66 - Addicts and Alcoholics Are All Cut from the Same Cloth- from Professionals to Homeless People, All Have Something to Offer One Another

We are so excited to have Carl on the show today. Carl is a client here at Rock, and he is celebrating his 90 days of being sober. In fact, he says that he hasn't been alcohol free for 90 days since he was 16 years old. Carl has given back and contributed to our community and this conversation shows his commitment to sobriety and service.

One of the interesting things about recovery is the diversity of people. People with different backgrounds, jobs, economic experiences, and different ages all coming together to battle the same problem. We talk about how being open and listening can broaden your attitude and actually help you learn about yourself as you learn about others and find common ground in the recovery community.

Show Notes:

• [04:02] As a kid, Carl stole alcohol from his parents.
• [04:19] In high school, it was practically required that he party and be part of the in crowd.
• [04:39] His dad was also a highly functioning alcoholic. In the 70s, drinking was common and it was accepted.
• [04:50] Eventually, his social drinking became more regular.
• [08:28] Ben grew up where there wasn't a lot of alcohol, so he wanted to be part of the normal group and that's why he went and drank and partied.
• [10:06] Alcohol followed Carl through college. He also played sports which allowed him a regimen that got him through college.
• [11:26] In the business world, everything around you is about doing more and doing better. You are looking at the end result, and drinking becomes part of your environment.
• [12:57] After his 30s, drinking became an everyday thing for Carl.
• [14:32] We can all do a holiday of not drinking, it's a rest of the life of not drinking that's more challenging.
• [16:17] There is a diversity of people at the Rock Treatment Center. They have a gentleman who has studied human genomes. They have a kid who shot dope off the streets. A homeless guy. A stock market guy who's the number one salesman. There is a diversity of class and a diversity of age.
• [19:35] Carl has learned a lot by being around a diverse group of people who have the same problem as him. It's very humbling and enlightening. He finds the service aspect healing.
• [20:52] Don't be afraid to get into recovery with people who you think you don't have anything in common with. The real victory lies within crossing over the threshold. We are all fighting for our lives from addiction.
• [21:36] Older people have had a whole lifetime to develop pride and ego. It's a challenge for clinicians to break down the walls of someone who's been drinking for 30 years.
• [26:32] One base at a time can beat swinging for the fences. Something to think about.
• [28:34] Regardless of age the journey speaks to you. You just have to be there to receive it.
• [31:44] There's more to the process than just getting clean.
• [32:14] If you can get through the challenge of living with the diverse group of people and different personalities, you can get through anything.
• [33:20] The housing component is like 80% of treatment. The majority of the day is spent outside of the clinical setting.
• [33:57] You get opportunities to practice conflict resolution and learn how to deal with negative feelings without picking up a drink.
• [36:35] Don't assume you think you know what other people are about or what they have to offer.
• [37:14] Carl is more service driven. He thanks God that his mindset has changed.
• [40:18] Ben thinks Carl brought more to Rock than they gave him.

Links and Resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous