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

Today we have Andrea. She is 47 years old and lives in Phoenix, AZ. She took her last drink on November 9th, 2021. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [02:12] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares a quote with us that says, "decide what life you want to live and say no to everything else".  This same quote can be applied to your thoughts.    What comes to mind after reading this quote is the word "purge". Saying no and letting go of things that don't fit the life we want to live isn't easy, but it is healthy and so is crying.   Emotional tears have many health benefits. They contain stress hormones and other toxins. Researchers have theorized that crying flushes these toxins out of your system. A good cry also activates the parasympathetic nervous system which sends signals of calm and restoration to the body. In addition to this, crying dulls pain and releases oxytocin and endorphins. It is a way for the body to find a new emotional bal

Today we have Rick. He is 46 years old and lives in New Hampshire. He took his last drink on September 9th, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [02:45] Ponderings from Kris:   For many of us on this journey, we start in a survival state of mind. The early days are filled with some basic life skills. How do I not drink when I get home from work? How do I handle conflict with people in my life? What do I do when I'm bored, stressed, sad, angry, or how am I supposed to celebrate? Kris reminds us that it is normal to focus on these things.   After a while there is a shift to "what's next?". Recovering people before us have figured out that in order to keep what we have found in recovery; we have to give it away.   We have had our struggles, and some of us have been through some really challenging situations that led up to, or as a result of our alcohol usage, but we don't have to let that keep us down! Who is better equipped to tal

Today we have Kevin. He is 44 years old and lives in Cleveland, OH. He took his last drink on April 28th, 2018.   [03:09] Thoughts from Paul:   One of the main goals at Recovery Elevator is to soften the stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and recovery. Another goal is to give listeners permission to shred the shame and recover our authentic selves along the way.   The phrase "Drink Responsibly" is such a cop out and doesn't do anything but place blame on the drinker. Alcohol is the most addictive drug on the planet, and you won't see other drugs proclaiming that you use the substance responsibly. We can do the "Drink Responsibly" thing way better and at the same time bring more people together in community from both sides of the aisle to heal.   A favorite NA beverage company of Paul's, GO Brewing and Recovery Elevator have partnered up to release 180 six packs of their award-winning Sunbeam Pilsner. GO Brewing was started by a fellow member in the recovery space, Joe Chura. This is two companies who have a

Today we have Danielle. She is 34 years old and lives in Northern Ontario. She took her last drink on August 20th, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [03:22] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares the history of Recovery Elevator, how launching the podcast gave him accountability and how the listeners helped it expand over the last 464 consecutive weeks.   The big message he wants to share here, however, is that if you are going to quit drinking or are seeking an alcohol-free life then you're going to have to do something different. Probably something very different than what you're currently trying. And it doesn't have to suck.   You 100% can ditch the booze, and we are here to help. But do yourself a favor join Café RE, go to an AA meeting, check out Smart Recovery, take a sober ukulele class. There are more recovery pathways today than there ever have been, and we feel there is no right or wrong way to quit drinking.     [10:54]

Today we have Zach. He is 34 years old and lives in Richmond, VA. He took his last drink on July 18th, 2023.   Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [04:14] Thoughts from Paul:   Today we are talking about change. Research suggests that only 9% of people that make New Years resolutions complete them. Many quit well before February even starts. The main reason that these resolutions fail is our energies swing all the way to one side of the spectrum. In other words, we are out of balance.   With drinking, we find ourselves addicted to alcohol. Then the mind comes up with the idea that we need to not be addicted to alcohol, then we become addicted to the idea of not being addicted. This is equally out of balance. So that's the word I want to plant with you today as we begin the new year is balance. On our sobriety journey, we cannot fight, or go to battle with an alcohol addiction.   So, in terms of quitting drinking and not going overboa

Today we have Tana. She is 44 years old and lives in Washington State. She took her last drink on July 30th, 2020.  Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Paul shares an article where scientists say the mystery of how red wine headaches occur may be solved. Paul's opinion is that it's a waste of time, but here's the link for curiosity's sake.   [03:40] Thoughts from Paul:   In 1935, A.A. Founder Bill W, found that when he shared his experience, strength and hope to another individual who was struggling with alcohol, then Bill magically had the strength to remain sober. It shows the universal law of "to give is to have".   Today I give you the message of Merry Christmas. To plant the seed, that to give is to have. To have is to give. Most of us have learned a way, or path that didn't work. Or maybe it kind of worked but was or is incredibly painful. For me, this path required numbing agents, alcohol being the most potent one. Now I know t

