Mark's Realization: From Denial to Sobriety and Joy
Episode Overview
Mark's initial denial of alcoholism and pivotal turning point in the hospital The transformative impact of the AA program on Mark's life Reflection on the profound lessons and immeasurable joy found in sobriety Mark's inspiring journey of realizing and overcoming alcoholism later in life The unwavering strength and possibility of rebirth within the individual's recovery journey
Look, I remember my why because I remember how shitty I'd made other people's lives, how unpleasant it had to have been to have been around me. I want to go through the rest of my life without ever again being the cause of anybody else's agony or anybody else's bad day or anybody else's sorrow or sadness.
Imagine waking up every day with a drink in hand, convinced that your depression is the root of your drinking, not the other way around. That's the story Mark shares in this heartfelt episode of 'Remember Your Why'. At 60, Mark discovered he was an alcoholic much later in life. Despite years of drinking from dawn till dusk, no one ever called him out on it—not his wife, not his kids, not even his friends.
It wasn't until a couples therapist referred him to a psychiatrist who bluntly told him, 'You smell like a brewery', that he faced the harsh reality. Given the choice between attending an AA meeting or going into rehab, Mark chose AA and began a transformative journey. Growing up in a strict religious household where alcohol was taboo, Mark started drinking at 16.
The habit intensified after his sister passed away, and by the time his kids were born, alcohol had taken over his life. In this episode, Mark opens up about his initial denial, the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, and the profound impact of the AA program on his life. His story is a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of addiction recovery.
If you're looking for inspiration or a reminder that it's never too late to change, Mark's journey offers both hope and practical insights.