Real Recovery Talk

Latest Episodes:

77 - Noah Kingery Transformational Truth His Battle With Addiction and His Extreme Weight Loss Journey Jul 25, 2019

Show notes

Noah Kingery is a living inspiration. He runs Nutrition Management with 100 clients worldwide. He is also only 26 years old, yet he has overcome addiction, gained and lost over 200 pounds, and started and stopped a successful fashion business. When Tom heard about Noah's story, he knew he would be the perfect guest to have on the show to inspire listeners and clients.

In this episode, Tom and Noah talk about Noah's story. The road to recovery. How different upbringings can affect addiction. And Noah shares a lot of wisdom around finding the right support and reasons to stay sober, overcome addiction, and focus on health. This is an inspirational story of success and missteps that are all part of life and living. We want to welcome Noah to the show!

Show Notes

[03:12] In 2007, Noah was playing soccer and chasing dreams. Noah wanted to escape and two years later he was drinking and doing drugs.
[04:42] Addiction takes anything good in your life and destroys it.
[05:47] Noah was born and raised in Bangalore, India. He has two sisters. His family never gave up on him through the addiction process.
[07:20] Noah also gained 210 pounds in one year. Food can be an addiction too.
[09:45] Noah worked in the fashion industry and was a functioning addict.
[14:04] Ridding yourself of guilt and shame and adding accountability is one stepping stone to getting out of addiction.
[16:25] People who cared deeply for Noah were shattered by his addiction.
[17:32] Building a disdain for the addictive lifestyle can be incredibly strong fuel for making the right decisions.
[18:20] In 2014, Noah ended up under financial investigation. He knew it was time to get sober and rebuild his integrity.
[19:28] He used the gym and quiet time with the lord as sanctuary for release. A year later, he lost the weight and the problems were fixed.
[21:13] He was under house arrest, so it changed his environment and allowed him to make drastic changes in his life.
[23:30] He showed up and pushed through even when he didn't feel like it.
[25:16] In 2016, he closed the door on the fashion industry.
[26:19] His relationships hold him up and help him stay sober.
[28:11] When people get sober one of the first things they want to get back is money.
[29:39] He started Nutrition Management and had 13 clients. He wasn't sure if this was going to be a passion or a career. He was all in and wanted to do it full time.
[31:58] He now has 50 clients overseas and 50 clients in the US.
[32:32] Start to steward small things and it will add up.
[36:47] Whenever urges for emotional eating start to come back, Noah reaches out to his support system.
[39:13] It's so important to have one person that you can talk to on a deep emotional level.
[42:37] Identify what you're running from. Identify what you want to accomplish. Deeply root how good it feels to make optimal decisions for your life. Find your purpose and your passion.
[45:31] Remember how much work you had to do to get to where you are now. Recovery capital. The longer you are sober, the more likely you are to stay sober.
[53:25] Noah is grateful for this opportunity and wants Tom to continue to create the impact that he is creating.

Links and Resources:

76 - How Self Esteem Directly Affects Our Recovery Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

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:

75 - Suboxone - Our Opinions - The Pros and Cons Jul 11, 2019

Show notes

Suboxone has been a hot topic for us recently. Today, Tom and Ben take some time to educate you about Suboxone, so that you can make an educated decision for yourself or your loved one. Ben has personal experience being on Suboxone and it was one of the medically assisted treatment or MAT options. It's also a drug that is marketed by the manufacturers.

In this episode, we share some of the pros and cons of using this substance. We aren't against MAT programs, but some of the information can be misleading. We do believe that abstinence based long-term sobriety has better outcomes. We talk about the importance of identifying the proper candidate, some of the marketing, whether it can get you high or not, and much more.

