERY! In today's episode, I talk to Jeremy about his story of addiction. He has decided to be a guest today to inspire others to also start their journey to sobriety. This is Jeremy's eighth attempt at sobriety and learning to live a clean life. Jeremy is now medically retired from the army at age 39 as a result of PTSD. He served our nation for nine years, starting at age 23. Brought up in Concord, North Carolina, Jeremy was a household child who taught respect and manners. He grew up with two siblings, an older brother, and a younger sister. "My childhood was really great. I was involved in baseball, football, and dirt bike racing." He remembers his friends not having the same solid family foundation, so his parents would take them under their wing and support his friends. At the age of five, however, Jeremy was sexually molested by a member of his church. He wasn't sure how to handle this emotional trauma. As a result, his teen years were an emotional turmoil as his previous trauma bubbled to the surface. His doctors prescribed him anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and sleep medications. "It progressed from there, I just started numbing myself out. Even at that young of an age, I would abuse benzos." He quickly found out that he could "reach for a substance for comfort" early in his life. "About 16 years old, I started drinking with my girlfriend and drinking with friends." From this teen experience, he evolved to keg parties with high school kids. At this point, he also experimented with cocaine. At 18, a friend introduced him to oxycontin. He soon realized this type of drug took away his social awkwardness and made him feel more comfortable around people. Jeremy went back and forth with his addiction until, at age 20, he went to a methadone clinic for a year. From this point, he decided to get clean on his own. At age 23, he talked to an army recruiter as he liked the aspect of military life, and "I knew that's what I wanted to do once I got sober." Listen in to find out why Jeremy's growth was stagnant on methadone treatment, how he became addicted again through his military experience, and why Jeremy believes in healing physically and spiritually. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:14] Jeremy gives listeners a bit of background about his story. [06:59] He talks about his younger, formative childhood years. [08:47] Jeremy talks about how he learned his addictive behavior from using doctor prescribed medications. [11:44] The feelings he has had to deal with as a result of his childhood trauma. [13:27] Part of his addiction is genetic as his father was an alcoholic. [15:30] Two weeks after first trying oxycontin, Jeremy was addicted. [18:43] Jeremy’s experience taking methadone. [23:49] What happened to Jeremy when he enlisted in the military. [25:56] Factors that led to Jeremy staying clean for seven years. [27:47] Advice Jeremy gives to addicts looking to join the military to overcome addiction. [32:44] The army substance abuse program and how the military treats addicts. [37:49] Why Jeremy is grateful for his battle with addiction. [40:26] Biggest contributing factors for Jeremy moving forward. [44:00] His plans for his new future. [45:30] Words of encouragement to others who are looking to get freedom from their addiction. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16342757

155 - Kat gives HOPE to those still struggling through her own testimony 10/01/2020

155 - Kat gives HOPE to those still struggling through her own testimony In today's episode, Ben and I talk to Kat, who shares her experiences, the strength she found in her recovery, and the hope she has for her future. Kat's home is in Louisiana, and she is a current resident at Rock Recovery Center. At 32, Kat's second attempt at recovery, with her previous attempt at a different location. Kat started using at the age of 15 and quickly chose heroin as her drug of choice. Much of her drug use has been with family and friends, such as her mother and younger sister. Her mother denies that she is addicted, however; she supports Kat in her journey to become free of drug use. Drugs are a normalized part of her family life. In her 17 years of addiction, she has experienced the same detox treatment center ten times, and one other recovery center in addition to her stay here at Rock Recovery Center. If you or your loved one has been to numerous treatment centers, and you are wondering why you can't come clean of your addiction, many times, it's the person's mindset that is preventing them from coming clean of their dependency. To successfully move through treatment, you or your loved one needs to be there because you want to be free of your habit. After being arrested and thrown in jail, Kat came to the realization that she would either be spending a lot of time in jail unless she could free herself of drugs. She understood, "I would get my kids back, I would get my family back, I'll get everything I want back if I put my mind to it and do it!" Parents and families ask us, "when do we throw in the towel on people and give up," and the fact is that we never give up to get an addict free of their habit. We consistently reach out to potential clients to see when they are ready to join others in their journey to freedom and a better life. Listen in to find out how the Rock Recovery Center has surpassed Kat's expectations, the benefits of treatment at Rock, and how her support system has been key to Kat's recovery. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:24] Kat talks about her using history and how she became addicted to drugs. [08:45] Ben explains how family dynamics play a role in recovery. [12:23] Her first experience at a detox center in 2012. [14:12] Reflecting back on her previous detox attempts. [16:29] The stages of change in the detox process. [17:35] Kat’s moment when she had her mindset shift in recovery. [20:36] She talks about the exhaustion of constantly being around negative influences as a result of doing drugs. [23:15] Lying as a social norm of an addict’s life. [25:26] How Kat’s experience has surpassed her expectations. [27:22] Her experience at Rock and what she has really enjoyed about her stay. [30:45] Comparing Rock Recovery treatment center to other plans of treatment. [33:26] How Kat stayed off of narcotic drugs post-surgery. [38:00] Hospital stay experiences when you are in active addiction. [42:00] Ben and I reflect on Kat’s amazing progress at Rock Recovery Center! Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16222820

154 - Vince has been to 10+ treatment centers - What will be different this time? 09/24/2020

