Ever wondered if there's a difference between being sober and being in recovery? Paul Churchill dives into this thought-provoking topic in episode 316 of the Recovery Elevator podcast. Sobriety might mean simply not having alcohol in your system, but recovery is about so much more. It's a journey of self-awareness, growth, and continuous effort to improve one's life.

In this episode, Paul, who took his last drink on February 29, 2020, shares his personal story from Long Island and discusses the nuances of living alcohol-free (AF). One of the key themes explored is the importance of community and support in the recovery process. Guests share their experiences of building supportive networks, both online and in-person, that have helped them stay on track.

They talk about how these connections have been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way. The episode also delves into the significance of self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Relapse can be a part of the recovery journey, and it's essential to approach it with kindness towards oneself. Guests discuss finding new passions and purposes after quitting alcohol, such as embracing fitness and improving physical health. Another interesting aspect covered is the debate between prevention and moderation versus total abstinence.

The guests share their views on making healthy choices in a society where alcohol is everywhere. Topics like mindfulness, spirituality, and self-reflection are also touched upon, offering a holistic view of what it means to live a life beyond alcohol. If you're looking for inspiration or practical advice on navigating life without alcohol, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in to hear real stories from those who have walked the path and found a better life on the other side.

Paul Churchill explores the differences between being sober and being in recovery. Hear personal stories and insights from guests who found a better life.