Show Notes:

[02:59] Ben has personal experience being on Suboxone long-term. It's a medically assisted treatment MAT option.
[03:19] One thing to be aware of is that there's a pharmaceutical company and marketing behind Suboxone.
[04:40] We are here to educate you on the pros and cons of it.
[05:08] Suboxone can help a lot of people get to that abstinence-based part of their recovery.
[06:18] Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist mixed with an opioid antagonist. It blocks all other opiates. You have to be in full withdrawal before going on Suboxone.
[08:12] Someone who is using for a long time would be candidate. They've made several attempts at sobriety, but their brain chemistry has changed. Tapering down and using Suboxone should help.
[10:43] Suboxone is marketed as a magic pill or a cure. It really just assists in the process.
[11:49] It definitely has an opioid effect for people who have a low tolerance. Used properly it can help change the lifestyle and help focus on treatment and therapy.
[14:12] Suboxone is used in a detox center as a taper. Without medical assistance, a heroin user can go through a lot of withdrawals.
[15:02] After two weeks, you should be off the Suboxone completely and have nothing in your system.
[15:35] The problem arises when people start using Suboxone as a crutch or realize that it can get them high, then they are just trading one for the other.
[15:47] People on Suboxone maintenance programs can be on it for multiple years. Coming off of the Suboxone will be just as bad or worse than coming off of the heroin.
[16:29] Ben was on Suboxone for more than a couple years. Ultimately, the game plan should be to get off of everything, even if that plan takes a couple years.
[18:20] Another thing to think about is what would you do if your insurance runs out or if the pharmacy runs out of Suboxone.
[19:15] Ben will take someone through the 12 steps even if they are on Suboxone. You get the most sick when you drop from 1 mg to 0.
[21:22] The tipping point where it's about to get uncomfortable is one of the hardest places for an addict to be when trying to maintain sobriety.
[22:10] There's going to be an uncomfortable part of the process, but you have to go through it to get to the other side.
[25:24] Are you going to reach your fullest potential when you are on Suboxone? No, the longer you are on it, it becomes the new normal.
[27:13] Suboxone is a narcotic that wreaks havoc on the body. You won't be in as good shape having this in your system as you would be with it not in your system.
[28:18] People are even going into treatment to get off of Suboxone.
[31:42] Addiction is a symptom of something that is going on. Let's figure out what's causing anxiety that makes you need to take the anti-anxiety medicine.
[33:40] We need to figure out what's causing all of these uncomfortable feelings and address that.
[34:52] We aren't anti Suboxone, but we do believe you need to take an individualistic approach.
[35:22] Don't make the decision to use Suboxone alone. Reach out to someone who has the education to help you.
[36:57] Your loved one has to buy into their own treatment plan.

Links and Resources:

Real Recovery Talk on YouTube

74 - Top 5 Reasons People Leave Addiction Treatment Early Jul 04, 2019

Show notes

Why do people leave treatment early? Tom and Ben we'll be discussing the top five reasons why people leave treatment early in this podcast episode. There are so many excuses and reasons that people use to say that recovery isn't working for them. Most of these come from within. We discuss the top five, and how these objections can be overcome.

We also talk about each of the reasons and explain how they can apply to different people. Recovery isn't easy, and it isn't supposed to be. We talk about the importance of being challenged and having opportunities for growth. We also talk about how family members can contribute to the problem and more.

Show Notes:

