Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP, FASAM
Sobriety is a Team Sport
Sobriety is a Team Sport
Sobriety is a Team Sport
Monday 12th May 2025
Tom Barnum shares his journey from NFL player to sobriety advocate, highlighting the power of team support in recovery.
29 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Supportive
Compassionate
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Episodes:
131 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Admitting addiction is beyond personal control is crucial for recovery.
- Sobriety offers better fulfilment than chasing temporary highs.
- Support systems like AA are vital for rewiring the brain's reward system.
- Medication can aid recovery but requires strong support networks.
- Mindfulness and living in the moment are key to long-term sobriety.
"Being a happy, sober person to me is far better than having a little buzz"
Tom Barnum, a former Michigan State linebacker and NFL player, shares his journey from the football field to a life of sobriety in this episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy. His story is not just about overcoming addiction but finding joy and fulfilment through a team-based approach to recovery. Host Dr. Casey Grover, an experienced addiction medicine doctor, guides the conversation with humour and empathy, exploring the complexities of addiction treatment.
Tom's candid recounting of his struggles with alcohol and gambling paints a vivid picture of the challenges many face. He emphasises that admitting addiction is beyond personal control is the first step towards recovery. With three stark paths laid out for those battling addiction—sobriety, jail, or death—Tom chose the former, finding strength in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. These gatherings offer more than just support; they help to rewire the brain's reward system, bringing back the joy of human connection.
The discussion also touches on the role of medication in addiction treatment. Dr. Grover clarifies the use of Disulfiram (Antabuse) and stresses that while medicine can aid recovery, it requires a supportive network to be truly effective. Tom's experiences underline the importance of having a strong support system, be it family, friends, or fellow AA members. Tom's book, 'Sobriety is a Team Sport', encapsulates his belief that recovery is not a solo journey.
His reflections on mindfulness, living in the moment, and building a supportive team around oneself offer valuable insights for anyone on the path to sobriety. So why not join Tom and Dr. Grover for an engaging chat that might just inspire you or someone you know to take that crucial first step towards recovery?