154 - Vince has been to 10+ treatment centers - What will be different this time? In today's episode, Ben and I talk with Vince, a 25-year-old recovering addict from Philadelphia. He stole a bottle of vodka and drank the entire bottle in sixth grade. In the summer of his freshman year of high school, Vince started smoking pot. Cocaine became a weekend sports celebration during his junior year of high school. Vince became an addict after his team coach gave him a prescription narcotic drug in his second college year. Vince was involved in sports as early as he could remember. His family consisted of three sisters, one of the older and two of them younger than him. Both of his parents were supportive of him and good, hard-working people. "Growing up, I was instilled with morals and values." He was brought up to respect elders, women, and to have good social manners. "I remember going to this fight in third grade. Everybody started cursing and fighting. Immediately after that, I said my first curse word, then I went home and started watching fighting videos." He isn't sure if this one incident brought him down a negative road, but his life was very different after this experience. The next year in fourth grade, he ended up getting kicked out of school for fighting. "I was fighting and cursing and doing things kids that age shouldn't be doing." He felt a purpose playing sports as he was always asked to play with the older kids in the next league up. "Everything on the outside just mattered so much, and I thought that was who I was. I thought that I was based on all external things." However, if anything went wrong, he immediately turned to anger and aggression, which he remembers his father modeling for him at an early age. His school discipline record was horrible. However, the school let him slide because of his athletic abilities. Vince remembers not having any consequences for fighting during his high school years. This enabled him to continue this behavior, along with smoking pot with his friends. Listen in as Vince tells his story of how he lost his scholarship to Rutgers, what happened when he became addicted to opiate drugs, and his multiple attempts at getting sober. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:09] Vince talks about his past experiences growing up in Philadelphia. [07:11] His first experience drinking in sixth grade. [13:33] Social acceptance and drug culture. [15:21] Personal identity associated with career for men. [18:25] Vince had his first experience with opiate drugs his senior year in high school. [19:45] He started stealing from his family to buy more opiate drugs. [25:11] The “Florida Shuffle” moving on from the treatment facility to another facility. [28:40] Ben talks about the incredible recovery culture in Florida. [33:10] Why Vince having his daughter wasn’t enough to keep him sober. [37:01] Sobriety and addiction and how these two can easily interchange. [40:13] What is different for Vince in this recovery process? [43:42] His biggest fears for the recovery process. [45:27] Vince’s spiritual AA experience. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16132889

153 - Nick's first time in treatment - What happened and what he hopes for in the future 09/21/2020

153 - Nick's first time in treatment - What happened and what he hopes for in the future In today's episode, Ben and I talk with Nick, a client here at Rock Recovery Center. Nick originates from Cleveland, Ohio, and this is his first time in recovery at the age of 27. Listen in to this episode to find out how he became addicted to drugs at 11. At a very young age, his first experience was smoking pot at age 11 and had his first drink at 12. Nick is close to his sister, whom he spent many afternoons after school hanging out. Nick followed his dad, playing the same sports. His father was "more of a coach than a dad," coaching Nick in the sports he participated in as young as age three. His father always pushed him to be good at what he did in life. He also remembers his father hiding alcohol bottles around the house and drinking for hours by himself in the garage. In addition, Nick's dad would pass out in the hallway, drunk in the hotels, at sporting competitions. His mother is clean and has never been addicted to drugs. At 13, Nick was in a fight and had several teeth knocked out. This led him to take narcotic pain medication. He quickly realized that taking a pain killer was a release from the physical pain from playing multiple sports. His parents did not monitor his pain medication and worked full-time. At 16, he had teeth pulled and had narcotics prescribed. Nick's doctor trusted he would take the narcotics as directed and is the reason he is addicted to drugs. When he moved out of his house at 17 to play hockey, he moved in with three guys addicted to pain medication from multiple sports injuries. Nick brought the pot, and his friend came with narcotic drugs. Drugs ended up being a commonality between the two for the next four years. He was kicked out of college and lost his scholarship. At this point, Nick returned home and went to community college and worked at a car dealership. Daily drinking eventually turned into a "game," where he and his friend would binge drink driving home from work. Nick finally realized that he needed help when his daughter was born, and he couldn't spend time with her because he needed to use drugs. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:07] Nick introduces himself and talks about how he became addicted. [08:03] He didn’t like drinking when he was young, but had his first drink at 12. [12:02] The progression of Nick’s addiction from the age of 16. [15:40] Nick’s college experience. [21:39] What led Nick to seek help at Rock Recovery Center. [27:24] COVID hit and he stopped going to his recovery meetings back home. [31:59] Nick talks about the relapse that moved him into recovery. [35:17] Ben tells how hard he works to stay sober ten years after he stopped using. [36:54] Recovery expectations when Nick came in the center. [41:23] Tom’s challenge to Nick in recovery. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/16101131

