Ever wondered if your relationship with alcohol is more than just casual? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, host Paul Churchill sits down with Lauren, a 54-year-old from Rochester, NY, who shares her powerful journey of recognizing and battling alcohol use disorder. Lauren opens up about her early fascination with drinking and how it escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to a dark place filled with denial and shame.

Through candid conversations, Paul and Lauren discuss the 11-question test from the DSM-5 that helps determine if one has a drinking problem. Lauren's story sheds light on the deceptive nature of high-functioning alcoholism and the emotional turmoil it brings. Despite the challenges, Lauren's journey is a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience needed to confront addiction and the transformative power of self-awareness and community support.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning their drinking habits or seeking inspiration to embrace sobriety.

Lauren reveals her battle with alcohol use disorder and the path to sobriety, offering hope and insights in this compelling episode of Recovery Elevator.

Lauren's Story: Unmasking Alcohol Use Disorder and Finding Hope

Episode 428 – Do I have a Drinking Problem?   Today we have Lauren, she is 54 from Rochester NY, and took her last drink on November 19, 2022.   Shout out to Ty with 15 YEARS alcohol free!  Thank you for all you do for RE!   Shout out to Bradley from south Denver with 3 days alcohol free!  Great job!   <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Café RE</a> is a private online unsearchable recovery community. Get accountable and be the best version of you. Together is always better!  Use promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the setup fee.   [03:23] Intro summary:   In the past Paul has talked about the worst  place a person can be with a drinking problem is in limbo (<a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/re-417-the-best-and-worst-place-to-be-with-a-drinking-problem/">episode 417</a>). But how do we find out if we actually have a problem so we can get out of that space?   There is a test listed in the DSM-5 to determine if we have a drinking problem or not. There are 11 questions, and you must meet two of them within the past 12 months to have what is called Alcohol Use Disorder. It’s not hard to determine if you have a drinking problem based on that test.   But at the end of the day, it can be as simple as if you question if you have a drinking problem, you just answered your own question.   Better Help:  <a href="http://www.betterhelp.com/elevator"> www.betterhelp.com/elevator</a> - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [12:36] Kris introduces Lauren:   Lauren has been sober almost 4 months at the time of recording. She lives in Rochester New York, she is married, has two adult children, one granddaughter, has pets and owns her own business helping the elderly. She enjoys time outside, crafting (currently diamond painting), reading and learning new things.   Lauren was always fascinated with alcohol, but it wasn’t prevalent in her immediate family. When she was 16, she was able to purchase alcohol for her and her friends. She had a lot of fun and thought it was cool. She chose the college based on their drinking culture; she drank heavily but still did well in school. After college she got married, had two kids and a successful job. She drank the same as other parents around her, so she felt that was normal. She was able to abstain when she had her children and feels her drinking was more or less recreational for a long time.       Over the years Lauren hadn’t really tried to quit drinking. She would make a halfhearted attempt at Dry January, but it didn’t last. She didn’t think it had anything to do with being addicted. She feels that everyone else saw signs that her drinking was a problem, but she wasn’t aware of it.   After going on a very long-awaited vacation in 2022, Lauren says she had a hard time coming back to regular life and the stressors were magnified. Soon after, she drunkenly alienated a friend on Facebook, and it really impacted her when the friendship ended. She started drinking to escape everything that was bothering her. Lauren had a scare during her third blackout in eight days and decided to go to the doctor where she told them everything. She was sent to an outpatient program to start the next day.   She has found a lot of tools and inspiration through the outpatient program. Lauren says AA didn’t resonate with her, but she does do SMART recovery online which she enjoys. Connecting with others has been a great resource for Lauren as well. She views her drinking and recovery as just part of her, she doesn’t feel it defines her. Lauren recognizes that she is happier and communicate better with her husband. Her family is relieved and proud of her for going into recovery.   [57:20] Outro:   Spring is here! And with seasonal changes come new challenges. Kris feels that it is a chance for him to make sure he has his accountability in place and has a plan when it comes to spring and more outdoor events. Don’t stress about upcoming events, simply be aware of what is out there. Set yourself up to enjoy the weather and reach your alcohol-free goals.   <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWac9dxkn3J93xJOka3L2g"> Recovery Elevator YouTube</a> <a href= "https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes </a>   Recovery Elevator We’re the only ones that can do this, but we don’t have to do it alone. I love you guys.

RE 428: Do I have a Drinking Problem?

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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 your relationship with alcohol is more than just casual? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, host Paul Churchill sits down with Lauren, a 54-year-old from Rochester, NY, who shares her powerful journey of recognizing and battling alcohol use disorder. Lauren opens up about her early fascination with drinking and how it escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to a dark place filled with denial and shame.Through candid conversations, Paul and Lauren discuss the 11-question test from the DSM-5 that helps determine if one has a drinking problem. Lauren's story sheds light on the deceptive nature of high-functioning alcoholism and the emotional turmoil it brings. Despite the challenges, Lauren's journey is a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience needed to confront addiction and the transformative power of self-awareness and community support.This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning their drinking habits or seeking inspiration to embrace sobriety.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 428: Do I have a Drinking Problem?

RE 428: Do I have a Drinking Problem?

RE 428: Do I have a Drinking Problem?

Monday 1st May 2023

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Lauren's Story: Unmasking Alcohol Use Disorder and Finding Hope

Episode Overview