Jim's Late Bloom: Embracing Sobriety at 71
If you're old, there's no sense in trying to stop drinking, and any time in your life you can beat this and you can do it.
Picture this: you've just wrapped up your umpteenth Zoom call of the day, and all you want is a glass of wine to unwind. But what if there was a better way to relax? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, host Odette introduces us to Jim, a 71-year-old from Maryland who took his last drink on April 7, 2020.
With over 70 days of sobriety under his belt at the time of recording, Jim's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to quit drinking and find a better version of yourself. Odette kicks things off by sharing her insights from Holly Whitaker’s 'Quit Like A Woman'. She dives into the RASINS method for handling cravings: Recognize, Allow, Set aside the story, Investigate, Name the sensations, and Surf.
This approach encourages you to lean into the craving rather than distract yourself from it. It's a fresh perspective that can be a game-changer for anyone struggling with the urge to drink. Jim's journey is both relatable and inspiring. He opens up about his life as a functional alcoholic and how it led to depression and irritability. But with determination and the right resources, he found the self-confidence to challenge the myths surrounding quitting alcohol.
His story is a testament to the growing sober curious movement and shows that change is possible at any age. Whether you're sober curious, newly sober, or supporting someone on their sobriety journey, Jim's experience offers valuable insights and hope. Tune in to hear how he navigated his path to an alcohol-free life and learn practical tips for managing cravings and finding your own better self.