Today we have Gill. She's 33 years old from Lexington, MA and took her last drink on November 9th, 2019. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Update from Ryan H on episode 457 – "I'm going on two weeks now and I'm definitely starting to notice a difference in my mood, digestive issues and weight." [03:02] Intro:   Paul shares two Instagram accounts that will help you on your sobriety journey:   Drop the Bottle  - all about sobriety and ditching the booze.   A.L.A.D.D.I.N – not about sobriety, but it is entertaining and when it's creator shares his art with the world, it gives others permission to do the same.   [08:22] Paul introduces Gill:   Gill is 33 and lives right outside of Boston, MA. She has a husband and a cat. She loves playing video games, going to concerts and travelling. She teaches chemistry courses and labs at a college in Boston. She is also the host of the Sober Powered podcast.   Gill says she didn't start drinking unt

Today we have Kerry. She's 40 years old from Williston, ND and took her last drink on January 7th, 2016.  Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Shoutout to our Café RE chat hosts!  Thank you for your dedication to the community, and for providing a space for us to share our experiences. You're the best! [01:29] Highlights from Kris:   It's important that we surround ourselves with people who are going to enrich our lives. People who will meet us where we are, but also challenge us and encourage us to grow.   Kris shares some examples of great friends he has in his life and shares an article that outlines Five Types of Friends – friends we need and need to be.   Take a look at the people you have in your life. Do you think you have someone that fits in each of these categories? When was the last time you let them know what they mean to you? Use this as a reminder to tell someone you love them, and that you're grateful for them.   If you

Now the Holidays have been coupled with alcohol for as long as the Earth has been orbiting the Sun. I’m kidding, that isn’t correct, but you get the point. And if you’re struggling with alcohol or trying to get sober, the holidays can be the ultimate challenge. This episode should help.    In this Holiday Collab Episode, we’ve got Gill from the Sober Powered Podcast. Casey from the Hello Someday Podcast, and Veronica from the Soberful Podcast. 

Today we have Spencer. He's 44 years old from Minneapolis, MN and took his last drink on September 23rd, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  [02:04] Highlights from Paul:   Start your day with a smile. It doesn't matter if the smile is fake or real. The body doesn't know the difference and the nervous system always responds positively with a smile.   Smiling increases mood-enhancing hormones. Smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, while decreasing stress-enhancing hormones, including cortisol, and adrenaline. It also reduces overall blood pressure.   Another reason to smile is that research shows that smiles are contagious. Most people will find a way to reciprocate in a friendly manner. Smiling is a way to be of service because it makes other people's days better.   Spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has said "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of y

Today we have Mike. He is 44 from Huntsville, AL and took his last drink on April 10th, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  [02:42] Highlights from Paul:   Paul shares how releasing his first album is a huge win for him and that the listeners are a big part of making it happen.   Something commonly heard when people quit drinking is "what is going to fill the void?". We have to rediscover likes and interests. Part of the journey is trying out new hobbies. Sometimes it takes a while to find out what we like to do though, so be patient with  your healing.   If you want to hear the outro song and the full album under the name of Pablo Church, you can check it out on Spotify, or search your preferred music streaming service. What dreams, goals, aspirations, did you have that alcohol stifled like a wet soggy blanket. What did alcohol bump down on your list of personal goals? What do you want in life now that alcohol is no longer in

Today we have Ryan. He's 33 years old from Orange County, NY and took his last drink on September 24th, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  Happy Thanksgiving to all the listeners in the USA! Be sure to take some time this week and let the universe know what you are thankful for and remember a drink won't make your holiday any better. [02:42] Highlights from Paul:   It's the last Q&A episode and today's question is from Darren in Tampa Bay who asks, "What if I can't quit drinking?"   Paul shares that he could have asked this same question not that long ago and his message to Darren and others that maybe feeling this way is to keep moving forward, don't quit quitting, keep using the mind to build, to visualize your alcohol-free life. Accept it all, embrace the journey, and you will come out the other side.   Paul rephrases the question to ask, "what if I can't quit drinking today?" and shares some thoughts and strategies to im

Today we have Nathan. He's 42 years old and from Andover, MN and took his last drink on April 19th, 2023. [02:01] Highlights from Paul:   Today's question is from Darren A. who asks, "Can you discuss resentment and letting go of resentment?"   Life is a school where the people, places, and things are there to help us grow and become deeper human beings. The people we encounter in life are there to help us grow.    The theory is that none of this is happening to you. Remember, that is how a victim speaks. Flip that to believe that everything that has ever happened to you in your life is happening for you, for your own personal growth and development, to make you a more resilient human being.   Resentments are the teachers. Yes, they suck, they emotionally and physically hurt, but they are the opportunities for healthy and normal growth.   Another strategy is to stop labeling things as good or bad. When a person, place or thing pisses you off, try to recognize the mind immediately slapping a label on it, try to