152 - What we have to look forward to when getting SOBER! 09/10/2020

152 - What we have to look forward to when getting SOBER! In today's episode, Ben and I will talk about how addicts can get accustomed to the lifestyle of alcohol and drugs. It's often problematic for addicts to comprehend how to live a "normal" life without the use of illegal substances. Ben and I are both AA graduates, and our experience of sobriety results from working hard to successfully complete the 12 steps of sobriety outlined in AA. This work brought a spiritual foundation into my life, and this is what my sobriety hinges on today. There are multiple modalities and programs in which you can find sobriety, the 12 step program being one program. If this program doesn't work for you, please seek out a drug and alcohol program that appeals to you and gives you hope. Whatever way you choose, sobriety is your goal. The fruits of sobriety will give your life the positive change you are looking for to live a better life. In section 83 of the AA book, there is a section titled "The Nine-Step Promises." One promise, "We are going to find new freedom and a new happiness." Freedom and happiness are different for each person. Freedom can be relief from feeling the physical trauma to feeling mentally free from the reliance on addiction. Serenity and peace are two other aspects we are focusing on today. When you acquire these two feelings, you are OK sitting by yourself, without anxiety, want, or fear. Conflict resolution is a large part of achieving these two qualities for yourself. There are tools we learn to create change within ourselves or our situation, even if we can't change the world around us. These tools lead to achieving peace and serenity inside ourselves. The Big Book talks about the fear of uselessness and self-pity. When you feel like you don't amount to anything, self-pity creeps into your life. You may feel like you will never have a family, go to college, or be happy. This is a destructive cycle for addicts, which disappears when you become clean. Some grapple with the higher power aspect of AA. If a "higher power" isn't in your life, you can also shoot for a higher purpose. What is your purpose? Find a positive change to make in someone else's life. When you are sober, your outlook on life will change because your mind will clear, and you will see situations differently. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:17] Imagining a life without drugs and alcohol is hard to comprehend for addicts. [05:18] No matter what your substance is, what you need to move forward is a design for living. [06:55] The Nine-Step Promises that AA lists in their book. [10:07] There is no true freedom when we are tied to another substance. [13:19] Learning conflict resolution to achieve peace and serenity. [18:00] Fear of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. [22:51] Higher power and higher purpose. [26:19] The root of our problems is selfishness and self-centeredness. [27:44] Attitude and outlook on life will change when you become sober. [32:52] Read the big book from AA to find out more aspects of your life that can change when you become sober. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15965729

151 - We have to be able to make decisions for ourselves! 09/03/2020

151 - We have to be able to make decisions for ourselves! In today's episode, Ben and I discuss the turning point when a newly sober client can start to make decisions for themselves. In the beginning, the person in recovery will be assigned a sponsor who is there for support and answering questions. Along the process, there's become a point in time that the person who is healing needs to become more independent and start to create change for themselves. Working with thousands of people through the recovery process, Ben and I see many different cases. We receive feedback from clients and become a sounding board for those in recovery. A vast majority of the time, we will confirm that the sponsor gives the patient sound advice. However, the individual moving through the healing process needs to take the responsibility of making their own decisions. Even though Ben is almost ten years sober, he still utilizes his support circle when he is in a challenging situation or bad day. In the end, Ben makes his own decisions for himself, but having a good, solid support group to assist you in your decision making is very important to stay on your path of sobriety. A sponsor's responsibility is no longer just taking someone through the steps. A client is calling with many different issues for advice from their sponsor. There is a progression of questioning where at first, clients are asking for almost anything. However, there should be situations where someone can take an independent step on their own. Growth will enable someone to become an independent decision-maker. Developing a GOD Power or the ability to deliver Good Orderly Direction gives you the ability to consciously figuring out problems on your own. By taking inventory of your behaviors, through the practice of working the program, and learning how to make situations right, you develop your skills to become an independent person. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:45] Ben’s experiences with clients who want to rely solely on their sponsor for help. [06:55] When you should be making your own decisions and not relying on someone else to make your decisions for you. [08:20] Ben and his sponsor relationship. [09:40] An example of bouncing ideas off of a sponsor for advice. [13:19] A sponsor’s responsibility to their charge. [14:33] Dating another person who is going through recovery. [15:37] The progression scale of learning how to become an independent decision maker. [17:35] Developing GOD Power - Good Orderly Direction. [18:32] Step ten of the 12 Step Program. [19:57] The importance of having a clear outcome. [21:10] Looking at failure as an opportunity to learn. [22:04] Giving sober supports too much power in your life. [25:17] Sponsors need to give their charges the opportunity to have experiences in life. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15869459

150 - Measuring Progress While In Addiction Treatment 08/27/2020

150 - Measuring Progress While In Addiction Treatment In today's episode, Ben and I discuss how we measure our client's progress and what to expect in the first one to three months of recovery treatment. We'll talk about where we see our clients make the most common mistakes and where addicts fall short in the treatment process. During our team meeting once a week, our staff discusses challenges and celebrations among our patients. "One issue that jumped out at us yesterday is video game addiction." Ben believes that this addiction can significantly sidetrack the recovery process, slowing it down. One negative effect is the disruption in client sleep cycles. In this episode, Ben gives real client examples of the adverse effects of video game addiction. We choose not to restrict our members from the outside world because that is unrealistic. This gives us the chance to see negative behaviors in our clients and the opportunity to correct those during their recovery period. "I want to know the truth about people and what their behavior truly looks like. I don't want some version of them that I'm creating, that's not organic by putting parameters on what they are allowed to do and not allowed to do." Our team looks at how our clients are utilizing their treatment time outside of scheduled activities. We hold our clients accountable for their treatment homework and follow-up to ensure they have their assignments completed before their scheduled time. Clients need to complete their task, as working through recovery involves learning about yourself. If a client doesn't do their homework, they will not progress through therapy. Getting into the habit and responsibility of completing your homework in therapy gives you an understanding of what it takes to continue your work outside of treatment. When you consistently complete assignments, you give yourself the foundation to continue your work when you leave our recovery center. This usually results in clients who are more successful at continuing their recovery for life. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:49] The process at Rock Recovery center for information intake. [05:40] Examples of video game addiction. [09:20] Ben talks about the importance of seeing bad behaviors so they can be addressed. [11:34] A good determinate of how our clients are going to do post-treatment is how they are progressing during treatment. [13:45] How a client spends their time during treatment versus after they leave and what they are doing with their friends. [17:35] When clients don’t do their homework in rehab, they typically don’t follow-up outside of rehab. [19:33] Our team wants to see the effort our clients put in at Rock Recovery Center. [20:11] Those who focus on others instead of themselves is a red flag. [23:42] We are here to be part of the process, however; a client must be willing to learn. [27:57] Behaviors that can lead to relapse. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15775913