[02:48] They are in denial that there is even a problem. Sometimes people have to be strong-armed into going into treatment. There are interventions, and things are taken away.
[03:37] If treatment is forced on people, they may not believe that they have a problem.
[04:10] Any part of the family dynamic can be in denial not just the addict. This is why we don't want the loved ones intervening during treatment.
[06:54] As time goes on, people start feeling better and the addiction starts creeping back in. This is unfortunate because this is the time people start leaving treatment. Getting 90 to 120 days in treatment is the key.
[07:53] The program is just too difficult. If it was easy everyone would do it. Without a challenge, you won't grow.
[08:53] We have adventure challenges and make things difficult, so people have an opportunity to constantly grow.
[09:44] Having to adapt and follow rules creates challenges that can help people in treatment grow and learn to face challenges.
[10:40] We want the opportunity for things to be difficult, because it's about the application of the tools clients learn to use.
[13:25] Withdrawal symptoms. People still feel bad after detox. This can cause people wanting to leave when they can't get through this uncomfortable feeling.
[14:39] Post acute withdrawal can cause anxiety and depression where people still aren't thinking quite right.
[16:53] If someone is clinically depressed, it's our responsibility as a facility to help with that.
[18:53] It really takes us about three weeks in treatment to get into the work and see the patterns and behaviors.
[20:00] Anxiety and depression can have an effect on all of these things we are talking about today and can prevent people from having the lifestyle transformation they need to make.
[20:27] Doesn't think treatment is effective. People have been to multiple treatment centers, and they're not learning anything that they don't already know.
[21:04] If you've been to 10 treatment centers, we have the opportunity to teach you how to apply the stuff that you've learned. Knowing the tools and applying them are two different things.
[23:45] People can get discouraged and adopt a mentality of this is pointless, and I'm not going to do it.
[25:38] Go into group with enthusiasm. If you've been to 10 treatments, you probably have something to offer other people. Try to find a purpose like bringing hope and inspiration to others.
[26:26] I already have the tools to stay sober. You can't teach me anything that I don't already know. You have to create an environment where people want to apply the tools that they've learned.
[27:27] People need to be in an environment that fosters sobriety.
[27:57] Denial that there is a problem. The program is too difficult. We're still going through some withdrawal systems. They don't think the program will be effective. I have the tools to stay sober already.

Links and Resources:

Real Recovery Talk on YouTube

73 - The BEST way to treat addiction! Is Adventure Therapy Effective? Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

This episode is all about the benefits of adventure therapy. It's no secret that I'm affiliated with Rock Recovery and one of the things we offer is adventure therapy. This type of therapy has so many benefits. In this podcast, I'm going to talk about what it is. Why you would want it, and how it helps prepare people for a life during and after recovery.

We offer activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and more. We also understand the benefits of just being outside. It's our goal to create the best environment for the recovery of you or your loved one. Being located in Florida is the perfect place to get outside and try something new. Plus, the benefits are huge, and that's what I'm talking about today.

Show Notes:

[04:10] The purpose behind adventure therapy. It's a psychotherapy that's designed to challenge our clients.
[04:37] Doing something you've never done before will cause anxiety and challenge you, but you come out the other side as accomplished.
[05:28] We do a lot of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling, and climbing rock walls. These are a lot of things that addicts and alcoholics have never experienced before.
[06:10] Before the activity there will be a lot of anxiety and then afterwards people will feel great.
[06:28] It also removes people out of their element and their comfort zone.
[06:58] Adventure therapy changes we do something different all the time.
[08:00] We also do things that don't provoke anxiety like nature walks or just being outside. We also visit the Japanese garden.
[10:20] A lot of our clients come from the Northeast and it is different in Florida. They get opportunities to do things that they haven't done before, and they begin to know and understand that sobriety is fun.
[11:27] Sobriety needs to be worth having, and if it's boring no one is going to want to do it.
[12:17] Adventure therapy also helps people be in the moment and eliminate outside influences.
[13:21] In group, you won't retain anything if you're just thinking about what's going on back home. When you're out doing things, you have to be attentive and engaged.
[13:58] Adventure therapy doesn't allow us to sit there and ruminate. It makes us be in the moment.
[14:28] When people first become sober it's very important to stay busy and surround yourself with people with the same goals.
[15:41] We need to be able to branch out, try new experiences, and surround ourselves with people with positive input.
[17:10] We encourage people to try, and it builds their confidence and gives them a new joy.
[18:39] We can cover everything involved in treatment while we're outside doing different things.
[19:25] Giving people new opportunities to grow is one of the best ways to help with their sobriety.