Sober vs. In Recovery: Paul Churchill's Insights on Recovery Elevator

Episode 316 – When I get an urge or a craving, I'll be better next time this creeps up.   Paul took his last drink on February 29, 2020.  He is from Long Island and is 30 years old.  This is his story of living alcohol-free (AF).   Today's sponsor is Firebrew.  They are also sponsoring our Bozeman retreat.    <a href= "https://www.mindyourmanna.co/">https://www.mindyourmanna.co/</a>  Discount Code:  RE10off   Finding Your Better You – Odette's weekly message   What is the difference between being sober and being in recovery?  The definition of sobriety is the condition of not having any measurable levels or effects from alcohol or other drugs.  Sobriety is also considered to be the natural state of a human being at birth.    Recovery signifies you know you have a problem and are trying to fix it.  It doesn't mean you resolve your issues right away.  You recognize something is wrong, which is a critical part of getting help.    https://7summitpathways.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-in-recovery/#:~:text=What%20Being%20in%20Recovery%20Means,synonymous%20with%20%E2%80%9Cin%20remission.%E2%80%9D   When you are in recovery, you feel a kinship to others in recovery, make decisions based on how they will impact your recovery, adjust friendships and relationships based on how they affect recovery, and never let down your guard.    Can you be sober and not in recovery?  Yes, abstaining is the first part.   A recovery mindset allows you to grow and develop your self-awareness.  It helps you question your relationships and boundaries.  Recovery is for everyone. You don't have to be an "alcoholic." Recovery is about being open to change and adjustments in your life – asking for help.   Many of us abstain for some time before we are ready for recovery.  The recovery mindset allows for growth, new connections, and community.   Are you ready to step into the arena of recovery?  We are here and ready for you.   [7:43]  Odette introduces Paul   Paul took his last drink on February 29, 2020.  He is from Long Island, NY, and lives in Brooklyn.  He is a Physical Education teacher and a personal trainer.  He trains for fun, is getting into karate, and likes getting out into nature, which isn't easy in Brooklyn.   Paul opened his training business during COVID. He leveraged COVID as an opportunity to pivot the world of fitness and adapt to the new normal.   Paul started drinking toward the end of high school.  Cannabis was his first substance, not alcohol.  When he went to college, his drinking dialed up.  In his mid 20's cannabis wasn't helping anymore, so his drinking escalated and became a problem.   As Paul reflects, his Dad overdosed when he was twelve, and his mother now has twelve years of sobriety.  Childhood issues contributed to his desire to numb out. His substance abuse was a symptom of early childhood trauma.    [12:23] How was your childhood?  Were you trying to cope or escape from tragedy?   Paul said he is an extrovert.  He is open about his childhood experiences. It helps him to open up.  When Paul's mom re-married and had a baby, postpartum depression kicked in, and she shut out the world by drinking.  Paul said he was naïve and tried to take the bottle away from his mom.  He frequently cared for his brother.  His stepdad lost his temper with his mom's drinking, leading to his stepdad's arrest.  Ultimately, his mom checked into treatment and now has 12 years of sobriety.  Paul leveraged boxing as a way to escape and found solace in fitness.   [16:33] Did you notice that you developed a care-taking aspect of your personality?   Yes, Paul is a caretaker, particularly with the fitness routine and teaching elementary school. He goes out of his way to help people.   [18:12]  Our families can recover together.  Do you think about changing the trajectory of your ancestry?   Paul said a driving factor for him was seeing the lows his mom experienced when drinking, and he knew he didn't want that for himself or his kids.   Paul sees two sides to the coin.  Life is not easy. Addiction is not a surprise; it can harden you.  You have to find the why and the bigger picture to overcome addiction.   His last drink was the first confirmed case of COVID in NYC   [21:02]  Tell me about the progression of fitness and drinking in your life.   Paul went back a bit and said he experimented with other drugs in college, and they began to play a role in his life.  His mom always reminded him that addiction ran in the family.  When Paul did a semester abroad in England, his substance abuse became a problem.  He played rugby, but his drinking took over.  When he returned to the US, he started bartending, drinking, and doing cocaine.  Within six months, he lost his best friend to an overdose, then his Uncle to a drunk driver.  He didn't realize he was drinking through his grief.  He wasn't responsible.  He lost his bartending job and ran out of money.  He had to move back home.  After a fight with his mom, he went out drinking, got a DWI, and was locked up for 24 hours, which was a rock bottom for him.    He turned things around and started applying to graduate programs and was accepted by a non-profit organization that paid for his Master's in Physical Education.  He moved into New York City.   [27:06]  Were you drinking all this time?   Paul said he does well with a full plate.  He was still drinking, but not nearly as much.  He took a month off after his DWI.  He had three jobs and was in a Master's program.  He was too busy for drinking to be an issue.  When he graduated from his Master's program, he decided to give personal training a shot.  He got a hernia and lost business because he couldn't train clients.  He started drinking a lot.  In 2017, he walked out of work on New Year's Eve, lost his phone, wallet, and had to call his mom to pick him up – another rock bottom moment.  He subsequently completed a teaching certification program and started teaching PE.   [29:58]  Did you think by adding responsibilities, you could avoid the rock bottom moments?   Paul said he has always been resilient – he bounces back quickly.  He made changes immediately.    [30:36] What did your mom say when she picked you up?   Paul believes his mom knew he wasn't ready yet.  She didn't press him about recovery; she was quiet but told him he needed to figure it out.  Then he met his girlfriend.  He had three bad experiences in a row, which led him to quit drinking.  He went to a few AA meetings, started reading quit lit, and within a month, he went into Smart Recovery, and eight months later, he is on this podcast.    Looking at his drinking patterns objectively made it easier for him to decide to quit.  Quitting during COVID was odd, but he is mindful of getting through cravings.   [38:41]  How did you establish a routine during shut down?   Paul said he trained to fight.  He bought a punching bag, kettlebells and he has a very structured routine including mediation, yoga, infrared sauna, cold showers, and daily routine builds his confidence.    [40:10]  Did your performance improve when you quit drinking?   Paul realized he was leaving a lot on the table.  He ran an ultra-marathon in the summer and is aiming toward a 500-pound deadlift in Q1 2021.  He continues to study physiology and has learned a lot about what alcohol does to your entire body, from sleep deprivation, poor recovery, and stress.  He knows that drinking kept him from realizing his potential as a boxer.   Paul said fitness is his thing.  He doesn't romanticize drinking like artists, writers, or musicians.  Drinking hinders fitness performance.    [44:48]  Do you work with people in recovery as well?   Paul works with all types of clients and is starting to incorporate individuals in recovery and expand that outreach.  He trains people he wants to help and loves working with kids.   [48:10]  What do you do when you get a craving?   Paul said he tries to turn it on its head and thinks of it like building a new muscle.  Café RE helps him a lot.  Family parties stressed him out because he was focused on not drinking.  He attends several Café RE meetings a week to surround himself with like-minded people and create accountability.  Quitting drinking isn't easy, but it's simple – just don't have a drink.   [51:52]  Rapid Fire Round   <ol> <li>What would you say to your younger self?</li> </ol> You're going to be good.  Take what life throws at you and keep moving forward   <ol start="2"> <li>What has recovery made possible for you?</li> </ol> Finding more joy and discovering what joy is for me.   <ol start="3"> <li>What is your favorite ice cream flavor?</li> </ol> Chocolate chip cookie dough   <ol start="4"> <li>What are you excited about right now?</li> </ol> My business.  Fitness will train differently post COVID, and he is excited about what's to come.   <ol start="5"> <li>What parting piece of guidance would you give to people who are considering ditching the booze?</li> </ol> Try to picture a  life without alcohol before you submit to it.  Incremental improvement goes a long way.   You might want to say Adios to booze if ….   If you have to drink a six-pack before a bartending shift or if you lose your car.   Learn more about Paul on Instagram: recoveryfit1   Odette's Summary Recovery is an opportunity when you reframe and shift your mindset.  The way we label things has a direct impact on our experience.  Let this journey back home be full of fun, mysteries, and new discoveries.  Your life is waiting.  Remember that you are not alone and together is always better.          Upcoming events, retreats, and courses: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.recoveryelevator.com/bozeman/">Bozeman 2021</a> (August 18-22, 2021) This is our flagship annual retreat held in the pristine forests of Big Sky Country, 10 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. During this 5-day event, you'll discover how to expand the boundaries of your comfort zone.</li> <li>You can find more information about our events </li> </ul>   Affiliate Link for Endourage: For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this <a href= "https://endourage.com/affiliate-partner/recoveryelevator" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> and use the promo code elevator at checkout.    Affiliate Link for Amazon: Shop via Amazon using this <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/amazon">link</a>.   The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-is-Sht-Paul-Churchill-audiobook/dp/B07XFGVMQ9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=alcohol+is+shit&qid=1590430998&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!     Resources:  <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a> - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWac9dxkn3J93xJOka3L2g">Recovery Elevator YouTube</a> - Subscribe here! <a href="https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes </a>     "Recovery Elevator – Without the darkness you would never know the light - I love you guys"

