Recovery Elevator | Stop Drinking, Start Recovering. | Alcohol, Addiction & Life In Sobriety

Today we have Hannah. She took her last drink on April 16th, 2020. With 45 days sober (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol-free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Paul has created a new meditation. It's 20 minutes long and is specifically geared towards cravings. You can get it here for free.   Odette opens talking about the upcoming long weekend, which is the 4th of July. She asks "how can we leverage the current state of the world / the current pandemic and our desire to not drink this upcoming holiday weekend?" A celebration that is centered around food and also drinking, what does this mean for our own choices. There is an assumed permission slip that allows you to start drinking at whatever time you want. Given the state of the world and smaller gatherings happening, it might prove to be easier to not drink.   Here's a list of how to not drink this weekend Bring your own drinks, make it special! T

Today we have Jamieson. He took his last drink on August 7th, 2019. With almost 10 months sober (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol-free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    Odette opens the podcast talking about "permission slips" and specifically giving yourself permission to feel certain things. She quotes Brene Brown, "For personal permission slips, you are in charge of your own behavior – so you're giving yourself permission to feel or act a certain way. It is setting an intention for how you want to behave in difficult situations."   Here are some permission slips Odette gave herself after her first week as the new voice of the podcast: to be scared, to make mistakes, to ask for help, to feel uncomfortable, to fail, to succeed, to try again, to love myself. Writing these out she gained courage, the courage to run towards what she wants.   [5:23] Odette introduces Jamieson.   Jamieson is 28 years

Today we have Kris. He took his last drink on August 9th, 2017. At just over 1000 days (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol-free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    Odette opens the podcast talking about beginner emotions, also called day one emotions. "You can be brave and afraid at the same time." Feeling scared and uncertain is natural and part of the process. Embrace those feelings and you can go far.   [5:26] Odette introduces Kris.   Kris is 38 years old, married with 2 children and a dog. They live in central North Dakota and he is a power plant operator. For fun he loves photography, videography, staying warm in the winter, and camping in the summer. ND summers are the best.   [8:28] What's your favorite ice cream flavor?   As kids, Kris and his brother would always go for vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, roasted salted peanuts, and Smarties as a topping.   [10:00] Can you give us a back

 Today we have Odette. She took her last drink on December 17th, 2018 and she is from San Diego California. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [12:09] Paul welcomes Odette, the new voice of Recovery Elevator.   Odette's last drink was 12/17/18. She is from San Diego, originally from Mexico and is married with two kids. They love the outdoors as a family. Odette enjoys learning about tea, puzzling and cooking. She often runs and uses her indoor bike for exercise.   [16:08] Paul: What have you been up to since Episode 231?   Odette is grateful for her recovery during this time of Covid-19. During her first year sober it's all about relearning habits, restructuring life and setting new routines. Her year two has been about uncovering a lot of deeper seeded emotions and being more honest with herself.   [19:15] Paul: Can you cover what brought you to wanting to live an alcohol free life?   Drinking felt like

Today we have Brian. He took his last drink September 18, 2019. At 213 days (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    End of Season 1   After 276 consecutive Mondays & 5 years, Paul is stepping down from the podcast and is handing Recovery Elevator over to a new and talented voice. He recaps his next steps and an overview of what the last 5 years has brought him. With 2076 days at the time of recording, Paul is filled with gratitude for all you listeners. Because of you, he is filled with enough. We are all in this together.   Don't forget, you can rate and review the podcast and tell Paul the change this podcast has affected in your own life.   [13:36] Paul introduces Brian.   Brian is 45 years old, married and lives in Easley, SC. He is married with two children. He was in the Army for 17 years before moving to the South. For fun Brian likes to golf, ski, snowb

Today we have Belle. She took her last drink June 30, 2012. With almost 8 years of sobriety (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul opens discussing what alcohol promises and does not deliver. Many people are trying to fill a void by using alcohol, but it will never be enough. The journey you take and the reward you earn on this life being AF is the eternal knowing that you are enough and are fulfilled.   [7:58] Paul introduces Belle.   Belle is 53 years old, married and lives in Paris, France. She is a caterer.   [11:06] Because of the formal nature of the culture in Paris, is the recovery culture more secluded?   Belle says that because she interacts mostly with English speakers (UK, American, Australia, Canada) her insight into the recovery world in France isn't that well-informed. But she does state that there isn't the overindulgent alcoh

Today we have Jeff. He took his last drink February 8, 2020. With 65 days of sobriety (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul opens discussing emotions. How it's ok to feel all of them and how they help us to grow. In order to shift stagnant energy inside all of us, we have to talk about our emotions. It's ok to not be ok. It's ok to vent out your emotions and break off little pieces of frustration.   [12:08] Paul introduces Jeff. Jeff is 29 years old, lives in Tampa, FL. He is a plumber. He doesn't have a family, yet! He likes to hang out with his dog Bo and go fishing, camping and attend sporting events. [13:58] What's your favorite alcohol free drink? Cherry Coke. [15:13] Give us a background on your drinking Jeff started drinking around the age of 15 with anything he could get his hands on. He remembers being 5 years old and having a sip o