149 - What we have seen with Covid-19 up to this point 08/06/2020

149 - What we have seen with Covid-19 up to this point In today's episode, Ben and I are discussing the risk versus reward for addicts. We talk about the real risk of dying from a drug overdose as opposed to the more minimal chance of passing away from contracting COVID when traveling to a rehab facility or attending AA meetings. Many facilities have removed group gatherings at their location. As a result, many addicts are not able to attend their rehab meetings in person. Some have been able to participate in online, however; it's easier to not go to meetings when it's no in person. Some facilities are moving forward with meetings, requiring masks and temperature screenings. Others have locked down entirely and aren't taking anyone who isn't a part of their program, leaving addicts without options for recovery. COVID has removed much of the community for many recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. People are afraid to catch the virus and won't go to groups, or they don't have the means to meet online. We need to build and cultivate options for people until groups open back up regularly. Person to person meetings have a more personal feel, and Ben has made a choice to attend real-life sessions. There are restrictions in place for safety, such as masks and social distancing. Many others have decided that drug and alcohol relapse is more harmful to their health than the risk of catching COVID. Additionally, you can’t blame COVID-19 for all of your problems or as the sole reason for going back to being an addict. COVID is a stressor and it does create anxiety, however; you have to apply the tools you learn in recovery to overcome the challenges in life. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:31] Benjamin discusses his personal experience with recovery. [07:00] Recovery built on the aspect of community for sobriety and recovery. [09:12] Ben talks about the importance of spirituality and community. [12:57] Many parents are scared to send their loved ones to rehab in Florida. [14:22] Being vigilant about health standards has been a key piece for reducing the spread of COVID in addiction groups. [16:45] How a halfway house has more people die of drug overdose but none of their members died of COVID. [18:04] The elements of building a solid foundation of recovery. [22:32] Some clients were caught off-guard when they had to leave recovery. [24:36] Precautions we are taking at Real Rock Recovery Center to protect our clients. [27:29] Ben is glad he is continuing meetings and staying sober and clean. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15496496

148 - Tony shares his experience with addiction- His first time in treatment and where he wants to go in the future 07/23/2020

148 - Tony shares his experience with addiction- His first time in treatment and where he wants to go in the future “There’s always hope, you have to take the first steps.” -Tony In today’s episode, I’m talking with a current patient who has been with us at Rock Recovery Center for three weeks and is 31 days clean today! He is 37 years old and comes to us from Detroit, Michigan. His sister would take care of him and his siblings, as his mom was “in and out a lot” as a result of her addiction to drugs and alcohol. He didn’t lead a “normal” childhood life and grew up on the rough streets of Detroit. Tony remembers visiting his aunt and cousins, who lived down the road. When his father found out where he was living, he drove to Detroit and moved in with his mom. They were trying to mend their marriage when his dad died of an asthma attack in 1992 when Tony was seven years old. Tony found himself in the same previous situation with his mom’s addiction and his unstable childhood. Tony and his siblings were dispersed among both sides of the family, he ended up with his grandmother and a violent uncle. At the age of 16, Tony decided he had enough and left his home to find his mom. He enrolled in school and stayed with his mom. He grew up in and out of foster care as a result of his mother’s addiction and ran away from the group home where he was living. At the age of 17, he remembers meeting up with other kids who ran away and recalled taking his first drink of alcohol. “I don’t know if I liked it, but I did notice that it got me out of myself. It made me more comfortable with my surroundings and what was going on at that time.” As a child of mixed races, Tony experienced racism from both white and black communities and felt that he never “fit in” either culture. He started working out and landed a job as a bouncer in a local nightclub. Tony found it easy to hang out with the girls who worked there, who were also addicts. At this point, he was introduced to cocaine, and he found he liked the excitement and attention he was getting. He started experimenting with shooting up the pills and found out that he needed to have his opiates to feel good. Tony then realized that heroin was cheaper and easier to use and became addicted to heroin. Listen in to find out how Tony hit rock bottom and finally ended up clean at Rock Recovery Center. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:49] Tony’s story of how he got into drugs and alcohol. [04:36] How alcohol gave Tony comfort from his feelings. [08:15] Growing up with his uncle and grandmother. [11:09] He looks for his missing mom at a local bar she frequented. [13:44] Why Tony hung out with other kids who drank alcohol. [17:15] Drinking on the weekend was the “thing to do” with his cousins. [19:34] Getting involved with the females who worked at the club with him. [21:19] How Tony became addicted to opiates in addition to alcohol and cocaine. [25:22] Ending up homeless and on the streets as a result of heroin use. [27:50] Tony opens up about his faith and how his belief became his guide in life. [30:36] Prayer and how this has helped Tony with his recovery from addiction. [33:29] How he made the decision to put 100% of himself into his recovery. [34:49] Tony’s advice to current users and drug addicts. [37:05] Sharing your story of addiction with the right person. [42:06] Giving up your will, prayer and the practice of being a good person. [45:52] Impacting people you wouldn't have been able to reach if you weren’t a recovering addict. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Podcast editing and show notes by /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15312806