Links and Resources:

Rock Recovery Center

72 - Just Get on Base Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

Tom and Ben are going to be talking about using your time efficiently in recovery. They will be referencing the movie Moneyball, because there are many parallels between the movie and using your time efficiently in recovery. In the movie, the manager, played by Brad Pitt, gets rid of his star players who swing for the fence and replaces them with players who focus on just getting on base.

The main parallel is the importance of incremental steps. You can't change everything at once. It's important to get sober and then work on life skills to properly transition back to real life and stay sober. Getting a job and paying your rent is an important first step to living real life while being sober. We talk about how these principles apply to the client, the facility, and the family or loved ones of the client.

Show Notes:

[04:35] Average players get on base. One base at a time, you still get the same amount of points. It's just playing it safer.
[05:03] In treatment, there is a limited amount of time, so it has to be used efficiently.
[06:01] Sometimes people in treatment want to change everything about themselves right now.
[06:25] It's important to recognize at the primary purpose of treatment is to get off of drugs and alcohol. Setting the bar too high sets unrealistic expectations.
[07:05] What we're asking clients to do is make progress. You don't have to go from 0 to 100 in 5 seconds.
[07:10] We want to take incremental steps and continue to progress.
[08:04] It's the responsibility of the family, loved ones, and clients to pick a facility that fosters an environment for progress.
[08:31] You need something worth hanging onto after you stop drugs and alcohol.
[09:40] IOP intensive outpatient is the step after the inpatient lockdown part. It's the transitional step that goes from treatment into the real world.
[11:33] The responsibility of the facility should help clients acclimate to the real world.
[13:41] Clients have a responsibility to look for work.
[14:24] During IOP, clients need to take ownership of their own recovery.
[14:37] Being in recovery is an opportunity to work on yourself and only yourself.
[15:09] We want clients to take incremental steps and make a resume and map out potential jobs.
[16:45] Clients need to progress and get to the steps that will make them self-sufficient.
[18:59] Parents can unwittingly work against the progress of their loved one by making it too easy for them and not expecting them to get a job.
[20:07] To get in a sober house, you have to have at least 30 days of sobriety. You have to be employed and pay the $150 a week rent on your own.
[20:38] It comes down to a sense of accomplishment and ownership in one's recovery.
[21:21] Don't let your whole recovery ride on a job offer. Have something in case your big plans fall through.
[26:14] We are supposed to be exposed to things like bills and work during treatment.
[27:24] Set yourself up for success where you are at today.
[28:16] We see more success with clients that just go and do it.

Links and Resources:

Moneyball

71 - Vaping - What you should know Jun 13, 2019

Show notes

A lot of people think vaping is a harmless and safe alternative to smoking. Even worse, it's being marketed to kids as a fun safe thing to do. Unfortunately, the vape oils and ingredients are unregulated, and we don't even know what is in them. We do know that some of the substances like nicotine can have detrimental effects to young minds and bodies. It's also very addictive.

Even worse, a large majority of kids are trying vaping with their friends or vaping on a regular basis without their parents or teachers even knowing about it. This episode is all about vaping. I'm going to talk about the risks, things we don't really know, and what to look out for if you think that your kids are vaping. This is a new and dangerous territory that we all need to get educated about.

Show Notes:

