Josh's Journey: From Early Addiction to Sobriety
When I was drinking, I did things that caused me guilt, shame and remorse, and I would feel embarrassed about that and have to go drink and pour more booze on top of it. You know, I did more things to cause me guilt, shame and remorse. And pretty soon, pouring booze on top of it.
Imagine being just a kid and already grappling with addiction. That's Josh's story. He had his first drink at the tender age of 8 or 9, sneaking sips from a stash of alcohol found in his church basement. By middle school, he was known as the kid who was always drunk. His parents knew but felt helpless to stop it.
In this eye-opening episode of Steppin' Out Radio, Josh takes us through his early years of addiction, missing out on piano lessons and little league because he was too intoxicated to participate. He even resorted to taking money from friends to fuel his habit. His life was disappearing before his eyes. But there's a silver lining. Josh eventually found support in a recovery program that helped him turn his life around.
He opens up about the guilt, shame, and strained family relationships that came with his addiction. Yet, his story is one of hope and transformation. Through peer support, Josh was able to rebuild his life and mend relationships with his family. If you're looking for a story that highlights the dangers of underage drinking and the power of recovery, this episode is a must-listen.
It’s a poignant reminder that no matter how dark things get, there's always a path to redemption.