Ever wondered how a crisis can turn into an opportunity for change? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen chat with Lucas, a 32-year-old UPS driver from the DC metro area. Lucas shares his compelling journey to sobriety, which began after his last drink on November 13, 2018.

From starting to drink at the tender age of 13 to experiencing regular blackouts by 15, Lucas' story is a raw and honest account of the struggles many face with alcohol. Despite recognizing his problem early on, his drinking escalated through his 20s and college years, impacting his life in profound ways. But what makes Lucas' story truly inspiring is how he turned his crises into opportunities for growth.

His tale is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a chance to reach out for help and transform our lives. If you're looking for an episode filled with hope and practical advice, this one's for you.

Lucas shares his journey to sobriety on Recovery Elevator, turning crises into opportunities for positive change.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Lucas' Sobriety Story

Lucas took his last drink November 13, 2018.  This is his story. On today’s episode Paul talks about crisis.  In some languages the word ‘crisis’ is coupled with the word ‘opportunity’.  Everyone experiences crisis’ in life, but we are the fortunate ones that are forced to reach out for help.  We are then in this together…think the movie, The Breakfast Club.    [11:15] Paul introduces Lucas.    Lucas is 32 years old, was born and raised in the DC metro area.  He is married, no kids yet.  Lucas is a UPS driver.  He has a dog that they rescued from a shelter.  For fun Lucas likes to work out, go to sporting events, and concerts.    [17:00] Give us a background on your drinking.   Lucas started drinking when he was 13 years old.  By the time he was 15/16 he says he would routinely blackout from drinking.  It was at that time he started to realize that it was something he perhaps should look at.  Even though he was aware that he may have a problem at this young age his drinking continued to progress through his 20s and college.    Lucas said he really started to see the effect that his behavior had on his life in his late 20s, early 30s.        [28:44] How powerful was it to bring your wife along with you on your journey?    Lucas said that it has been vital to his sobriety, that it was so critical because it (sobriety) has been such a hard, and courageous, thing to do.        [33:33] Talk to us about what you meant when you said, “moderation in all in my mind”.         Lucas says that moderation is not an attainable thing for him, that it is a word that was made up to make him feel better and convince himself that he could continue to have alcohol in his life.  Once he realized that moderation wasn’t a thing it was freeing.   [39:55] Talk to us about quitting Adderall?   Lucas said that Adderall was something he started taking in college and not because he really needed it, but because he liked its mood-altering qualities.  Once he quit taking it, he realized that it actually was making him less productive and less organized.    [44:10] Walk us through a sample day in a life without alcohol.   Lucas said he is a creature of habit.  He wakes up, lets the dog out, reads meditation passages, goes to the gym, goes to work, goes home, sometimes reads, cooks dinner, visits with his wife when she gets home from work and is in bed by 10/11 PM.    [51:00] What is an excuse that you used to tell yourself for why you couldn’t quit drinking?   Lucas would tell himself that he didn’t have a problem.    [51:35] Rapid Fire Round   <ol> <li>What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?</li> </ol>   When I realized how much time I was spending pursuing the feeling that I was never going to obtain again.   <ol start="2"> <li>What’s your favorite alcohol-free drink?</li> </ol>   Lime flavored seltzer water.   <ol start="3"> <li>What are some of your favorite resources?</li> </ol>   AA, my meditation books, and “In the Rooms”, which is online AA meetings.    <ol start="4"> <li>What is on your bucket list in a life without alcohol?</li> </ol>   I need to travel the world.    <ol start="5"> <li>What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?</li> </ol>   To remind yourself how vulnerable, dangerous, and susceptible we all are when we live in unreality.    You might need to ditch the booze if...             You find yourself asking if you have a drinking problem.    Upcoming Events and Retreats.  <a href="https://www.recoveryelevator.com/denver-2020/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Recovery Elevator LIVE: Dancing with the Mind</a> - in Colorado – June 11-14th, 2020 You can find more information about our event <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/events/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">here.</a>   The book, Alcohol is Sh!t, is out.  Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-SH-Re-ignite-Recover-Person/dp/1086176545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="> here</a>!  You can get the Audible version <a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/Alcohol-is-Sht-Audiobook/B07XGDMXQF?qid=1569247192&sr=1-2&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=TY51EJJZJ0XQDPRMN0MA&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2"> here</a>!   Resources mentioned in this episode:   <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a>- Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY for your first month free <a href="https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes</a> <a href= "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recovery.sam.sobrietycalculatorPro"> Sobriety Tracker Android</a> Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com   “Recovery Elevator – You took the elevator down, you have to take the stairs back up.  You can do this.”

RE 267: When Facing Crisis

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It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life!  Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions. 

If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place.

This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. 

Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.

Recovery Elevator

Ever wondered how a crisis can turn into an opportunity for change? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen chat with Lucas, a 32-year-old UPS driver from the DC metro area. Lucas shares his compelling journey to sobriety, which began after his last drink on November 13, 2018.From starting to drink at the tender age of 13 to experiencing regular blackouts by 15, Lucas' story is a raw and honest account of the struggles many face with alcohol. Despite recognizing his problem early on, his drinking escalated through his 20s and college years, impacting his life in profound ways. But what makes Lucas' story truly inspiring is how he turned his crises into opportunities for growth.His tale is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a chance to reach out for help and transform our lives. If you're looking for an episode filled with hope and practical advice, this one's for you.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 267: When Facing Crisis

RE 267: When Facing Crisis

RE 267: When Facing Crisis

Monday 30th March 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Lucas' Sobriety Story