[03:56] Tom talks with a lot of kids in school. One of the most common things he sees is that everyone is vaping.
[04:22] When asking how many students have tried vaping 95 out of 100 will raise their hand.
[05:07] Kids are vaping everywhere. They are even using small devices like the JUUL and discretely blowing the smoke into their sleeves.
[05:59] Talking about it more and raising awareness should help arm kids with the information they need to choose whether they want to do it or not.
[06:17] About 10 or 12 years ago, vaping was used for smoking cessation.
[06:56] The idea behind it was to produce something that would help people stop smoking.
[07:40] Keep in mind, we are only ten or twelve years into the e-cigarette craze. At this point, we don't really know what the health repercussions are.
[08:41] We are beginning to see some health repercussions to vaping.
[09:06] Now people are bypassing cigarettes and going straight to vaping.
[09:57] Unfortunately, vaping is marketed as some sort of great thing. When it's actually very similar to smoking cigarettes. We are also seeing young kids going straight to vaping.
[10:21] Kids who vape have a 30% higher chance of developing a cigarette habit then kids who didn't start vaping.
[11:05] The nicotine content in these oils are high.
[11:51] Vape oils aren't regulated, and they don't even say what's in the product.
[12:24] Nicotine is the most addictive substance on the face of the planet.
[13:36] Flakka is also being put inside vape oils.
[14:47] Sometimes Flakka can cause permanent damage, and there's nothing you can do about it.
[15:24] Nicotine has an effect on the brain, and it slows the developmental side of the brain.
[16:20] Casual vaping can build up a tolerance and turn into habitual vaping. Months down the line it's addictive like a pack of cigarettes would be.
[17:34] Inhaling nicotine also has a biological effect.
[17:39] Vaping in vegetable glycerin can create popcorn lung.
[18:49] The JUUL looks like a USB drive. Parents won't even know kids are vaping. This is marketing for kids.
[21:17] Kids talking about the products to their friends are the number one form of marketing.
[23:06] This is promoting addiction to preteen boys and girls.
[24:02] Saying it's okay to vape, and it's better than the alternative is what ties it in to addiction.
[25:30] Talk to your kids about these things. You are the parent. Reach out and find resources and talk about the dangers, risks, and whys.

Links and Resources:

70 - Am I Addicted? Jun 06, 2019

Show notes

We recently did an episode called, "Am I An Alcoholic" today, we are taking that a step further and helping to answer questions that you could have if you are wondering if you are addicted. First off, we want you to know that there are no stupid questions and if are having questions about these issues hit the chat button at the bottom of the page and Ben or I will be there to answer your questions.

In this episode, Tom and Ben will help you understand if you are addicted and some signs to look out for that might signal that you are addicted. Addiction can encompass a wide variety of things, but if your behaviors are out of control or negatively affecting your life it might be time for some self-reflection and look into the warning signs and see if any of them apply to you.

Show Notes:

[02:51] Alcoholism is somewhat like addiction, but addiction encompasses a large variety of things.
[03:07] You can become addicted to anything but there is a progression to it.
[03:41] Most people go to a casino to win money, but with slot machines people get addicted to the ritual.
[06:14] Just seeing the bar, made Tom feel better, people addicted to drugs start feeling better before they actually do the drugs.
[08:36] They say if you drink alcohol or do a drug long enough that it will literally change your DNA.
[09:01] Addiction can be a broad term for the overuse of anything.
[10:09] Early signs of addiction.
[11:10] Physical dependence and can be two different things, but being physically dependent will cross you into addiction.
[14:00] When you cross the line and doing drugs is destroying your life with many different negative consequences, those are probably signs that you are addicted or close to being addicted.
[15:20] Some warning signs can include things like your friends changing. You might find friends who will drink or shop like you.
[16:27] When Ben was addicted he thought everyone did cocaine. Now that he is sober, he found out not that many people do it. The people you surround yourself with matter.
[18:27] When you become addicted, you start doing things that you wouldn't normally do and legal consequences come down the line.
[19:47] Is pornography addiction making you late for work or ruining your relationships? Are you spending too much time online?
[20:51] Your tolerance increases and that she drink or use more and more Health consequences come along with that.
[20:54] All of these signs point more and more to some type of addiction.
[21:15] Alcoholism is slow, but drugs can be more of an immediate type thing.
[22:37] Methamphetamine and crack release a huge amount of dopamine.
[24:51] Being in denial and not thinking that you are addicted could be a warning sign that you actually are.

Links and Resources:

69 - Choosing the Right Treatment for Me May 30, 2019

Show notes

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to thank everyone in the armed services for all they've done for us, and all they continue to do for us to keep us safe. A lot of people think about getting into treatment, but they have no idea where to start. They have no clue about what resources are available or what resources would be best for them.

