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 573: This Takes Time

RE 573: This Takes Time

Monday 9th February 2026

Lewis shares his journey to sobriety, highlighting patience and preparation in recovery. Discover how a strong community can aid your alcohol-free journey.
Explicit
47 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Honest
Supportive

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:
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Finding Clarity: Lewis's Journey to Sobriety

Episode Overview

  • Sobriety is a journey that requires patience and preparation.
  • A supportive community can significantly aid recovery.
  • It's important to give yourself permission to be where you are in your journey.
  • Changing environments can offer new perspectives on sobriety.
  • Accepting one's inability to drink normally is crucial for progress.
"Give yourself permission to be exactly where you are."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this engaging episode of Recovery Elevator, you'll meet Lewis, a 39-year-old from Burlington, Vermont, who took his last drink on June 12th, 2025. Paul Churchill hosts the discussion, bringing warmth and humour to the serious subject of sobriety. Lewis shares his journey from the wild party scenes of Australia to finding solace in Vermont's strong recovery community.
The episode highlights the importance of patience and preparation in recovery, reminding listeners that sobriety is a journey, not a destination. Lewis opens up about his struggles with binge drinking and how moving to a new environment offered him a fresh perspective. He also talks about the pivotal moment when he realised he had to quit drinking to avoid losing everything he valued.
The conversation is peppered with anecdotes from Lewis's life, including his adventures in Canada and Greece, and his love for the great outdoors. The episode also touches on the role of AA in Lewis's recovery and how the support of a strong community has been vital in his journey. Whether you're at the beginning of your sobriety journey or seeking motivation to keep going, this episode offers both hope and practical advice.
As Lewis says, "Give yourself permission to be exactly where you are." So, are you ready to take that first step towards a better life?
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