Janet
Janet
How I Swam my Way out of the Bottle with Ben Tuff
How I Swam my Way out of the Bottle with Ben Tuff
How I Swam my Way out of the Bottle with Ben Tuff
Saturday 9th December 2023
Join Ben Tuff as he shares his journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety through swimming. Discover his story of transformation and hope.
51 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Informative
Supportive
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
Janet
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Ben Tuff's Swim to Sobriety: A Journey of Transformation
Episode Overview
- Ben's journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety, overcoming challenges along the way
- Rock bottom moment and pivotal decision to seek help through rehab
- Engagement in post-rehab recovery activities, including daily meetings and swimming sessions
- Passion for swimming as a therapeutic outlet for mental processing and self-discovery
- Participation in the documentary 'Swim Tough: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle', aiming to highlight the transformative power of recovery
The only way I could escape it was through alcohol.
When Ben Tuff decided to quit drinking in 2012, he didn't just put down the bottle; he dove into a new life. Starting at age 16, Ben's drinking began as a social activity but gradually spiraled into a secretive and excessive habit. By the time he was a teacher with mounting responsibilities, his coping mechanism had become a 'work-hard, play-hard' lifestyle that masked a growing problem.
Ben's rock bottom came with a severe panic attack that landed him in the emergency room, his blood alcohol level too high for immediate admission. This harrowing moment was the wake-up call he needed to seek help. Ben's path to recovery began with a five-week stint in rehab, where he learned to navigate life without alcohol. But his journey didn't end there.
He found solace and a new passion in swimming, turning it into a daily ritual that helped him process his thoughts and emotions. His dedication led him to open water swimming, and eventually, he became the subject of the documentary 'Swim Tough: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle'. In this episode, Ben opens up about his strategies for hiding his drinking, like disguising vodka in vitamin water bottles and using cash back to avoid a paper trail.
He also shares how he built a post-rehab life filled with AA meetings and swimming sessions that provided both structure and therapeutic relief. For anyone grappling with alcohol addiction, Ben's story is a testament to the power of seeking help and finding new passions. He highlights the benefits of sobriety, from increased energy and genuine enjoyment of life's simple pleasures to finally getting a good night's sleep.
Ben's journey offers a beacon of hope and inspiration for those facing similar struggles, proving that it's never too late to turn your life around.