Jeff's Sober Living Success Story Jeff's Sober Living Success Story Sobriety Date: 1/24/18Age: 33Drug(s) of Choice: Alcohol/XanaxAlumni Interview Date: 11/10/2022 I was introduced to the steps at my first rehab in 2014. I had all good intentions of going through them but I didn’t have the proper guidance. Personal Background Born and raised in Orlando along with three brothers. Stable, loving household withboth parents. Home-schooled until the seventh grade. The transition to public schoolwas not as difficult as one would think considering I played pop warner football withmost of the kids. My parents instilled in me the importance of being respectful, andhardworking and we were rightfully punished when I was not. Recovery Background Right after my freshman year of high school, my dad had a really bad relapse with drugsand alcohol for the first time since having kids. Little did I know that was my first sign ofwhat happens when you put all of your energy into work, family, and anything elseseems more important than your recovery. So my dad was not living with usanymore, and mom was too focused on keeping the ship afloat. Allowing us kids tohave a lot less oversight.My drinking and drugging career was never a successful one. I had consequences fromthe very start. Now obviously not as catastrophic as things to come but slowlyprogressing over time. So from 15 years old having alcohol poisoning to 28 breakingmy pelvis in a solo drunk driving accident you can see it progressed, was unstoppable,and self-inflicted. How were you introduced to the 12-step program and recovery? I was introduced to the steps at my first rehab in 2014. I had all good intentions of goingthrough them but I didn’t have the proper guidance. I attended a lot of meetings after my firstrehab but did not let anyone get to know me or properly get involved. At the time Ithought I was doing a textbook job but that was in my head, and I still had a lot ofgarbage I was carrying around in that head. Jeff's Journey at Real Recovery How was your experience at Real Recovery? Overwhelming, intimidating, new, scary, fulfilling, sad, eye-opening, insightful, and humbling. Iwas an emotional wreck coming to my first sober living after my second rehab. So full offear, self-doubt, and confusion like what the fuck have I done. All the while deep down in myheart I was exactly where I needed to be. Was there anything that you did while you were in sober living that you think made a difference this time? YES. AA meetings (arriving early and staying after not matter how uncomfortable it was)The home group that I was at every week, expressing my emotions regularly (lots of crying),focusing on helping others, being accountable for my actions, not staying out late, settinggoals and achieving them no matter how minuscule they seemed. What was the hardest or most challenging step for you? Well, the 5 that step is the one that I see most people not follow through on and goback out. On the other hand, the ones who have success have done the proper 5th step. Ohand the majority of guys that I take through the steps are selfish cunts and don’t work 12and start sponsoring other men and IN MY OPINION, it takes them back out. Was there a step or a point where you felt that things shifted or that you got the most relief from? I was miserable, angry, and felt like I was coming out of my skin after doing my 5 th step forabout a week. Everyone was telling me I was going to feel great and it was the completeopposite. I told my sponsor about it at my home group and he told me that everything I hadbeen doing was such a drastic change in my psyche that I was changing and my body wasnot used to it. After that conversation and an overwhelmed cry, I felt better and that wasa turning point for me. After Real Recovery & Life In Sobriety Today How’s life now? Life is different now, it is a life that I honestly don’t know if I would have been ready for anysooner. I try to operate under the guidance of a higher power and be a more selflessperson. The crazy thing is that when I go out and do things now I don’t have the compulsionto drink or do drugs. I am very content and comfortable with who I am, what I’m doing, andwhere I’m going. With that being said I am still a crazy person, and me going out into theworld fearless takes a lot of work and a lot of hours spent STILL doing a lot of recovery-relatedthings. Sponsoring, meetings, AA peers. What three things/tips would you tell your past self or share with someone considering sober living/recovery? It’s okay to not have the answersIt’s okay to ask for helpand embrace fearStop taking myself so seriously Do you have a daily routine that helps you stay sober? The steps are always swirling in my head and are a design for living in my life.1-3 are my go-to in the morning. I have minimal control over today, I need help, pleaseguide my thoughts and actions, and give me strength. And my morning connection orprayer is ever-changing considering the contents of my life but that is the constant in mydaily routine and from there I get direction and inspiration. Get Inspired With More Success Stories Mike E🥳 4 Years Sober 🤯 A skateboarder who became dependent on pain pills which led to prison time. How one accident led to full blown drug addiction. Today, Mike is four years sober with a career, friends, and a beautiful new family. All thanks to putting in the work and having faith that the 12 steps would work. View Mike's Story Joe A🥳 4 Years Sober 🤯 Tampa Bay native, born into an addicted household. Started drinking and smoking weed at 13 years old, by 18 he discovered opiates, at 30 years old things started to take turn for the worst. Today, he’s four years sober, a devout Bucs fan, a present friend, and an inspiring son. View Joe's Story Find The Best Sober Home Each of our locations the same level of support but amenities may differ, we can help you identify the best property for your goals in sobriety. My loved one is looking for sober living...Find a sober home for my loved one I’m looking for sober living...Help me find the right sober home