147 - 3 statements that we HATE hearing from people in early recovery 07/09/2020

147 - 3 statements that we HATE hearing from people in early recovery In today’s episode, Benjamin and I are going to talk about the “why” behind being an addict. Drinking and doing drugs is a cover for an underlying emotional issue that must be addressed to fully recover successfully. Our clients, because of the choices they have made in the past, do not have the best behavior or comments when they are moving through the process of recovery. In today’s episode, Ben and I will talk about questions and feedback we hear from clients most often, and how we respond to their concerns. If you’re in a treatment program, make sure to really focus on treatment so you can get better and move on with your life. Realize the recovery process, to be successful, take time. You may have been an addict for over a decade - spending two weeks in recovery will not give you enough time to recognize what you need to change. Also, realize that you will need to not only be aware of the emotional issues that ended you up in recovery, but you’ll also need to process these emotions and be mindful of triggers that can lead to continuing your addictive behavior. It’s also easy to be in a mindset of not wanting to drink or do drugs, but that alone will not lead to a successful recovery. We talk about the six legs of alcoholism, including consequences, which, in and of themselves, are not enough to give you a clean and sober life. Some clients want to get back to their family and responsibilities. However, we see clients that leave early as they have self-evaluated they are OK, they go home and continue their addiction. Many times, you weren’t helping before you came to rehab, as your addiction came first. You were most likely stealing and being an emotional and spiritual burden to your loved ones. When you’re not ready to leave, you aren’t prepared to take care of someone else, let alone take care of yourself. 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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:27] Why people come for treatment at Rock Recovery Center. [04:12] When our clients “don’t even feel like using anymore.” [08:19] Motivators and consequences for the addict. [11:17] Addicts saying they don’t want to drink or drug anymore is usually a precursor to a future negative event. [14:07] Unicorn addicts who can successfully complete the program in 30 days. [18:15] Treatment and sober living can take up to a year to recover. [19:49] “I just want to move on and put ‘this’ behind me.” [22:19] SMART goals and creating a new and healthy routine. [24:40] The difference between leaving and leaving when you are ready. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15136406

146 - Patricia shares what can happen if you take ALL of the suggestions given to you while in treatment - 7 months of QUALITY SOBRIETY! 07/02/2020

146 - Patricia shares what can happen if you take ALL of the suggestions given to you while in treatment - 7 months of QUALITY SOBRIETY! “When I started coming to meetings, I actually saw freedom in people’s faces, and in the way they spoke, they were just really happy! And I wanted that, you know? It gave me a whole new perspective.” - Patricia Ben and I are chatting with Patricia today. She is a very successful member of our community. Patricia took our suggestions and acted on them to become sober. Consuming her first drink at 12, Patricia decided she liked the feeling of drinking, trying to escape her feelings. This process became a never-ending cycle, bringing fear into her life until she finally realized she couldn’t live the life she was living. She had several factors that led up to her eventual sober recovery. With her third DUI and recently breaking up with her boyfriend, Patricia started binge drinking for weeks on end, then stopped. While binge drinking, she would pay for a motel, drink until she passed out, then wake up the next day and repeat the pattern again. She also held a job at a bloodwork lab during the day and worked 60+ hours per week. Part of her knew if this behavior continued that she would die. Patricia realized she needed a change and wanted to do whatever she could to get back on the right path. The first time she checked into treatment, she worked on her sobriety for a year-and-a-half. “I was stuck in a sort of a bubble, and I was so focused on my internship that I didn’t have time for anything else. When I got out of that, it was very much a culture shock for me. I didn’t have anything else to rely on besides my new husband, and life got very overwhelming for me, and I ended up in a motel room.” She didn’t have a clear path to fall back on when she was released from her prior treatment center and returned to drinking. At Rock Recovery Center, we take a humanistic approach to recovery, teaching our clients how to live independently in a sober world. Many times, we don’t have to remove freedoms from our clients as they are going down the right path with guidance. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:35] Patricia is a star member of our sober community. [04:37] She tells of her story of spiraling downward into addiction. [06:04] Factors that led to her second attempt at treatment, including her third DUI. [08:40] What Patricia learned during her treatment at Rock Recovery Center. [10:40] How Patricia would deal with her previous life stressors running away. [13:53] Her daily schedule interning at her first treatment center. [16:50] Recovery happens outside of work, not inside of your workday. [19:45] Patricia realized that the choices she was going to make came down to her making the right decisions. [21:49] Treatment models that fail is because they do not give the opportunity to practice their new tools in treatment. [26:00] Providing the opportunity for yourself to do better. [27:28] Three suggestions given to Patricia to help her build a better life. [31:33] The challenges and reality of becoming sober. [34:48] Why rehab romance never works. [39:27] The pattern of romantic relationship development in rehab. [41:27] Thanks to Patricia for coming on the show. We are honored to witness her sobriety. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/15023519

145 - Mitchell talks about the biggest downfalls he has faced getting sober - Where he has failed and how he has recovered 06/25/2020