The whole process can be confusing. Today's episode is about clearing up that confusion. I'm going to talk about how to get to treatment, what are the best treatments for you, and by the end of the episode, you should have a good idea what the process is like and how to move forward.

Show Notes:

[04:45] One of the hardest hurdles to get over is admitting that you have a problem, if you are looking for treatment, you've gotten over that hurdle and understand that you have an issue.
[05:00] There are different types of treatments like detox, residential, intensive outpatient, intensive inpatient, and outpatient. These are all different names for different levels of care. They all encompass teaching you how to stay sober.
[05:27] Sobriety is the byproduct of figuring out what causes us to use in the first place. There is a therapeutic process for this, and you can really only get it in treatment.
[06:18] Treatment also provides you with a safe place to be. You have a community of people around you that are struggling with the same things and have the same goal in mind.
[08:17] Where you go to treatment usually depends on the resources that you have. If you have health insurance, you can go to treatment almost anywhere in the US depending on your benefits.
[09:07] If you have a medicaid plan, there are state funded providers that you can go to. There are also state funded places and the Salvation Army for people with no medical plan at all.
[10:14] If you have the resources to go to a private treatment center, do that. I hate to say it, but you do get what you pay for.
[10:27] Private treatment centers have the ability to have better treatment options. Employees at private treatment centers are paid well. They went to school for their profession and love helping people and love what they do. Many of them are also professional counselors.
[11:18] If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. This is the case with a lot of the people at the private treatment centers.
[11:36] If you don't have the resources, a state-funded place will do the job.
[11:48] Getting sober really lies within the person. If you want help, you will get it one way or another.
[12:31] You can interview a treatment center. Have a list of questions. One of the things about sales is that you have to know your product.
[14:12] Ask about the location? Is it conducive for employment? How many people are in the groups? Are the therapists licensed? How long have they been doing this? Don't go overboard. Time isn't on your side with addiction.
[15:12] Get your basic questions answered and get there.
[15:40] Set clear cut boundaries with your loved ones. You need to focus on yourself. Outside influence should be limited.
[17:12] Going out of town for treatment can be uncomfortable, but it can also be the best thing.
[17:49] Being able to go somewhere for 60, 90, and 120 days is an opportunity to create a solid foundation for your sobriety.
[18:43] Don't let your family dictate where you can go for treatment.
[19:19] Going somewhere unfamiliar is another opportunity for you to grow.
[20:16] Local rehabs can be tied in with surrounding places like employment opportunities.
[21:02] Drug addicts and alcoholics can be very productive people once they get sober.
[22:38] Staying local keeps you in your comfort zone, your stomping grounds, and you know where you can get drugs.
[23:26] State run places can also be harder to get into, because they have a waiting list.
[23:55] Smaller treatment centers can also have a waiting list. They give more personalized care.
[24:55] Options are out there whether you have private health insurance or no money at all. It's just a matter of seeking help.
[26:29] It's amazing what people can do once they decide to get sober. Don't get stuck in hopelessness, because you don't have the right support or health insurance.
[27:32] If you reach out enough, you will find the help that you need.

Links and Resources:

68 - Am I An Alcoholic? May 23, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever wondered if you an alcoholic? In this episode, we talk about signs that might mean that you are an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. Most people don't just wake up and become an alcoholic. Although, some people may be genetically predisposed to alcoholism. There are a number of signs that when combined can mean that you are an alcoholic or that are precursors to becoming an alcoholic.

We also talk about the importance of self-diagnosis, because you can't fight something that you don't believe is true. We also talk about recovery and how it is about living life without needing alcohol to cope. We share some of our personal experiences, along with, how recovery can be a great experience if you find the right place to do it at. We also talk about the differences between heavy drinking, binge drinking, and being an alcoholic.

