Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…

Recovery Elevator

Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…

  • RE 496: One Way Street

RE 496: One Way Street

Monday 19th August 2024

Join Paul Churchill as he chats with James about his journey to sobriety, resilience, and the power of community support in Recovery Elevator episode 496.
Explicit
58 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
Honest

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator
Author:
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
52 (View all)
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James' Journey: Sobriety, Resilience, and Community Support

Episode Overview

  • James shares his journey to sobriety since November 20th, 2023.
  • The Paris Olympic Committee's decision not to sell alcohol sparks a discussion on public health.
  • James talks about the impact of early exposure to alcohol and social norms.
  • The importance of community support in maintaining sobriety is emphasised.
  • Living amends are discussed as a way to repair past harms and transform one's life.
It's a one-way street because your inner child will straight up bitch-slap you if you return to go back to a life marred by energy depletion
In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill sits down with James, a 40-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, who shares his journey of sobriety since taking his last drink on November 20th, 2023. James opens up about his struggles with alcohol, the turning points in his life, and the support systems that have helped him stay sober.
The episode kicks off with Paul discussing the Paris Olympic Committee's decision not to sell alcohol at the Games, highlighting the impact of such choices on public health and safety. This sets the stage for a deeper conversation about the societal and personal benefits of living an alcohol-free life. James' story is a compelling mix of highs and lows.
He talks about his early exposure to alcohol, the social norms that encouraged his drinking habits, and the eventual realisation that he needed to make a change. His candid reflections on how alcohol affected his relationships and professional life are both eye-opening and relatable. James also shares the strategies he's employed to maintain his sobriety, such as attending concerts sober and finding new ways to connect with his family.
Paul and James discuss the importance of community in recovery, emphasising how staying connected with an alcohol-free community can make a significant difference. They also touch on the concept of 'living amends'—actively making positive changes to repair past harms. James’ journey underscores that sobriety is more than just quitting alcohol; it’s about transforming one’s life and becoming the best version of oneself. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on maintaining sobriety, this episode offers a wealth of insights.
James' story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support in the journey to recovery.