BLACKOUTS to BREAKTHROUGHS | 34 Years of ADDICTION Before RECOVERY
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Show Notes
In this powerful episode, Bryan shares his journey from a life filled with alcohol, cocaine, and chaos to recovery and peace. For over 30 years, Bryan battled addiction, leading to destroyed relationships, financial ruin, and a body on the verge of collapse. After several failed attempts to get sober, he finally found hope in recovery at the age of 48. Now 13 years sober, Bryan is a beacon of hope, sharing his story to inspire others. Tune in to learn how he rebuilt his life and how you can find hope in your darkest moments.
Listeners will gain insights into the depths of addiction, the power of recovery, and how a supportive community can make all the difference.
Listeners will gain insight into the often-hidden struggles of alcoholism and learn how one man’s determination to change can inspire us all to seek a healthier and happier life.
Growing Up
Bryan grew up in a typical family setting, but always felt a little different, like something was wrong with him. This feeling of being out of place shaped much of his early life. Despite a seemingly normal upbringing, his emotional struggles began to surface as he entered adolescence, ultimately laying the groundwork for the addiction that would later dominate his life.
First Time Engaging in Behavioral Addiction
At 14 years old, Bryan had his first drink during a family outing to Hampton Beach. That night, he drank far too much, leading to his first blackout and a hangover so intense it should have deterred him from drinking again. However, despite the negative consequences, this experience planted a seed. In high school, drinking escalated to a regular weekend occurrence, fueled by the thrill of blacking out and chaos.
Active Addiction
Throughout his 20s and 30s, Bryan’s addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and gambling consumed his life. Despite making significant money as a construction boss, he found himself broke every week, unable to maintain healthy relationships, including his marriage. His addiction spiraled, leading to multiple blackouts, brushes with the law, and close calls with DUI arrests. By his 40s, Brian was drinking daily, blacking out regularly, and feeling increasingly hopeless.
Hitting Bottom
Bryan's rock bottom came at the age of 48, after years of being trapped in a cycle of destruction. His body was shutting down; he was vomiting daily, bruised, and malnourished. His family, heartbroken, watched him deteriorate, unsure if he would survive. After a final episode where his son found him passed out in his car, Bryan was taken to the hospital and committed under the Baker Act. It was clear that he was at death’s door.
Getting Help
Despite several failed attempts at detox, Bryan finally entered a treatment program that began his road to recovery. His turning point came when he walked into his first AA meeting, where the joy and recovery of others gave him hope for the first time in years. He committed to sobriety, attended daily meetings, and worked the steps with a sponsor. Slowly, his life transformed.
What Things Look Life Today
Today, Bryan has over 13 years of sobriety and is known as “Gratitude Brian” in recovery circles. He is filled with joy, living a life free from alcohol and drugs, and dedicated to helping others find the same freedom. He shares his story regularly, ensuring that others know recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless they feel.
FAQs
What is addiction recovery? Addiction recovery is the process of overcoming substance or behavioral addictions and returning to a healthy, productive life.
How long does recovery take? Recovery is an ongoing process that lasts a lifetime, but significant progress can be made in the first year of sobriety.
Can you recover without rehab? Yes, some people recover without attending rehab through support groups, therapy, and self-help programs like AA.
What is a relapse? A relapse is when a person in recovery returns to substance use after a period of abstinence.
Is addiction a disease? Yes, addiction is recognized as a chronic brain disease that affects behavior and decision-making.
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