Ben’s Hidden Battle with Alcohol and the Magic of Sharing

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Brad interviews David, who shares his raw and emotional journey from a challenging childhood growing up in New Mexico. David excelled at football, but after an injury, it was time to hang up the cleats, and his alcohol drinking escalated. David describes alcohol as his best friend, and it wasn’t until he was faced with losing everything that he decided to make a phone call that would change the direction of his life. This is David’s story on the sober motivation podcast. ------------ Connect with David here: https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowsdope/ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:32 David's Early Life and Family Background 02:26 First Encounters with Substance Use 03:28 Struggles with Belonging and Early Substance Use 06:33 High School Experiences and First Drinking 08:55 College Life and Fraternity Challenges 12:18 Football Dreams and Setbacks 14:55 Post-College Life and Early Career 29:15 Coaching and Early Signs of Alcohol Problems 36:15 Relationship Struggles and Deepening Addiction 39:24 Reflecting on a Serious Relationship 40:29 The Path of Destruction 42:14 Coping Mechanisms and Realizations 48:50 The Turning Point: DUI Incident 55:44 First Steps Towards Sobriety 59:04 Embracing Sobriety and Support 01:12:11 Life After Sobriety

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Rebecca, who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building a thriving bakery business. Despite her success, Rebecca struggled with alcohol and sugar, which she realized were masking deeper emotional traumas. Her unique story demonstrates that one doesn't need to hit rock bottom to make life-changing decisions. Rebecca dives deep into the cultural and societal norms that surround alcohol and her transformative path to health and wellness. She offers actionable insights and words of encouragement for anyone looking to live a more intentional and fulfilling life. This is Rebecca’s story on the sober motivation podcast. 👉 Check out Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.hamilton.co/ 🤗 Check out the SoberMotivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co/ ❤️ Donate to Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:46 Rebecca's Tumultuous Childhood 02:37 Starting and Growing a Bakery Business 04:13 The Role of Alcohol in Social Life 07:58 Meeting Her Husband and His Sobriety Journey 20:19 Health and Wellness Journey 31:16 Struggles with Quitting Alcohol 32:01 Finding New Ways to Cope 32:53 The Turning Point 35:48 A Pivotal Moment 40:09 Life After Alcohol 47:34 Empowerment and Belief Systems 51:17 Advice for Those Struggling 56:33 Raising Awareness and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore nine critical questions designed to help those struggling with sobriety consider their relationship with alcohol. Addressing the personal and emotional costs, the episode delves into the importance of support systems, the fallacy of 'doing it alone,' the pitfalls of waiting for the perfect time to quit, and the common yet unique nature of drinking stories.    

In this episode, we have Dr. Sarah Michaud who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through addiction and codependency. Sarah opens up about her childhood marked by alcoholism, her struggles with substance abuse, and the life-altering moments that led her to seek help. She discusses the hardships of growing up in a chaotic environment, the role of denial in addiction, and the sobering reality of hitting rock bottom. Through her story, Sarah illuminates the often painful but ultimately rewarding path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the life-changing benefits of sobriety. This is Sarah’s story on the sober motivation podcast. ------------- Join the Sober Motivation Community HERE ---->>>> https://sobermotivation.mn.co Sarah on YouTube here------>>> https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown

In this episode we have Steven who shares his journey battling alcohol addiction. Steven shares how his normal childhood quickly spiraled into heavy drinking during his early police career, leading to decades of escalating dependency and withdrawal struggles. He recounts staring death in the eye after drinking took a massive toll on his health and he was unsure if he would live or die.  For Steven quitting alcohol changed everything, and he has been able to make massive changes in his life. From prints with the boys to the operating table, this is Steven’s story on the sober motivation podcast. --------------- Steven's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6OuaPmR7xqSDfUxkcYVkrA Steven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenalcoholfreelifestyle 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 Early Life and First Encounters with Alcohol 02:05 Adolescence and Escalation of Drinking 03:30 Joining the Police and Drinking Culture 04:43 Marriage, Parenthood, and Increased Drinking 06:32 First Attempts at Recovery and Relapse 12:07 Struggles with Support Systems and Self-Medication 15:29 The Vicious Cycle of Relapse 27:11 The Collapse: Losing Everything 28:16 The Stigma of Not Drinking 28:57 Struggles with Alcohol Dependency 31:37 Failed Attempts at Recovery 33:14 A Turning Point: Seeking Help 35:42 The Road to Recovery 36:20 Rebuilding Relationships 38:50 Life After Sobriety 52:42 Final Reflections and Advice