145 - Mitchell talks about the biggest downfalls he has faced getting sober - Where he has failed and how he has recovered “I have little brothers and sisters that currently don’t have a dad so I feel like if I work on myself and get better for myself I can be a better role model and support for my family back home.’ ” - Mitchell Ben and I are chatting with Mitchell, who is 21 and has been in treatment five times because of his previous cocaine addiction. He started his addiction at 16, with college friends smoking weed mixed with cocaine. Then, he had two knee surgeries as a result of football injuries at age 17 and was hooked on Percocet. Not only was he addicted, but he also sold his prescription to other friends. He admits that early on, during his addiction, "I lost a lot of really good friends, and I lost a perfect girl at that time." Mitchell's mother was monitoring his medication and realized he was taking too many drugs and decided to stop giving him his medicine. At that time, Mitchell decided to go into treatment for juveniles at age 17 for one year. After his time in rehab, Mitchell returned home to live with his parents. He soon became, "caught in the wrong crowd, started fighting, stealing and not living the life that I should've been. It was really hard." At 19, he had to get another surgery, let his friends persuade him to take narcotic pain medications. From this point, he went back to cocaine, then switched to Xanax, and tried a multitude of other drugs. At 20, he went to detox again in Miami. Since then, he has been bouncing back and forth between centers without success until he came to Rock Recovery Center. He understands how peer pressure really pulls him down in a negative cycle. Mitchell knows he has to work on himself and have more self-control with his emotions. His family has a big part in gaining his sobriety. Dad is currently in prison, he loves his dad and feels that he has to help himself before he can help his dad. Even though his dad is in a tough situation, Mitchell understands that he needs to become clean so his dad won't be disappointed in him. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:58] Mitchell introduces himself and starts with his story of addiction at age 16. [06:20] How he played the healthcare system to get more opioid drugs. [09:34] What elements made Mitchell become unstable in recovery? [10:30] How he is influenced by females and why he wants to break this habit. [12:56] Ben talks about his experiences with previous relapses. [15:48] Pitfalls that have given Mitchell huge obstacles for his sobriety. [19:18] What things Mitchell can’t go without during his sobriety. [21:45] Going to treatment to go back and contribute to your family’s health. [25:03] Mitchell’s plans and goals moving forward. [28:20] Mentors and people to look up to during treatment. [30:48] Priorities with relationships - make sure you are going in the right direction. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14950751

144 - Importance of sponsorship and why you might want to do the work the first time - with John S. 06/18/2020

144 - Importance of sponsorship and why you might want to do the work the first time - with John S. “I remember looking in the bathroom mirror and saying to myself, ‘You’re an alcoholic because you are drinking just like your old man.’ ” -John S. Ben and I are chatting with John S., who is a “real alcoholic” in his words. We are going to talk to John about sponsorship, which he is very adamant about. Our group chat will also dive into the differences between privately run and not-for-profit run treatment centers. John is a “real alcoholic” who was born in New Orleans, which is the drinking city of the world, where you can purchase drive-through alcohol. His father was a “beer-drinking alcoholic who loved to fight.” He was unfaithful to his wife and cheated when playing games. His parents divorced around age 5, as his dad was very abusive. He started drinking casually in high school and remembered that he was always the guy pushing the alcohol on everybody during high school games. During college, he joined a fraternity and continued to drink, however, he didn’t finish college. Even with drinking full-time, he never received a DUI. In addition to drinking, he added cocaine to his addiction in the mid-’80s. Since he was a functioning alcoholic, John was able to land a good banking job, making good money. He purchased a home and a lovely car with his new salary. He was living the good life until he was rear-ended by a dump truck and wasn’t able to work because of damage to his spine and his neck. Now at home full-time, he started drinking more during the day as he was home alone. Drinking was an escape for his pain and suffering from his accident and subsequent surgeries. He would hide his alcohol in different places within his home and drink straight from the bottles. John would drink a little bit from each bottle, however, his partner only knew of one bottle he was drinking, so he didn’t understand how much he was drinking. His doctor and his therapist didn’t think he was an alcoholic. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:38] John talks about his story, his path to alcoholism and his recovery. [07:05] He started drinking during his high school years. [08:56] John’s mom remarried and moved, thinking that a geographical change would help her son. [10:23] His story of being rear-ended by a dump truck and the resulting effects. [13:36] John’s friends who were in AA would try to get John to come to meetings. [15:54] The point at which his partner told him he needed to go to treatment. [18:30] His first night in a treatment center in Salt Lake City, UT. [22:24] Hiding bottles from himself, his partner and his family. [24:00] John started helping people the first day he was in recovery. [33:30] His take on relating to other people who were alcoholic, but not successful in life. [39:56] He talks about his “sponsees” in the program. [41:29] He and his person he has sponsored are total opposites but have a strong friendship. [46:19] John talks about his current living situation and sobriety. [51:51] Alcoholism as a progressive illness and relapse. [55:45] How desperation sets people apart. [58:44] John talks about how he came into Rock Recovery Center spiritually and morally bankrupt but came out the other end a whole person. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14864360

