6. Divorce, Suicide and Staying Sober "No Matter What"

#6: Dave grew up in Anaheim, CA. His father left when he was 2, and they met again when he was 30. He was raised by his mother and stepfather who were “hippie bikers,” and his stepdad was often confused with ZZ Top. Dave has 24 years of sobriety after getting sober at the age of 22. HIs best friend committed suicide on the same day Dave found out he had also been sleeping with his wife. Through all of this, he did not pick up a drink or drug and has been able to build a beautiful sober life. We are so excited to have Dave here to share his story! Our Sponsor:Lionrock Recovery (http://www.lionrockrecovery.com) Follow us here:Podcast Website: (http://www.lionrockrecovery.com/podcast)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/LionrockRecovery/)Twitter: (https://twitter.com/lionrockrecovry)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/lionrockrecovery/) Questions, comments or feedback? We want to hear from you! Email us at podcast@lionrockrecovery.com Show Notes:1:23 - Growing up 3:45 - Meeting his biological father 6:18 - "Hippie Biker" parents 9:07 - Taking his first drink 13:08 - Doing acid and ecstasy on top of drinking 16:18 - "Why don't you just drink?" 19:40 - The drugs aren't normal, but the drinking is 22:24 - Going to a 12-step meeting for drugs, meeting his sponsor 24:27 - "Try some controlled drinking" 29:00 - Intrusive thoughts and dealing with fear 30:43 - Meeting his (ex) wife at a meeting 33:51 - The relationship's demise 34:28 - "I'm sleeping with your wife" 36:20 - His best friend's suicide 37:58 - Trauma bonding 39:48 - "Don't drink, no matter what" 45:19 - Trying to date someone who wasn't sober 50:21 - The "emotional peanut allergy" 57:43 - The problems that would come with drinking/substance use as an adult 1:01:05 - It became clear I needed to date someone who was sober 1:05:30 - Trying something different when disagreeing 1:13:25 - Why he still does the "work" 1:20:30 - Being sober and the amazing things that come with it (and...we don't have a choice) Our Sponsor:Lionrock Recovery (http://www.lionrockrecovery.com)The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Lionrock Recovery, for their support. Lionrock Recovery is an online substance abuse counseling program where you can get help for drinking or drug use from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit http://www.lionrockrecovery.com.