In this episode, we have Melissa, who opens up about her upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin and how a great childhood led to struggles with alcohol. Despite not encountering drinking in her family, Melissa recounts her early experiences with alcohol, the toxic relationships, and the eventual descent into binge drinking and drug use. Melissa shares her turning point after a series of attempts at sobriety, including several 'dry Januarys,' in February of 2024, Melissa starts to reclaim her life. Her journey from the chaos of addiction to trusting the process. This is Melissa’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast. ------------ Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mam_i_am1/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Melissa's Childhood and Family Background 01:21 High School Experiences and Early Relationships 03:22 College Life and Introduction to Alcohol 10:34 Post-College Life and Moving to D.C. 17:36 Return to Wisconsin and Weight Loss Journey 20:17 Struggles with Alcohol and Social Drinking Culture 24:51 Reflecting on Drinking Habits and Health 27:41 Dry January and the Impact of COVID-19 31:52 Reflecting on the Party Lifestyle 33:08 Questioning Drinking Habits 34:14 The Hip Injury Incident 37:37 YOLO Summer and Escalation 39:48 Christmas Chaos and Realizations 46:12 Attempting Moderation 47:52 Embracing Sobriety 56:06 Trusting the Process

In this episode, we have Simon, who shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey from teenage grief to getting sober and completing Ironman's. Simon opens up about his struggles with alcohol and painkillers, the wake-up calls that spurred his transformation, and the profound emotional rewards of his sobering journey.  Simon’s story underscores the transformative power of small, consistent actions and the support from loved ones in overcoming life's biggest challenges. ---------------- Simon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/keynotemaguire/ Visit: https://www.sobermotivation.com

In this episode, we have Jon, who shares his compelling story of growing up in the Northeast, experiencing significant losses at a young age, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Jon recounts his struggle with heavy drinking throughout high school, college, and into his adult life, detailing a near-death experience and some attempts to quit. He discusses the impact of losing his mother, the importance of his supportive father, and the eventual decision to embrace sobriety after decades of nightly drinking. Jon struggled with a deep sense of sadness and continues to work on himself every day, and this is Jon’s story on the Sober Motivation Podcast. ---------- Support the Show Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation Contact Jon here: https://www.instagram.com/steelfirestudiollc/   00:00 Introduction to Season Four 00:32 John's Early Life and Family Loss 02:31 High School Struggles and First Encounters with Alcohol 04:10 A Near-Death Experience and Failed Attempts at Sobriety 06:21 Private School Turnaround and College Challenges 14:57 Post-High School: Marine Corps and DUI Incident 18:31 Seattle Move and University Life 26:28 Navigating Life's Challenges with Alcohol 27:55 The Turning Point: Realizing the Impact of Alcohol 28:33 The Struggle with Sadness and Loss 30:42 The Illusion of Control and Functionality 33:17 Career Changes and Escaping Reality 36:08 The Decision to Quit Drinking 39:47 Life After Alcohol: A New Beginning 41:51 The Support System and Personal Growth 44:48 The Joy of Authentic Living 51:12 Final Reflections and Advice  

In this episode, we have Ben, a pastor from South Georgia, who shares his life story marked by childhood challenges, struggles with perfectionism, and eventually alcohol addiction. Ben discusses growing up in a tumultuous household, his late start with drinking at nearly 21, and how alcohol became both a coping mechanism and a source of shame. He talks about the moment that led him to seek sobriety in January 2022. Tune into Ben’s amazing story of sobriety and newfound gratitude that has transformed his life. -------------- Join the Sober Motivation Community: https://sobermotivation.mn.co Download the MyDry30 App: https://mydry30.com/ Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgosden/ Ben's Book: Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery  Check it out here: https://a.co/d/7AAgfnT

In this special holiday episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Brad sits down with Megan, Stephanie, Jeff and Dave. We talk about insights and strategies for staying sober through the holiday season. In a roundtable discussion, we touch upon various challenges people face during holidays, including social pressures, family gatherings, and emotional turmoil. We discuss the significance of maintaining consistent sobriety, setting clear boundaries, and developing a plan to respond effectively to triggers. The discussions also explore concepts like 'playing the tape forward', implementing accountability, and participating in sobriety support communities. The talk concludes with some empowering thoughts for those who might experience relapses during their sobriety journey. Join the Sober Motivation Community free for 30 days here:  https://sobermotivation.mn.co