Recovery Elevator | Stop Drinking, Start Recovering. | Alcohol, Addiction & Life In Sobriety

Episode 469 - 10 Facts About Americans and Alcohol   Today we have Lisa. She is 66 years old and lives in Atlanta, GA. She took her last drink on November 16th, 2022.   Café RE – use the code OPPORTUNITY to waive the setup fee.   [02:51] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares with us ten facts about Americans and their drinking habits that he found in an article from the Pew Research Center.   The article shares with us statistics regarding what people are drinking and where alcohol consumption is the highest, along with statistics about age and income ranges.   The biggest takeaway from this article is the first stat that says, “Only 62% of U.S. adults say they drink” while 38% abstain completely. Not everyone is kung fu fighting. There is a voice inside the head that says, “Everybody drinks”, but right there we just debunked that myth. A lot of people don’t drink because they don’t want to. Many people don’t drink because their forced to. Whatever the reason is, about 40% of Americans don’t drink.   And althoug

Episode 468 – A Day in the Life   Today we have Amber. She is 41 years old and lives in San Luis Obispo. She took her last drink on May 26th, 2020.   “First it is an intention; then a behavior; then a practice; then a habit; then second nature; then it is simply who you are".   Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [03:04] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares with us what a typical day in sobriety looks like for him.   He starts his days with hydration, breathwork and/or stretching, reading and coffee. He takes time to connect with the universe and asks for guidance throughout the day.   Paul likes to reflect on what he is thankful for either in a journal or he sits in a comfortable location outside facing the sun while he closes his eyes and gives thanks. Even on shit days, he makes a point to thank the universe.   Reminding himself that the present moment is all that matters, spending time in nature, doing things that he enjoys, connecting with fellow sober peeps, a

Episode 467 – A Good Cry     Today we have Andrea. She is 47 years old and lives in Phoenix, AZ. She took her last drink on November 9th, 2021.   Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [02:12] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares a quote with us that says, “decide what life you want to live and say no to everything else”.  This same quote can be applied to your thoughts.    What comes to mind after reading this quote is the word “purge”. Saying no and letting go of things that don’t fit the life we want to live isn’t easy, but it is healthy and so is crying.   Emotional tears have many health benefits. They contain stress hormones and other toxins. Researchers have theorized that crying flushes these toxins out of your system. A good cry also activates the parasympathetic nervous system which sends signals of calm and restoration to the body. In addition to this, crying dulls pain and releases oxytocin and endorphins. It is a way for the body to find a new emotional ba

Episode 466 – What Should I Do Now?     Today we have Rick. He is 46 years old and lives in New Hampshire. He took his last drink on September 9th, 2023.   This Saturday, January 27th we start our six-week alcohol-free ukulele course. We meet for six weeks with a group of rock stars exploring life without alcohol, and who want to learn a new hobby in recovery.   This course is brought to you by Kala Brand. If you need to pick up a ukulele, click the link and use the promo code ELEVATOR24 for a discount.   The collaboration between Go Brewing and Recovery Elevator is here! Pick up your limited edition RE Sunbeam Pils, using the code elevator at checkout for 15% off and free shipping on orders overt $40.   [02:45] Ponderings from Kris:   For many of us on this journey, we start in a survival state of mind. The early days are filled with some basic life skills. How do I not drink when I get home from work? How do I handle conflict with people in my life? What do I do when I’m bored, stressed, sad, angry, or how

Episode 465 – Drink Responsibly?     Today we have Kevin. He is 44 years old and lives in Cleveland, OH. He took his last drink on April 28th, 2018.   I want to give a shout out to our DRY January REstore cohort. We’re 1/2 way there, you all are doing a fantastic job, I’ll see you all tonight.   On January 27th we start our six-week alcohol-free ukelele course. This course is brought to you by Kala Brand.   Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [03:09] Thoughts from Paul:   One of the main goals at Recovery Elevator is to soften the stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and recovery. Another goal is to give listeners permission to shred the shame and recover our authentic selves along the way.   The phrase “Drink Responsibly” is such a cop out and doesn’t do anything but place blame on the drinker. Alcohol is the most addictive drug on the planet, and you won’t see other drugs proclaiming that you use the substance responsibly. We can do the “Drink Responsibly”

