Brad McLeod
Brad McLeod
Shaz Didn’t Know What to Call It—Alcoholic, Binge Drinker, or Gray Area Drinking—But He Knew He Had to Stop
Shaz Didn’t Know What to Call It—Alcoholic, Binge Drinker, or Gray Area Drinking—But He Knew He Had to Stop
Shaz Didn’t Know What to Call It—Alcoholic, Binge Drinker, or Gray Area Drinking—But He Knew He Had to Stop
Friday 16th January 2026
Shaz shares his raw journey from gray area drinking to sobriety, highlighting the power of community and connection in recovery.
82 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Hopeful
Supportive
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Brad McLeod
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Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Get the buttons here!Shaz's Journey: From Gray Area Drinking to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Shaz's drinking escalated from social use to a coping mechanism.
- Community support played a crucial role in Shaz's recovery.
- Identifying as a 'gray area drinker' can be challenging.
- The opposite of addiction is connection.
- Seeking happiness without alcohol requires vulnerability.
"I wanted happiness so bad that I was willing to let the old version of me die."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode of Sober Motivation, Brad McLeod chats with Shaz, who candidly shares his journey through the complexities of alcohol use. Shaz opens up about growing up in a hardworking immigrant family and how he inherited certain habits from his father, including drinking. He reflects on how his drinking escalated from social events to a coping mechanism during the pandemic.
Shaz discusses the challenges of identifying as a 'gray area drinker' and the struggle of not fitting into traditional labels like alcoholic or binge drinker. Throughout the conversation, Shaz talks about the turning points that led him to seek sobriety, such as recognising the impact of his drinking on his family and the realisation that happiness was unattainable with alcohol in his life.
He highlights the importance of connection and community in his recovery journey, finding support in the Sober Motivation community. Shaz's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength found in seeking help. His journey is relatable to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, offering hope and insight into the possibility of change. Are you ready to redefine your relationship with alcohol and find your path to happiness?