Listening to Others: The Key to Long-Term Sobriety
Episode Overview
Desire for sobriety must be stronger than anything else. Listen to those who have achieved long-term sobriety. Push through early recovery discomfort. Make sobriety your top priority. Heed advice from experienced mentors.
You have to make that decision. You have to, in your soul, say to yourself, I want to get sober and I want to get sober more than anything else on planet Earth.
Michael Van Meter's 'Recovery Is Possible' podcast is a must-listen for anyone on the journey to sobriety. In this episode, Michael, with his rich background as a U.S. Navy pilot, corrections officer, police officer, and FBI agent, shares his insights on the importance of listening to others in recovery. He stresses that the desire to get sober must be stronger than anything else in life.
Michael's experience working in a detox facility has shown him that listening to those who have achieved long-term sobriety can make all the difference. He uses an engaging analogy comparing recovery to training for an Ironman triathlon - if you had a world champion coach, you wouldn't ignore their advice. Similarly, in recovery, it's crucial to heed the wisdom of those who have been successful.
Michael candidly discusses the challenges of early recovery, such as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, and the importance of pushing through the discomfort to achieve long-term sobriety. He emphasises that sobriety must be the number one priority, even above family and job, because without it, everything else falls apart. The episode is filled with practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for those struggling with addiction.
Michael's message is clear: make the decision to get sober, find someone with long-term sobriety, and listen to their advice. It's a powerful reminder that recovery is possible with the right mindset and support.