016: Ben’s Story: The Chemical Happiness Trap

This conversation covers a lot of ground. Ben’s journey starts in Canada, where he struggled with mental health issues that he treated with drugs and alcohol. That was fun at first, but as often happens, it soon led to fun with problems and then just problems. When he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, he brought his addiction with him, and life became a nightmare. After passing out on a street corner, Ben knew he had to make a change, and he ended up in a rehab in Texas.

Sobriety hasn’t been a smooth ride, but with hard work, willingness, and support, Ben is changing his life, and now he helps other addicts. We also talk honestly about relapse, “marijuana maintenance” and the seedier side of the rehab business.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed:

Mental Health: Many people have a “dual diagnosis” or are self-medicating or both.

Life on Life’s Terms: means facing pain without numbing it.

Community is Essential: Recovery is both personal and social.

Relapse: Recovery requires accountability, but shame shouldn’t keep you from coming back from a slip or a relapse.

California Sober: Ben doesn’t think “marijuana maintenance” is for him, but acknowledges different paths work for different people.

Working in Recovery: Helping people get sober can be rewarding, but there is a dark side to the business

Getting Sober Early: The challenges and rewards of stopping as a young person.

Memorable Quotes:

“I remember thinking… this is the best thing I’ve ever experienced. You just drink something and suddenly you’re chemically happy.”

“There’s real beauty in realizing: I don’t have a good life. Because that’s when you can finally change it.”

“Finding a good AA meeting is like dating—you’ve got to try a bunch before you find the right one.”

“I just wanted something to fix me… but I had to actually fight for it.”

“You can’t control what other people do. You can only control what you do with your own life.”

“Recovery isn’t just the steps—you need non-toxic people in your life too.”

“I can’t do any work on myself if I’m high. I’m just avoiding feeling.”

“Sometimes you have to stop caring about other people’s approval to find your people.”

“Relapse isn’t something to shame—but staying sober does take work.”