Episode 464 – Doing Something Different     Today we have Danielle. She is 34 years old and lives in Northern Ontario. She took her last drink on August 20th, 2023.   On January 27th we start our six-week alcohol-free ukelele course. This course is brought to you by Kala Brand.   Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [03:22] Thoughts from Paul:   Paul shares the history of Recovery Elevator, how launching the podcast gave him accountability and how the listeners helped it expand over the last 464 consecutive weeks.   The big message he wants to share here, however, is that if you are going to quit drinking or are seeking an alcohol-free life then you’re going to have to do something different. Probably something very different than what you’re currently trying. And it doesn’t have to suck.   You 100% can ditch the booze, and we are here to help. But do yourself a favor join Café RE, go to an AA meeting, check out Smart Recovery, take a sober ukulele class. There ar

Episode 463 – Addicted to not Being Addicted     Today we have Zach. He is 34 years old and lives in Richmond, VA. He took his last drink on July 18th, 2023.   Our Dry January course RESTORE starts tonight, so get your register on, and join us at 8 PM EST for our first live session later this evening.   On January 27th we start our six-week alcohol-free ukelele course. This course is brought to you by Kala Brand.   Check out our sponsor Go Brewing. Use the code ELEVATOR for 15% off.   [04:14] Thoughts from Paul:   Today we are talking about change. Research suggests that only 9% of people that make New Years resolutions complete them. Many quit well before February even starts. The main reason that these resolutions fail is our energies swing all the way to one side of the spectrum. In other words, we are out of balance.   With drinking, we find ourselves addicted to alcohol. Then the mind comes up with the idea that we need to not be addicted to alcohol, then we become addicted to the idea of not being addic

Episode 462 – To Have is to Give     Today we have Tana. She is 44 years old and lives in Washington State. She took her last drink on July 30th, 2020.   Registration for our DRY January course RESTORE is now open! It’s time to get your alcohol-free connect on and say adios to the booze. Our first session is Monday, January 1st at 5 pm PST or 8 pm EST.  The most common issue I hear is that people don’t have a network of others who don’t drink. Well, Our Restore is going to solve that and you’re going to learn all about alcohol, alcohol addiction, and how to beat it.   Paul shares an article where scientists say the mystery of how red wine headaches occur may be solved. Paul’s opinion is that it’s a waste of time, but here’s the link for curiosity’s sake.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [03:40] Thoughts from Paul:   In 1935, A.A. Founder Bill W, found that when he shared his experience, strength and hope to another individual who was struggling with alcohol, then Bill magically had the strength

Episode 461 - Wait, You Drink Poison?     Today we have Gill. She’s 33 years old from Lexington, MA and took her last drink on November 9th, 2019.   Update from Ryan H on episode 457 – “I’m going on two weeks now and I’m definitely starting to notice a difference in my mood, digestive issues and weight.”   Registration for our intensive DRY January course RESTORE is now open! It’s time to get your alcohol-free connect on and say adios to the booze. The most common issue I hear is that people don’t have a network of others who don’t drink. Well, Our Restore is going to solve that and you’re going to learn a ton about alcohol, alcohol addiction, and how to beat it.   Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored   [03:02] Intro:   Paul shares two Instagram accounts that will help you on your sobriety journey:   Drop the Bottle  - all about sobriety and ditching the booze.   A.L.A.D.D.I.N – not about sobriety, but it is entertaining and when it’s creator shares his art with the

Episode 460 – The Friends We Keep     Today we have Kerry. She’s 40 years old from Williston, ND and took her last drink on January 7th, 2016.   Shoutout to our Café RE chat hosts!  Thank you for your dedication to the community, and for providing a space for us to share our experiences. You’re the best!   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [01:29] Highlights from Kris:   It’s important that we surround ourselves with people who are going to enrich our lives. People who will meet us where we are, but also challenge us and encourage us to grow.   Kris shares some examples of great friends he has in his life and shares an article that outlines Five Types of Friends – friends we need and need to be.   Take a look at the people you have in your life. Do you think you have someone that fits in each of these categories? When was the last time you let them know what they mean to you? Use this as a reminder to tell someone you love them, and that you’re grateful for them.   If you find yourself today, feel