RE 316: Sober VS In Recovery

Recovery

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Alcohol

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Relationships

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Mental Health

Society and Culture

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Alcohol, Addiction & Recovery

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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 if there's a difference between being sober and being in recovery? Paul Churchill dives into this thought-provoking topic in episode 316 of the Recovery Elevator podcast. Sobriety might mean simply not having alcohol in your system, but recovery is about so much more. It's a journey of self-awareness, growth, and continuous effort to improve one's life.In this episode, Paul, who took his last drink on February 29, 2020, shares his personal story from Long Island and discusses the nuances of living alcohol-free (AF). One of the key themes explored is the importance of community and support in the recovery process. Guests share their experiences of building supportive networks, both online and in-person, that have helped them stay on track.They talk about how these connections have been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way. The episode also delves into the significance of self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Relapse can be a part of the recovery journey, and it's essential to approach it with kindness towards oneself. Guests discuss finding new passions and purposes after quitting alcohol, such as embracing fitness and improving physical health. Another interesting aspect covered is the debate between prevention and moderation versus total abstinence.The guests share their views on making healthy choices in a society where alcohol is everywhere. Topics like mindfulness, spirituality, and self-reflection are also touched upon, offering a holistic view of what it means to live a life beyond alcohol. If you're looking for inspiration or practical advice on navigating life without alcohol, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Tune in to hear real stories from those who have walked the path and found a better life on the other side.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 316: Sober VS In Recovery

RE 316: Sober VS In Recovery

RE 316: Sober VS In Recovery

Monday 8th March 2021

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Sober vs. In Recovery: Paul Churchill's Insights on Recovery Elevator