Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…

Recovery Elevator

Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…

  • RE 551: Better Than Before

RE 551: Better Than Before

Monday 8th September 2025

Explore David's inspiring story of overcoming addiction and finding strength in sobriety on Recovery Elevator's latest episode.
Explicit
52 minutes
Inspiring
Authentic
Hopeful
Encouraging
Informative

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator
Author:
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
99 (View all)
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David's Journey: From Alcohol Addiction to Living Better Than Before

Episode Overview

  • Quitting alcohol can lead to becoming a better version of oneself.
  • Community support is crucial for maintaining sobriety.
  • Human connection is vital for a fulfilling life.
  • Engaging in hobbies can aid in recovery.
  • Authenticity and honesty are key in post-addiction life.
When I was drinking, I was doing something that I didn't want to do. For somebody that is independent, to be in that position is extremely demoralising.
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Recovery Elevator's latest episode, 'Better Than Before', offers a refreshing look into the life of David, a 51-year-old from Pinson, Tennessee, who bravely shares his story of battling addiction and achieving sobriety. Host Paul Churchill opens up with a nod to Steve-O from Jackass, discussing the unique potential for alcoholics to become better versions of themselves post-recovery.
The episode is packed with engaging anecdotes, including David's unexpected hobby of cleaning tombstones and his love for birding, which serve as therapeutic outlets in his recovery process. David’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, as he describes the slow progression of his drinking habits and the eventual realisation that led him to seek a sober life. He highlights the importance of community support, having found solace in online sobriety groups and the Recovery Elevator community.
With humour and honesty, David reflects on the moments that brought him to sobriety, including the wake-up call of a friend's passing. Listeners are treated to insights on how quitting alcohol can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. David shares how his marriage has strengthened, and how he's now able to be more present for his family. The episode also touches on the broader theme of human connection being vital not just for recovery but for a fulfilling life.
If you're looking for motivation and real-life accounts of overcoming addiction, this episode is a must-listen. What does it mean to become better than before? Dive into David’s story and find out.
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