Show Notes:

[03:25] Alcoholism has to be self-diagnosed. If you don't buy into it yourself, what path are you going to take?
[03:36] We are going to dive into what is the difference between the problem drinker and the real alcoholic. It's going to come down to the measures that need to be taken.
[04:21] Alcohol abuse is the precursor to alcoholism. It's possible with alcohol abuse that there aren't any physical consequences yet.
[04:38] Alcoholics are physically dependent on alcohol. Meaning your body can't go without having it. If you start getting the shakes and having alcohol withdrawal, you have crossed that line.
[05:06] With alcohol abuse and binge drinking your body may not be physically dependent on it, but it is the precursor to alcoholism.
[05:33] Alcoholism is progressive. When you get to the point where you're substituting alcohol for the natural neurotransmitters in your brain, that's when you become dependent.
[06:37] Once you've had a drink, are you able to stop? Not being able to stop, once you start, is probably the easiest way to define it.
[07:11] People who abuse alcohol can generally stop.
[07:52] Needing alcohol just to get through the day is a big difference.
[08:36] Heavy drinking for women is having more than three drinks a day or seven drinks a week. In truth, these things can't really be quantified by the number of drinks. Drinking patterns vary.
[10:26] Just because you don't drink everyday, it doesn't mean you're not an alcoholic.
[10:45] Ask if you're able to stop once you start drinking for the night?
[11:08] Binge drinking can bring you to the frequency of drinking daily.
[11:50] There is a difference in alcohol metabolism with alcoholics. The symptom is a phenomenon of craving. Once you start, can you stop?
[13:13] Age isn't a factor. People at any age can start drinking heavily and have it turn into alcoholism.
[14:28] Tom was 26 when he couldn't stop drinking. He was in treatment with guys who were in their 50s.
[15:09] If you're questioning whether you're an alcoholic, there's a good possibility that you are.
[16:01] Even if you are functional, you could still be an alcoholic.
[18:28] The very first sign and symptom of being an alcoholic is alcohol craving. It's the craving after the first drink. The first drink is the mental obsession. The next drink is the physical craving.
[20:01] The mental obsession to drink comes from daily interactions and feelings. People go to treatment to learn how to live without drinking.
[21:57] If alcohol takes up a lot of real estate in your mind then that is the mental obsession.
[23:26] The more time you spend in a bar, the more you will drink and the more tolerance you will build up. Building up a tolerance is also a sign.
[24:41] Alcoholism can be very slow and very progressive in a lot of people.
[25:47] Alcohol is an artificial source of Gaba. The more you drink, the more you need to feel a buzz.
[26:09] There's also a reverse tolerance where someone's liver and blood is so saturated with alcohol all the time that it only takes one drink for them to get drunk. Reverse tolerance occurs with chronic alcoholics.
[27:28] Benzos and alcohol are identical with the effect they have on the brain.
[28:40] It's important to get a doctor that's well-versed in alcohol and addiction if that is what you are suffering from.
[29:56] There are only two substances that you can die of from withdrawal and that is alcohol and benzodiazepines.
[31:46] Are you drinking alone? Is it something that is increasing? It can start out socially, but eventually gets to the point where you might drink alone.
[34:35] Mood swings and irritability is a sign of being an alcoholic.
[38:23] Despite the outcomes, we are going to continue to drink. This is where the consequences come in when you are an alcoholic.
[41:05] Drinking in the morning. If you are sitting at home, and you can't function without taking a shot, you are probably an alcoholic.
[42:40] Risky behavior is another sign. Such as doing things that you normally wouldn't do.
[45:46] The inability to stop drinking after that first drink.
[47:20] If you've had to ask if you have a problem, you might already have your answer.
[47:36] The first step is to identify that you have a problem, then you can just reach out to someone like us to talk about it.
[48:17] Ben is grateful that he has gone through what he's gone through, because the life he lives today is amazing.
[48:44] There is a lot of freedom in being able to identify that you are an alcoholic. If you can put in some work, you can build a life beyond your wildest dreams.
[50:29] There are a lot of recovery options that are actually pretty awesome.

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