Today we have Carrie. She took her last drink April 7, 2020. With 7 days of sobriety (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol-free (AF). Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    On today's episode Paul discusses the idea that you don't have to quit drinking in order to quit drinking and what that means to different people and himself. When you give yourself permission to be happy in the now, the need to drink goes away. By not delaying happiness in life, an alcohol-free life emerges. If you have more questions about this, please email Paul directly  here   [12:30] Paul introduces Carrie.   She is 42 years old, lives in Centralia, MO. She is a single mom of 2 boys. She sells cars for a living. Carries likes to read, spend time at baseballs games, spend time with her kids, to bike and be outdoors. She is looking forward to rediscovering new way to spend her time.   [16:29] Give us a background on your drinking     Car

Today we have Ruth. She took her last drink March 21, 2020. With 13 days of sobriety (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol free (AF) during a worldwide pandemic. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    On today's episode Paul discusses the sale of alcohol / liquor stores remaining open worldwide during COVID-19 and its effects. ODAAT: it's not just for those who are living an AF life anymore. The quarantine is an invitation to examine our lives and find new pathways to joy.   Paul shares the details about his free guided meditation. To find those meditations, go here.       [13:25] Paul introduces Ruth.      They start by discussing the email Ruth had sent to Paul directly to ask him what his own thoughts were about living alcohol free during COVID-19.   [15:56] What were you feeling when you sent me this email?   Ruth became aware that the pandemic was going to be a test for a lot of people. She wanted to let pe

Today we have Kirby. She took her last drink March 25, 2018. This is her story.   Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul shares more stories from listeners, and Café RE members, sharing their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. We'd love to hear how you are doing through this as well. Email your story to [email protected].   [16:41] Paul introduces Kirby.      Kirby is 30 years old and lives in Charleston, SC. She is single and lives with 2 other family members and her 3 cats. For fun Kirby likes to try new things, even things she thinks she won't be interested in. Spending time outside brings her joy. Her favorite alcohol free concert was Ryan Caraveo.   [19:40] Give us a background on your drinking.    Kirby thinks her first drink was around the age, of 13. She doesn't exactly remember, but has been able to piece it together through asking friends. Her first black out happened at the age of 16, whic

Today we have Tom. He took his last drink February 16, 2019.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul shares stories from listeners, and Café RE members, sharing their experiences during this Covid-19 pandemic.   We'd love to hear how you are doing through this as well.  Email your story to [email protected].  Paul also reminds us to cut ourselves a break, practice self-love and compassion.  He asks that you love yourself, regardless of where you are on this journey.  For some free guided meditations, go here.     [18:55] Paul introduces Tom.    Tom is 64 years old and lives along the shore of Lake Erie, near Cleveland, OH.  He is married and has 2 adult children, a son and a daughter.  For work Tom is a graphic artist, and for fun Tom loves to cook, which led him to vegetable gardening, which is also a loved pastime of his.  Tom is also a big history buff.          [26:55] Give us a backg

Today we have Derek. He took his last drink August 22, 2019.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about what a Nolo drink is, non-alcoholic beers, and kombucha…and whether, or not, we should stay away from them if they have trace amounts of alcohol.  He also talks about the roll, if any, that cannabis and plant medicine play in recovery.  Paul also explains about some of the changes taking place with Café RE.  Sone of the changes is, starting on May 1st, 15% of the membership fees will dedicated towards a partnership with a non-profit organization that is geared towards helping those affected by addiction.    The link to the article where Paul gets his information from can be found here.    [15:35] Paul introduces Derek.    Derek is 35-year-old and is from New York City, currently living in Philadelphia, and is a real estate agent.  Derek loves riding his bike and playing ping pong.    

Today we have Raj. He took his last drink May 11, 2014.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul zooms out and talks about the journey.   If you are listening to this podcast you are an active participant in the center of the ring.  Your conscious decision to ditch the booze places you in the center of the ring.  Who is the critic when you're in the ring grappling with alcohol?  You are, but you can rewire those thoughts and become your greatest cheerleader.  Watch the video of the little girl not giving up here.    [16:05] Paul introduces Raj.    Raj is 54 years old and is from Las Angeles.  He is divorced and has a 13-year-old son.  Raj is an avid cyclist and says it keeps him sober.    [22:20] Give us a background on your drinking.   Raj says he didn't really drink until college and even then, it was a very slow progression.  In 1991 Raj started having adverse consequences to his drinking, such

Today we have Lucas. He took his last drink November 13th, 2018.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about crisis.  In some languages the word 'crisis' is coupled with the word 'opportunity'.  Everyone experiences crisis' in life, but we are the fortunate ones that are forced to reach out for help.  We are then in this together…think the movie, The Breakfast Club.    [11:15] Paul introduces Lucas.    Lucas is 32 years old, was born and raised in the DC metro area.  He is married, no kids yet.  Lucas is a UPS driver.  He has a dog that they rescued from a shelter.  For fun Lucas likes to work out, go to sporting events, and concerts.    [17:00] Give us a background on your drinking.   Lucas started drinking when he was 13 years old.  By the time he was 15/16 he says he would routinely blackout from drinking.  It was at that time he started to realize that it was something he perhaps shou

