A war veteran's story of alcoholism and sobriety - Episode 27 - The Addict's Advocate

The Addict’s Advocate Podcast

Kevin, a veteran, shares his journey of addiction and recovery. He joined the military in 2001 and started drinking heavily after a divorce. His alcoholism escalated during his time in the military, leading to jail time and a loss of his security clearance. In 2010, he recognized his addiction and sought help but struggled to find a program that worked for him. He ultimately quit drinking two and a half years ago and has been sober since. Kevin emphasizes the importance of finding a program that suits individual needs and the need for stronger support for alcoholism in the military. The conversation explores the challenges of addiction and the importance of addressing mental health. The stigma surrounding addiction and the need for support and understanding are highlighted. The impact of trauma on addictive thought patterns is discussed, as well as the difficulty of managing addiction in social situations. The role of self-love and self-acceptance in recovery is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the importance of accountability and the need to let go of the pursuit of perfection. The benefits of being present in the moment and finding a sense of purpose are highlighted. Takeaways

• Addiction can be a life-changing experience, especially for veterans.
• Finding the right program and support system is crucial for recovery.
• Alcoholism in the military is often overlooked and not properly addressed.
• Quitting alcohol requires self-awareness and a strong belief in the need for change.
• Sobriety can be challenging, but it allows for personal growth and a healthier lifestyle. Addiction is a complex issue that requires support and understanding, rather than judgment and stigma.
• Trauma can contribute to addictive thought patterns and make recovery more challenging.
• Managing addiction in social situations can be difficult, but it is important to prioritize one's own well-being.
• Self-love and self-acceptance are crucial in the recovery process.
• Accountability and the pursuit of perfection can be detrimental to mental health and well-being.
• Being present in the moment and finding a sense of purpose can enhance the recovery journey.

Sound Bites

• "I was pretty ashamed of myself and drinking progressed from drinking on the weekends to... a 30 pack a day."
• "I finally said, look man, you've been thrown out of the military, you've been in and out of jail, you've fucked up every $200,000 job you can imagine. It's time to give it up."
• "Dealing with addiction, if you don't understand it, you're never gonna understand unless you're in the shoes."
• "There are great people that just recognize that they have a problem and they're trying to find a way out of it because they don't want to lose everything they've worked"
• "There's a lot of people in my position, you know, when, when you have something to lose, it's easier to cover it up."
• "It's not that fricking simple, right?"

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:12 Recognizing the Need for Change 09:51 The Role of Support in Recovery 17:48 Challenges of Living Sober 21:49 Addressing Alcoholism in the Military 29:13 Exposing the Struggle of High-Functioning Individuals with Addiction 32:25 Addressing Addiction: The Impact on Thought Patterns and Mental Health 36:09 Navigating Sobriety in Social Situations: Challenges and Strategies 49:18 Self-Love and Accountability: Essential Elements of Recovery 55:06 Finding a Reason to Give Up Addiction: Embracing a Brighter Future