143 - 3 Biggest Challenges in Early Sobriety 06/04/2020

143 - 3 Biggest Challenges in Early Sobriety Benjamin and I will give you advice on how to overcome the three biggest challenges you may face when you are moving from a life of addiction to a life of sobriety. First, you have to establish new relationships with other sober people. Don’t hang out with your old friends who are drinking or doing drugs. They will be a negative influence on your life and can drag you back down to return to being an active addict. You’ll outgrow the addicts that used to be your “friends,” recover your family relationships and build new positive habits in your life. Look at your relationships and review your connections with others. Find those who genuinely love you and care about your well-being and restore these relationships. Review the relationships with others who are your drinking buddies or your friends you did drugs with and do not continue those connections. Grow your network that contains people who are also recovering, people who will assist you in moving forward in your sobriety, and add those who are a part of your sobriety journey. Secondly, you have to establish a new lifestyle as the former lifestyle is not conducive to sobriety. You have many hours to fill without drugs and alcohol. Find positive activities you like to do, such as exercise, finding a new hobby, and finding a job you want to do. Fill your day with positive, fun activities instead of the negative influence of drugs. You can also relearn to love old activities while sober! Third, be careful not to get into the “groundhog’s day” syndrome. Make goals that are time-sensitive, and plan your day around moving forward toward your goals. Do activities that help you achieve what you want out of life. Make sure to start your day out positive. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [03:15] Stopping your addiction is not easy, but you can recover and live a better life. [03:54] Establish new relationships with other sober people. [06:05] Build your life of recovery with spiritual growth and other positive habits. [10:34] You may want to restore relationships with others who stopped hanging out with you because of your addiction. [13:16] Establish a new lifestyle for your new life of recovery. [16:26] Why Ben hates running and he thinks it sucks, and why he does it every morning. [18:18] Find new activities you like to do through your new sober connections. [20:29] What can you do to deal with the boredom? [24:04] The Triangle Club meets at 7am for those who are dedicated to getting their lives back together before they go off to work. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14688512

142 - How to know if I am going to a good Treatment Center or not? 05/28/2020

142 - How to know if I am going to a good Treatment Center or not? Benjamin and I will give you advice on the questions you should ask and how you can research recovery and addiction centers. There are seven key questions or points you should discuss when you are looking for a center. #1 Confirm that the person who answers the phone actually works at the facility and isn’t a hotline operator. Make sure you are speaking to someone at the center, not an answering service. A team member can give you a better idea of what is going on at their treatment center and details about daily living and structure. When someone calls Rock Recovery Center, Ben and I see you, sit in on meetings, and follow-through with your recovery. #2 Seek an organization that provides a list of full-time healthcare and addiction facility team members, along with their credentials. Find out the client-to-staff ratio in the system that you are looking to go to or place your loved one. Ask about the longevity of the staff and the turnover rate. #3 Check with state and federal agencies to see if complaints have been filed with the center or its staff members. Look for places that are licensed through your local children and families, Joint Commission, or other reputable organizations. Look at Google reviews, but read the reviews, don’t just look at star ratings. See what people are saying about the center. #4 Do not use a facility that offers perks such as free flights, rent, food, cash, drugs, or other open items in exchange for joining their program. This is an illegal offering from the facility or a client / patient broker. #5 Look for a facility that is associated with a medical institution, depending on what state you are looking for treatment. Some states, like Florida, have better small care treatment facilities. Ask about caseload to doctor ratio - make sure the large facility doesn’t have a large client to doctor or therapist ratio. More than eight to 12 clients per therapist aren’t going to give your loved one good care. Also, ask about staff turnover. #6 Abstinence, for long-term, is, in our opinion, the best form of treatment. We have had clients tell us their drug of choice and don’t consider themselves to be sober when they are on “treatment drugs.” Clients who have been on Suboxone can get hooked on this for years and are very sick when they get off their secondary drugs. Some centers will not take addicts who are on these drugs. #7 Check for accreditation for the facility you are looking into for your loved one. Review that facilities are doing activities to improve their standards. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [05:56] #1 Confirm that the person who answers the phone actually works at the facility and isn’t a hotline operator. [11:15] Ben does his best to personally greet clients when they arrive at Rock Recovery Center. [12:10] #2 Seek an organization who provides a list of full-time healthcare and addiction facility team members, along with their credentials. [17:16] Read Google reviews to see what others are saying about the facility. [19:30] #4 Do not use a facility that offers perks such as free flights, rent, food, cash or other free items in exchange for joining their program. [22:16] Avoid places that are involved in illegal activity, they cannot be trusted. [25:10] Be wary of treatment centers that first ask you what type of insurance you have. [30:13] Ask about case load to doctor ratio - make sure the large facility doesn’t have a large client to doctor ratio. [33:09] Our discussion about using drugs to get off of addiction. [36:36] Ben talks about our success rate at Rock Recovery Center and the benefits of abstinence based therapy. [40:54] You can’t relapse if you’re not sober. Suboxone and other drugs are more addicting than the illegal drugs people are trying to get off of. [45:40] Ben and I discuss the checkboxes for staying accredited. [47:39] Give us a call or email us with questions! Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14591969

141 - Sean Shares Some Experience, Strength and HOPE!!! 05/21/2020

141 - Sean Shares Some Experience, Strength and HOPE!!! “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 where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! 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.” Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14520587

140 - SET SOME FRIGGIN BOUNDARIES! PLEASE! 05/07/2020

139 - Maggie from Pittsburgh talks sobriety, and what she had to go through to get to where she is today! 04/30/2020