Today we have Chris. He is 40 years old and lives in Austin, TX. He took his last drink on February 16th, 2007. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.      [02:16] Highlights from Paul:   Today is episode 9 out of 10 in the Q&A series.   Today's question comes from Krista B, in our Café RE group. She says:   "How Paul is feeling about ayahuasca and other plant medicines. Are you still as passionate about its benefits today as a few years ago? Has the treatment worked in a sustained way, in your opinion?"   Paul shared his initial experience with ayahuasca in episode 170. He believes that plant medicines have a place in the world of addiction and mental health. Do not buy it on the internet and try it solo; set and setting is everything. There is so much preparation that needs to go into an ayahuasca ceremony and under the right circumstances, it will answer many questions. A big one being why you drink. Paul shares how ayahuasca still

Today we have Kristan. She is 60 years old and lives in Delaware. She took her last drink on June 3rd, 2019. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  [01:34] Highlights from Kris:   Today we are continuing the Q & A series and it's a two for one. First question, Dale wants to know "How can I do more in my recovery community?"   Some traditional responses to this question might AA, or any other group with the word recovery in it. These are great, but Kris shares that we can expand our view to other groups. Church groups, book club, a running club, or a workout group.   Sharing can be a great way to get involved within a recovery community. Hearing others share and be vulnerable encourages us to share and be vulnerable too. By being open, you are being of service in your recovery. You never know who you may be helping with your share.   Think of the things that you bring to the table, and what you'd like to see your community of

Today we have Andy. He is 46 from Washington, DC and took his last drink on August 12th, 2023. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [02:17] Highlights from Paul:   Today's question is from Liz in the Café RE OG group: "How Would You Describe a "Spiritual Experience" in Recovery? Was it a Bill W. "White Light" or a long series of little twinkles? Somewhere in between? Something else altogether?"   We all know there is no right or wrong way to quit drinking, but Paul believes the spirituality component is important, because it connects or reconnects you to the universe or a god of your understanding.   For many, a large twinkle of spirituality took place took place near the date of their last drink. Some call this a window of clarity. I've heard it been described as "I just knew it was going to be different this time." Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung called them synchronicities or the breadcrumbs of life.   Everyone's version of s

Today we have Emilee. She is 33 from Double Springs, AL and has been alcohol free since February 26th, 2023.   Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [02:55] Highlights from Paul:   Today's question is from Dale: How do I stop comparing myself to others in Recovery?   This is a BIG PICTURE question. An issue that probably didn't arise when you quit drinking. I'm guessing this is something you have been doing for quite some time.   Part of this is healthy. You'll want to model your sobriety after someone who seems to have done the work, or who has what you want. You'll want to compare parts of your journey with theirs… But the key is not to have it consume you.   Paul shares his thoughts on this topic and reminds us that comparison is all part of the human condition and to know that when one person blooms, we all receive the benefit.   [10:30]: Kris introduces Emilee:   Emilee is 33 from Double Springs, AL. She is married and

Today we have Grant. He is 54 from Sacramento, CA and took his last drink on August 10th, 2020. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  [02:16] Highlights from Paul:   We are five weeks into our Q & A series. This week's question comes from Sarah C. "What can you say to someone, so they don't drink?" Or how to help someone not drink.   Paul gives us some tried and true methods that work and strategies that the Recovery Elevator team believe in. Here are a few suggestions that Paul shares with us:   Tough love does not work, so a tone or stance of unconditional love needs to be present when confronting a friend who is about to drink.   Quick note about boundaries. Talking with people that are drunk can be triggering, and little can be done. Ask them to call you in the morning or when they are sober.   Being there with your presence, whether it is in person, via the phone or FaceTime, or Zoom, is the best thing you can do to h

Today we have Sarah. She is 46 and lives in Buckhannon, WV. Sarah has been alcohol free since December 15, 2022. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [02:23] Highlights from Paul:   We are four weeks into our ten-episode Q & A series and today's question is "what are alcohol withdrawals like in the first week?" This question as asked by Robyn in Café RE Blue.   The answer to this is going to depend on how much you drink on a daily or nightly basis and it's not a one size fits all answer.   I highly recommend detoxing under medical supervised care if you consume more than 6-8 drinks daily and have been doing so for several months or years. Quitting cold turkey can be life threatening. 72 hours is the magic number. Once you hit this number, the worst of the physical components are behind you.   Paul shares some tips for navigating the first week and shares some of the changes our bodies go through. The whole withdrawal pro

Today we have Santino. He is 35 from Taunton, MA and took his last drink on May 24th, 2022. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.    [03:05] Highlights from Paul:   Today's question comes from Kelly in our Café RE Up Group. The question is "how do you make it through your first sober concert?"   The first of eight fantastic tips include giving yourself a little alcohol-free time before going to a concert. Once you've got some time under your belt, and the cravings are in check, then you can hit the green light on concerts.  Regardless of how many days you have, if you are feeling squirrely the dray of the concert then sit it out.  Sobriety is the priority.   Paul then shares several tips to include:   -       Always have a non-alcoholic beverage in hand. -       Do not volunteer to be the DD. -       Make sure everyone you are attending with knows your intentions.   Some of the best parts about sober concerts? You will rememb