My Battle with the Booze - a Doctor’s Story

My Battle with the Booze - a Doctor’s Story

Ever wondered how a medical professional grapples with the pressures of their job and the lure of alcohol? In this episode of 'Tribe Sober', Dr. Stephan Neff, a German doctor living in New Zealand, opens up about his battle with alcohol. Starting in university, Stephan's drinking escalated as he tried to cope with the intense demands of his medical career.

By the age of 35, he knew his drinking was a problem but found it hard to stop, using alcohol as a crutch to numb the stress and pain. His wife, also a heavy drinker, eventually quit and urged Stephan to do the same, but it wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he realized something had to change. Found crying in his garage one night, Stephan faced an ultimatum from his wife: go to rehab or lose his family.

Feeling both relieved and ashamed, he chose rehab. In this raw and honest conversation, Stephan discusses how he learned to recognize his triggers and manage stress without alcohol. He also shares the importance of community and support systems in maintaining sobriety. If you're curious about how someone can turn their life around even when it seems impossible, this episode offers a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.