Now the Holidays have been coupled with alcohol for as long as the Earth has been orbiting the Sun. I’m kidding, that isn’t correct, but you get the point. And if you’re struggling with alcohol or trying to get sober, the holidays can be the ultimate challenge. This episode should help.    In this Holiday Collab Episode, we’ve got Gill from the Sober Powered Podcast. Casey from the Hello Someday Podcast, and Veronica from the Soberful Podcast. 

Episode 459 – Let’s Smile     Today we have Spencer. He’s 44 years old from Minneapolis, MN and took his last drink on September 23rd, 2023.   Registration for RESTORE is no open!  If you want to take a break for a month, or say adios for good, this course is for you. You’re going to learn all about alcohol addiction, what it is, what it isn’t, how to beat cravings, you’ll learn about many different recovery pathways, and the best part is you won’t be doing this alone.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:04] Highlights from Paul:   Start your day with a smile. It doesn’t matter if the smile is fake or real. The body doesn’t know the difference and the nervous system always responds positively with a smile.   Smiling increases mood-enhancing hormones. Smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, while decreasing stress-enhancing hormones, including cortisol, and adrenaline. It also reduces overall blood pressure.   Another reason to smile is that research shows that smiles ar

Episode 458 – A Big Win     Today we have Mike. He is 44 from Huntsville, AL and took his last drink on April 10th, 2023.   Registration for RESTORE opens this Friday!  If you want to take a break for a month, or say adios for good, this course is for you. You’re going to learn all about alcohol addiction, what it is, what it isn’t, how to beat cravings, you’ll learn about many different recovery pathways, and the best part is you won’t be doing this alone.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:42] Highlights from Paul:   Paul shares how releasing his first album is a huge win for him and that the listeners are a big part of making it happen.   Something commonly heard when people quit drinking is “what is going to fill the void?”. We have to rediscover likes and interests. Part of the journey is trying out new hobbies. Sometimes it takes a while to find out what we like to do though, so be patient with  your healing.   If you want to hear the outro song and the full album under the name of Pablo

Episode 457 – What if I Can’t Quit Drinking?   Today we have Ryan. He’s 33 years old from Orange County, NY and took his last drink on September 24th, 2023.   Happy Thanksgiving to all the listeners in the USA! Be sure to take some time this week and let the universe know what you are thankful for and remember a drink won’t make your holiday any better.   Athletic Greens   [02:42] Highlights from Paul:   It’s the last Q&A episode and today’s question is from Darren in Tampa Bay who asks, “What if I can’t quit drinking?”   Paul shares that he could have asked this same question not that long ago and his message to Darren and others that maybe feeling this way is to keep moving forward, don’t quit quitting, keep using the mind to build, to visualize your alcohol-free life. Accept it all, embrace the journey, and you will come out the other side.   Paul rephrases the question to ask, “what if I can’t quit drinking today?” and shares some thoughts and strategies to implement which include:   -       It isn’t

Episode 456 – How Do You Overcome Resentments?     Today we have Nathan. He’s 42 years old and from Andover, MN and took his last drink on April 19th, 2023.   On January 1st, 2024, we are starting our intensive sobriety course geared towards the newcomer.  Check out the link to learn more about RESTORE.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:01] Highlights from Paul:   Today’s question is from Darren A. who asks, “Can you discuss resentment and letting go of resentment?"   Life is a school where the people, places, and things are there to help us grow and become deeper human beings. The people we encounter in life are there to help us grow.    The theory is that none of this is happening to you. Remember, that is how a victim speaks. Flip that to believe that everything that has ever happened to you in your life is happening for you, for your own personal growth and development, to make you a more resilient human being.   Resentments are the teachers. Yes, they suck, they emotionally and physicall

