In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen chat with Patrick, a 43-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, who took his last drink on November 11th, 2024. Patrick's journey with alcohol started from birth, as he was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. He shares the struggles and triumphs of his life, from growing up in an alcoholic household to becoming a full-time drinker himself.

Patrick's story is filled with raw honesty as he talks about the challenges of detoxing and the physical and emotional changes he's experienced in his 30 days of sobriety. His journey is one of resilience and hope, as he finds strength in running, meditation, and community support. Patrick's story is a powerful reminder that while the path to sobriety is tough, the rewards are immense.

Tune in to hear how he navigates the ups and downs of detoxing and what keeps him motivated to stay on track.

Patrick shares his raw and inspiring journey from detox to 30 days of sobriety, highlighting the challenges and rewards of an alcohol-free life.

Patrick's Journey: From Detox to Sobriety

Episode 515 – The Joys of Detox   Today we have Patrick. He’s 43 years old from Montreal, Quebec and took his last drink on November 11th, 2024.   Join Recovery Elevator for our <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/">Restore Dry January</a> course. This is our most intensive course, and it’s all about accountability. This is the best setup we’ve had yet for this course as participants get access to all of Café RE, including the chats and the community when they sign up for the course.   Recovery Elevator’s first ever <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/costarica2025/"> Men’s Retreat</a> will be April 5th through the 12th in Costa Rica. We’ve got space for 12 guys. Registration for this event opens December 30th at 8AM EST.   <a href= "https://drinkag1.com/partner/partnerships-foodismedicine-general?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=recoveryelevator_d35ct__a6748__o27&utm_term=cac__a6748__o27&utm_content=Health__a6748__o27"> AG1</a> – offering new subscribers a free $76 gift when you sign up   [3:58] Thoughts from Paul:   **DISCLAIMER** alcohol is the most dangerous substance to detox rom. Listen to your body and seek medical attention if you think you need to.   It doesn’t matter what you’re eliminating from your diet, the body does not like change. Studies have shown that when we take that first step forward in making change, the body can and will create chemicals of discomfort to pull you back into your comfort zone.   Part of the withdrawal from alcohol is your dopamine center learning how to create it’s own dopamine again, but much of this discomfort is your body rebuking any change whatsoever. Yes, there will be some discomfort but after doing Recovery Elevator for ten years, Paul says that not one person he has met has regretted there decision to quit drinking. It’s a one-way street once you begin to feel and see the benefits.   [7:57] Paul introduces Patrick:   Patrick is 43 years old and lives in Montreal, Quebec. He works in the administrative field at a hospital, and he enjoys running (5k every day), spending time with his friends and watching TV.   Patrick says he was born prematurely and wants to share that Fetal Alcohol Disorder exists. Both of his parents were alcoholics, and he had to parent them early in his life. At the age of 13, Patrick became responsible for his mother’s care when she was diagnosed with <a href= "https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome"> Korsakoff Syndrome.</a> He tried to help get her sober, but she was unable to and she ended up passing when she was 42 and Patrick was 16.   Patrick says that while in school he drank mainly on the weekends with friends. After school he moved to Montreal and says that drinking was glorified in his community. This continued until his mid thirties when he met someone and fell in love. His drinking stopped without him noticing.   Their relationship changed when his partner decided to move to the US. They ended the romantic relationship but remained close friends. Not long after COVID hit, Patrick and his friend were talking on the phone, and his friend told him that he was struggling with addiction. Patrick was planning to meet up with him and talk about their common issues, but unfortunately his friend passed away from an overdose.   Not being able to have any closure after his friends passing, Patrick’s drinking picked up from functional to full time. He started to recognize his mother in himself and decided to quit drinking cold turkey. This lasted for several months but then he landed back where he was.   This November Patrick quit again and says this time he feels more stable. He has sought assistance from doctors and attends 12 step meetings along with mediation and running. He realizes that one drink is not an option. In order to reinforce the plan to stay sober, Patrick meditates and has learned to say “no” to events that will challenge his sobriety, he is avoiding places where he used to purchase alcohol, he has friends he can call on and he does at least seven meetings each week.   Patrick’s parting piece of guidance: listen to your inner voice. Give 12 step meetings a try. Have an open mind and listen. You’ll learn about others and most importantly, you learn about yourself.   Recovery Elevator Go big, because eventually we’ll all go home. I love you guys.     <a href= "https://www.cafe-re.org/">Café RE</a> <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/merch/">RE merch</a> <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>

RE 515: The Joys of Detox

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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

In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen chat with Patrick, a 43-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, who took his last drink on November 11th, 2024. Patrick's journey with alcohol started from birth, as he was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. He shares the struggles and triumphs of his life, from growing up in an alcoholic household to becoming a full-time drinker himself.Patrick's story is filled with raw honesty as he talks about the challenges of detoxing and the physical and emotional changes he's experienced in his 30 days of sobriety. His journey is one of resilience and hope, as he finds strength in running, meditation, and community support. Patrick's story is a powerful reminder that while the path to sobriety is tough, the rewards are immense.Tune in to hear how he navigates the ups and downs of detoxing and what keeps him motivated to stay on track.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 515: The Joys of Detox

RE 515: The Joys of Detox

RE 515: The Joys of Detox

Monday 30th December 2024

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Patrick's Journey: From Detox to Sobriety

Episode Overview