Sobriety Date: 10/20/2020
Age: 42
Drug(s) of Choice: Alcohol
Alumni Interview Date: 11/10/2022
It was a life-changing experience. Although it was difficult at times, it made my life so much better in so many ways that I would not trade that experience for the world...
Personal Background
I was born in Panama City, FL. I grew up surfing, playing music, partying, and working on the beach mostly. I have epilepsy which always made life difficult because I would have seizures and drinking definitely didn’t help that but I tried to live life to fit in as normally as possible.
Recovery Background
When I was about 16 I realized every time I drank alcohol I just didn’t have any type of boundaries or limit. I always wanted to keep going and going. As I aged over time I had to compensate my dependency on alcohol with drugs to make sure that I could function in society to do normal things like keep my job, maintain relationships, go to the store, etc.. Just so I could drink. Everything revolved around
alcohol.
How were you introduced to the 12-step program and recovery?
I was introduced to Real Recovery by Chad Belger after hitting rock bottom of being homeless for over a year, having 8 seizures in one day, and almost dying. Chad came and picked me up in Panama City, he had gotten sober at Real Recovery a few years before and he was friends with my Dad. I will be grateful to him forever for taking me there.
Rick’s Journey at Real Recovery
How was your experience at Real Recovery?
It was a life-changing experience. Although it was difficult at times, it made my life so much better in so many ways that I would not trade that experience for the world and I am so grateful to Mark and all of my friends there that helped me get through the journey while I was there.
What was the hardest or most challenging step for you?
Yes, step 4, after I admitted to God, myself, and another human being all of those people that I was holding massive resentment against and then hearing myself say what grief had I caused them. It was a real eye-opener and it changed my perspective on a lot of things and allowed me to start putting myself in other people’s shoes rather than always thinking of myself. After that step, it was like a pile of weight had dropped off my shoulders.
After Real Recovery & Life In Sobriety Today
How’s life now?
Life is good, I live in Gulf Breeze, FL(Pensacola). I still have the same job I’ve had since February 2021 Provider Reimbursement (Accounting) except they hired me on to Corporate after being contracted for over a year through E-Solutions so that was nice. Here I like to go to the beach, concerts, play pool, bowl, and anything fun. I try to make as many meetings as I can but there aren’t that many around here and it cost a lot for Ubers into Pensacola so I mostly go to meetings on zoom. It doesn’t affect my sobriety though. I talk to other alcoholics almost every day and I stay sober.
What three things/tips would you tell your past self or share with someone considering sober living/recovery?
- Only you can help you, but if you want to change your life, this is how.
- Always Maintain a Positive attitude, tomorrow is another day
- Helping others will help you become a better person.
Do you have a daily routine that helps you stay sober?
Yes, I get up make my bed, brush teeth etc… smoke a cigarette, pray, go to work, in between (more cigarettes lol) dinner, pray, brush teeth sleep
