Milestones and Reflections: Chris's 10-Year Sobriety Journey
It's not about stopping drinking, it's about how do I live a life of sobriety, right, cause a life of just not drinking could be fucking more ugly than than drinking.
AJ Butler welcomes his friend Chris to the Oct-sober Recovery Podcast in this heartfelt episode. As Chris approaches her 10-year sobriety anniversary, she opens up about her journey and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation dives into their past drinking habits, particularly how their families often felt relief when they left the house. Chris candidly shares that towards the end of her drinking days, she found no pleasure in alcohol at all.
One intriguing topic they discuss is the medically recommended but seemingly counterintuitive practice of not stopping drinking before entering detox. Chris also reflects on her childhood, revealing how irrational fears were ingrained in her from a young age and continued to haunt her into adulthood. The duo touches on the courageous act of families openly reporting overdose deaths, emphasizing the importance of honesty in breaking the stigma around addiction.
The episode also delves into the concept of 'wet brain', a severe condition affecting long-term alcoholics, and how it has impacted their understanding of alcoholism's dangers. Chris talks about the strained relationship with her child due to her past actions and the chaos that ensued from her addiction. Despite the heavy topics, the episode ends on a hopeful note. Chris highlights the crucial role of acceptance, patience, and tolerance in her recovery journey, echoing her sponsor's golden advice.
She expresses gratitude for the support from women in her recovery program, showcasing the power of community in healing. This episode is a touching exploration of sobriety's highs and lows, offering listeners a blend of personal anecdotes and broader insights into recovery. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement and understanding on their own path to sobriety.