Today we have Renee. She took her last drink January 2nd, 2020.  This is her story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about Rule 22.  What it is.  Why it is important to make this rule a part of your life ASAP.  Rule 22 = Lighten up.  Don't take yourself too seriously.  Laughter really is the best medicine.  Life is never as serious as the mind wants us to believe.  [12:00] Paul introduces Renee.    Renee is 40 years old and live in Greendale, WI.  She is a hair stylist and is currently working at a children's hair salon.  She is married and they have 2 kids, a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old.  Renee also has a 20-year-old son from a previous relationship.  For fun Renee likes to hike, camp, go on vacations, paddleboard and jigsaw puzzles.    [17:25] Give us a background on your drinking.   Renee started drinking as a teenager, around the age of 15.  She says she did it to fit in and have fun.  She met her

Today we have Janine. She took her last drink on October 6th, 2019.  This is her story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode, Paul talks about your comfort zone, why it's important to have one, why it is so important to get outside of it, and how it is possible to get too far out of it.  The true authentic you doesn't exist in your comfort zone.  Stepping outside your comfort zone even once, makes it easier that you'll do it again.  As for ditching the booze, here are some strategies in regards to the comfort zone.  Instead of quitting forever, aim for one day, or 50% of the days in a month.  Burning the ships?  Go at your own pace.  90 meetings in 90 days too much, aim for 1 a week, then 2 a week.      [20:00] Paul introduces Janine.    Janine is 32 years old and is from Pensacola, FL.  She is married and has a 9-month-old daughter.  Janine is a former kindergarten teacher.  For fun she likes to go to the beach with

Today we have Aaron. He took his last drink October 6, 2019.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about it being possible for things to coexist in your life, you can feel calm and accomplished while you still have things to do.  It is important to recognize both parts equally.  When you are in the middle of a tough emotion you can chose to ride it out on the surface, which would be the mind, or deep down, which would be the belly area of the body.  Do you best to get out of the mind and stay in the belly, preferably with belly breaths.      [13:00] Paul introduces Aaron.    Aaron is 54 years old and lives in Pittsburgh, PA.    He is a chiropractor and loves health, fitness and exercise.  Aaron has a 65-acre farm and plays rugby.    [17:50] Give us a background on your drinking.   Aaron didn't drink until his dad passed away from heart failure when Aaron was a junior in college.  His frie

Today we have Tara. She took her last drink February 4, 2019.  This is her story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about the top 10 reasons for quitting drinking.  Number one; your authentic self will begin to emerge.  Number two; you don't have a headache due to lack of aspirin in your system.  Number three; you'll begin to find out who you aren't.  Number four; you're open to signs from the universe.  Number five; you can start to see the insanity of the mind.  Number six; your brain will start to produce regular amounts of melatonin.  Number seven; welcome back oxytocin.  Number eight; you're part of something much bigger.  Number nine; you stop hoping.  Number ten; you have a chance to start working on the one big lesson you've signed up for in this lifetime.    [19:15] Paul introduces Tara.    Tara is 46 years old and lives in Seattle, WA.    She is a preschool teacher, founded her own preschool 25

Today we have Vinny. He took his last drink 9 ½ years ago.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about change.  Whether you like it, or not, you are always changing.  You're either building new circuits or adding new blockages to your energy field.  With an addiction it's either gaining momentum or you're lessening the energetic bonds of the addiction.  You must make time to always do the work.    [15:45] Paul introduces Vinny.    Vinny is 61 years old and lives in Bangkok.  For fun Vinny like to read, watch a good TV series, going to meetings and helping people.       [19:20] Give us a background on your drinking.   Vinny discovered alcohol in his late teens and continued to use it for 10 years. The next 10 years involved alcohol and smoking marijuana.  He added crack to the mix and became a crack addict for the following 5 years.  He went to 2 treatment centers and didn't get clean unti

Today we have Sofi. She took her last drink on April 28, 2014.  This is her story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about tough love.  If you are saying you want to quit drinking…but…"you can't because…fill in the blank ", or "you can't because you don't want to…fill in the blank", in other words, you want to quit but don't want to put in the work, well here's some tough love for you…that doesn't work.    [11:00] Paul introduces Sofi.    Sofi is 30 years old and it from London.  She has 4 older sisters.  For fun Sofi enjoys exercise and hanging out in nature while listening to podcasts.    [15:00] Give us a background on your drinking.   Sofi says she has always had an addictive personality.  With alcohol Sofi noticed a change around the age of 14.  She was at a boarding school so all her drinking took place on the weekends.  Sofi says that the wheels came off when she went to university.   Freshman yea