Harrison T. Age 26 Sober since: 08/31/12

Harrison T. Age 26 Sober since: 08/31/12

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation between host Mike S and 26‑year‑old Harrison T offers a rare glimpse into long‑term recovery that began at just 19, right in the middle of college and fraternity life. Harrison shares how early anxiety, an obsession with image, sugar addiction and low self‑esteem set the stage long before alcohol and opiates appeared.

A painful history of weight struggles and gynecomastia surgery led to a Vicodin prescription, which he describes as the moment he "crossed that invisible line" into addiction. From there, blackout drinking, pill abuse, suicidal thinking and a stint in jail pushed him into rehab at 19 and then into AA. The episode is especially useful for anyone wondering how to stay sober in high‑drinking environments.

Harrison talks frankly about being the sober guy in a college fraternity, going to parties without drinking, and learning when to leave a room: "When people would bring out a tray of cocaine, there's no fucking reason for me to be in that room." Together, he and Mike dig into two big themes Harrison brought to the chat: romantic relationships in sobriety and redefining what success means.

Success used to be cars, money and status; now, for him, it’s about character, faith, and how he treats people day to day. He’s open about ongoing struggles with food, sex and pornography, showing that recovery isn’t perfection, it’s continued honesty and effort.

There’s also rich discussion of step work, making amends (especially to parents), and building a relationship with a higher power: from crying while wrapping tefillin in rehab to talking to God "like a partner" when life feels unfair. If you’re sober, sober‑curious, or loving someone who is, how might Harrison’s mix of humour, honesty and long‑term commitment help you rethink what a good life in recovery can look like?