139 - Maggie from Pittsburgh talks sobriety, and what she had to go through to get to where she is today! I have a guest today, Maggie, from Pittsburgh, who has come forward to share her story with us. This is the third time she has been in recovery from alcoholism and is going to tell her story of her past, her present, and where she plans on taking her life in the future. Maggie is in our program at Rock Recovery Center. She is 25 years old and started drinking 13 years ago as a result of trying to keep up with her two older brothers. The crack head down the street would go and buy them alcohol in exchange for watching her child when she was gone. Since their parents were out working a lot, her friends and her brothers' friends would come over to their house and party after school in their backyard pool. They would clean up their mess and then go to a park or another location to continue to party. She started high school at a Catholic High School, failed 9th grade. Her parents moved to a better area of Pennsylvania, and she was in a new school that was bigger than her old school. In the IMPACT program and not knowing any students in her new school, Maggie gravitated towards the "druggie kids" as they were her classmates. Maggie started doing several different types of drugs when she started going to RAVE clubs. She then got into a car accident, flew through the windshield, and was hospitalized with reconstructive surgery to her face. After high school, she became a bartender and started doing cocaine and Adderall to keep going throughout the day. She was hardly sleeping and felt that she was cool because she was only 18 but was able to be at the bar all day and night. At 21, she was drinking all night and ended up in a stranger's bed. Her friends were concerned with her safety. She realized at this point that she had a problem. Listen in to find out why she mixed Adderall, cocaine, and alcohol to get through her day, how she had blackouts and would sleep with strangers, and why she always had to drink alcohol, even while studying for college. Learn how Maggie broke down and finally called a rehab, how she had an affair with a male married nurse at another facility, and what led to Maggie's relapse after her first rehab. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:22] Maggie shares her story of her past and how she became alcoholic. [07:47] Her Catholic high school and her friend groups in school. [09:59] She started drinking and smoking weed at 12 years of age. [11:54] How Maggie started going to RAVE clubs and doing drugs. [15:02] Her parents were in denial of the situation. [19:17] Maggie, at age 21, would end up drinking and ending up in a stranger’s bed. [22:40] She decided to go to school full-time as a paralegal. [24:58] Her transition from bartender to full-time paralegal. [26:56] The first time Maggie sought treatment and her experience. [31:34] Maggie’s first sponsor for her first outpatient. [34:47] Her bouts with depression, how she felt unsettled again. [38:23] How Maggie came to Real Rock Recovery Center. [42:49] Differences between her home rehab and Florida rehab. [47:05] What Maggie thinks about her new sober lifestyle. [49:47] How Maggie sees her new future in Florida. [52:01] Why working for her sobriety makes a significant difference in her recovery. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14215409

138 - The importance of sober networks and community - Chris and Dakota share their sobriety wins! 04/23/2020

138 - The importance of sober networks and community - Chris and Dakota share their sobriety wins! Ben and I have two guests today who are sharing their experience with their current recovery experience concerning their past recovery experiences. We will talk to Dakota and Chris about what had impacted them from when they started their sobriety journey to where their journey is taking them in the future. My guests will also talk about how their hard work has paid off, and benefits sobriety has brought to their lives. Dakota was addicted to heroin and has been sober for a year at the end of May. Chris is 21 years old, has been to nine treatment centers. His addiction was cocaine, and he has been sober for eight months. Both men have been to multiple treatment centers to achieve sobriety. Dakota woke up one day at age 19 and didn’t want to live anymore. “That feeling that I had inside that I didn’t want to live anymore is the worst bottom I’ve ever had.” Originally going to treatment to get off opiates, Dakota still planned on drinking and smoking marijuana. He watched his situation worsen over time. “I had to get beaten down so bad that I became willing to do whatever it took to stay sober off everything.” He didn’t understand the steps he had to take to get sober. After several years of treatment, Dakota realized that he would have to go entirely off all drugs to be successful in his treatment. Chris has been through three previous treatment centers and is 30 years of age. A drug user since the age of 15, with the most substantial amount of clean time at seven months, much of that time being spent in jail. He pushed everyone out of his life as he only wanted to be with drugs and alcohol. “I basically messed up my life so bad, I lost about everything, I was barely holding on to a job.” In 2018 he decided that drugs and alcohol were a problem. He felt bankrupt not only financially but emotionally and spiritually. In his first attempt at Rock Recovery, he relapsed after 45 days, drank for three days straight. This confirmed to Chris his problem with alcoholism. Listen in to find out how being alcoholic can become a habit, why Chris felt his alcoholism was on auto-pilot, why having positive habits is a vital ingredient to sobriety. Learn why addicts can’t just stop doing drugs and alcohol, the struggles Chris and Dakota have faced in their recovery and how hard both clients have had to fight to become sober. Check out my where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review! Show Notes: [04:32] Dakota shares his previous treatment center experiences. [07:20] See link below to hear Dakota’s entire story on episode 80. [11:40] Chris talks about his addiction and relapse experience. [14:06] He decides he is an alcoholic after a three-day relapse spent drinking. [16:18] Chris didn’t know what to do when he was done work, so he chose to drink. [17:47] Find out why addicts can’t “just stop doing drugs and alcohol”. [21:37] Advice Dakota gives to others who are starting their journey to sobriety. [25:27] How he has gotten through rough times, especially with COVID-19 [26:30] How Chris’ situation is different for him now that he is sober. [27:48] Why having a sober support community has impacted both clients’ sobriety. [29:24] Helping other addicts helps those with addiction stay sober. Episode Links and Resources Ideas for a show? Email us and Listen to Dakota tell his story in /episode/index/show/realrecoverytalk/id/14103311

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