Episode 455 – How Do You Feel About Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines?     Today we have Chris. He is 40 years old and lives in Austin, TX. He took his last drink on February 16th, 2007.   Check out our events page for our lineup of upcoming retreats and courses. Beginning January 1st, RESTORE, our intense Dry January course is back! In February we have another 5-week Ukelele Course. Then in March, we have two events in Costa Rica, and  we’ll see you in Bozeman, Montana in August for our 6th annual retreat in Big Sky Country.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:16] Highlights from Paul:   Today is episode 9 out of 10 in the Q&A series.   Today’s question comes from Krista B, in our Café RE group. She says:   “How Paul is feeling about ayahuasca and other plant medicines. Are you still as passionate about its benefits today as a few years ago? Has the treatment worked in a sustained way, in your opinion?”   Paul shared his initial experience with ayahuasca in episode 170. He believes that

Episode 454 – How Can I Do More In My Recovery Community?   Today we have Kristan. She is 60 years old and lives in Delaware. She took her last drink on June 3rd, 2019.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [01:34] Highlights from Kris:   Today we are continuing the Q & A series and it’s a two for one. First question, Dale wants to know “How can I do more in my recovery community?”   Some traditional responses to this question might AA, or any other group with the word recovery in it. These are great, but Kris shares that we can expand our view to other groups. Church groups, book club, a running club, or a workout group.   Sharing can be a great way to get involved within a recovery community. Hearing others share and be vulnerable encourages us to share and be vulnerable too. By being open, you are being of service in your recovery. You never know who you may be helping with your share.   Think of the things that you bring to the table, and what you’d like to see your community offe

Episode 453 - How Would You Describe a “Spiritual Experience” in Recovery?     Today we have Andy. He is 46 from Washington, DC and took his last drink on August 12th, 2023.   If you are struggling to quit drinking alone, check out the private community Café RE. Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the setup fee!   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:17] Highlights from Paul:   Today’s question is from Liz in the Café RE OG group: “How Would You Describe a “Spiritual Experience” in Recovery? Was it a Bill W. “White Light” or a long series of little twinkles? Somewhere in between? Something else altogether?”   We all know there is no right or wrong way to quit drinking, but Paul believes the spirituality component is important, because it connects or reconnects you to the universe or a god of your understanding.   For many, a large twinkle of spirituality took place took place near the date of their last drink. Some call this a window of clarity. I’ve heard it been described as “I ju

Episode 452 - How Do You Stop Comparing Yourself to Others in Recovery?   Today we have Emilee. She is 33 from Double Springs, AL and has been alcohol free since February 26th, 2023.   We are in the process of building some incredible events for the upcoming year, to new locations, and types of retreats we have never done before.   Our flagship annual retreat in Bozeman, Montana in August, then we are working on an AF travel trip in October 2024 with possible destinations being India, Vietnam, or the Camino de Santiago in Spain. But even before those events, we are working on Two retreats in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Keep an eye out for more info: Recovery Elevator events.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:55] Highlights from Paul:   Today’s question is from Dale: How do I stop comparing myself to others in Recovery?   This is a BIG PICTURE question. An issue that probably didn’t arise when you quit drinking. I’m guessing this is something you have been doing for quite some time.  

Episode 451 – What to Say to Someone Who is About to Drink   Today we have Grant. He is 54 from Sacramento, CA and took his last drink on August 10th, 2020.   Exact Nature: https://exactnature.com/RE20   [02:16] Highlights from Paul:   We are five weeks into our Q & A series. This week’s question comes from Sarah C. “What can you say to someone, so they don’t drink?” Or how to help someone not drink.   Paul gives us some tried and true methods that work and strategies that the Recovery Elevator team believe in. Here are a few suggestions that Paul shares with us:   Tough love does not work, so a tone or stance of unconditional love needs to be present when confronting a friend who is about to drink.   Quick note about boundaries. Talking with people that are drunk can be triggering, and little can be done. Ask them to call you in the morning or when they are sober.   Being there with your presence, whether it is in person, via the phone or FaceTime, or Zoom, is the best thing you can do to he