Alcoholism—The Progressive Disease

Alcoholism—The Progressive Disease

How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober when the mind keeps whispering, "Maybe this time it’ll be different"? RAW Recovery’s "Alcoholism—The Progressive Disease" sits right in that tension, with Dion bringing his usual mix of humour, swearing, and hard-won experience to a serious topic. You’ll hear him start with personal history, including growing up with a speech impediment and being labelled and sidelined at school, setting the tone for a show that’s unfiltered but deeply compassionate.

From there, he shifts into the heart of the episode: why alcoholism doesn’t stay still. As he puts it, "Alcoholism is a progressive disease that doesn't require alcohol for it to go forward." Using the classic Big Book story of the "man of 30" who stayed dry 25 years and still drank himself to death within four, Dion talks through lurking notions, self-discipline that eventually collapses, and the trap of thinking time sober means you’re safe.

He also makes a clear distinction between simply not drinking and actually being in recovery, pointing out how anger, resentment, and untreated thinking keep growing even without alcohol. The conversation ranges from AA steps (he calls six and seven preparation steps and stresses real action in four, five, nine, ten, and twelve) to why time-counting can become a barrier, and why day one is nothing to be ashamed of.

He emphasises connection and honesty, urging people to speak up if they see someone "slowly receding" from recovery spaces. You’ll also get a glimpse of his stance on tech in meetings, including turning AI off in his Zoom room to protect anonymity and keep the focus on helping the newcomer.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your drinking, or your thinking, has quietly progressed while life still looks "fine" on the outside, this raw, funny, and direct conversation might nudge you to ask the questions that really matter.