HammeredRecovery Podcast

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Listen Notes The Fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.Pg. 24 of The Big Book This tragic situation has already arrived in practically every case long before it is suspected!Pg. 24 of The Big Book Why are choices so important Alcohol, this disease, it took our choices away. You can choose to take them back. You choose to stop digging.You choose to check into rehab.You choose to go to meetings.You choose to get a sponsor.You choose to work the steps.You chose to continue to work the steps.No one else can make this choice for you. You have to. That’s why it’s so hard, and at the same time that is why it works. The tale of two meetings The first was my Friday Night Men's Beltline, St. Louis Park, MN.The 2nd was Hosanna! Shakopee, MN. If you looking for a church I cannot recommend Hosanna! enough, I go to the one in Shakopee, but they are all great and there are 1000 other great churches out there as well. WHy attending meetings is so powerful I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or more gather together as my followers, I am there among them.Matthew 18: 19-20 We can look to the pandemic to show how important social interaction is. For people with mental illness and personally I’ll say for alcoholics the pandemic was a huge tipping point. What did I learn at these two meetings? Friday Beltline: Opening reading - 6th step – were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six. We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all – every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.Pg. 76 of The Big Book discussion topics The importance of doing the steps in order.Two participants talked about not wanting to go but being so glad they did.It’s easy to pass over the steps that don’t have an action.That’s not how it works.You have to choose that YOU don’t want to drink anymore.You have to truly believe that a Power great than you can restore us to sanity.You have to make a choice to turn your will and lives over to the care of God.For 6 you have to be entirely ready to ask God to remove your defects of character.The reoccurring theme to me was willingness. This is where a lot of people made the choice that they were willing to do this. Which of course is the spiritual principle of step 6.Crazy that willingness comes halfway through the steps.Fake it until you make it stops at step 6. Hosanna! 3 Ways to get Stuck: Comfort ZoneThe end of your comfort zone is the beginning of living.The tendency to go back to our comfort zone.Emotional HealthFear, anxiety, pride…TraumaGreifConsumeristic ChristianityWhen you consume something it’s gone!World of Look at Me!We are not meant to be consumers; we are meant to be contributors… 12th step.It’s not about you… it’s about others. Getting unstuck Move into deeper waters – the 12 steps are all about moving into deeper waters.Take Jesus in the boat with you (higher Power)Stay humble (defects of character)Help others (step 12) If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the 99 others on the hills and go out to search for the 1 that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth,

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes What is Rock Bottom and why do we feel we have to hit it?You don't have to hit rock bottom. You just have to stop digging!Pink CloudWhat is the pink cloud?Pay offThings happen for a reason. If you stick with this program everything is going to be okay!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com SHow Notes At the start of the show I discuss ways listeners can help support the podcastvisit HammeredRecovery.com - Click the Donate tab - Use the Donate button at the bottom of the pageRate the podcast 5 stars and leave a reviewBuy apparel from the Merch shop on the websiteI then continued on with the How It Works series and really concentrated on Step 3Step 3 is more than turning our will and lives over to GodIt's about Self-Centeredness and SelfishnessOur lives had become unmanageable and our best thinking got us here, so why would we think we alone can get us out.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes In today's podcast I continue walking through How It Works from the Big BookI discuss how my life is going a year after checking into HazeldenHow quickly time goes by once you have made the decision to stop drinkingThe importance of being picky and putting in the work before you:Pick a sponsorPick a meeting(s)Pick a treatment centerPick and IOP groupPick a churchYour life is about to get a whole lot better. Enjoy it!!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com SHow Notes Super bowl I start off the show talking about the upcoming Super bowl and the fact that I was in Hazelden for the Super bowl a year agoI've always made a big deal out of big sports events for my family, so this was a big change for me, but I knew it was what I had to do and it was worth it.; I discussed a line from the walking dead that I thought was relevant to sobriety: Rick, your world is about to get a whole lot bigger! HOw it works This is part one of a series of podcasts I am going to do on chapter 5, How it Works from the Big BookI discussed varies lines form pages 58-59Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our pathPeople who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program... are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselvesThey are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honestyWhat we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like knowAt some of these we baulked. We thought we could find an easier, softer wayWe beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very startWe let go absolutelyWe deal with alcohol, cunning, baffling, powerfulThere is One who has all power - that One is God. May you find Him nowHalf measures availed us nothing If you follow this simple program... Rick, your world is about to get a whole lot bigger!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes: Dealing with unforeseen circumstances I start off this weeks podcast talking about getting COVID and how dealing with being sick can be different for alcoholicsHow will you deal with isolation?Going back to the basicsOne day at a time The Walking Dead Like many, one of the things I did to help pass the time was binge watch TV. My show of choice happened to be Th Walking Dead and I found many parallels to alcoholism:Wandering around with no purposeNot using our thinking brain, just acting on instinctI found three reoccurring themes around how people were able to persevere:Always have a positive attitudeFind a teamRely on your Higher Power No matter how bleak things may seem at the time, with these three things we can always find the power to move forward!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com SHow Notes The Genisis Today I start out the podcast recounting that it was one year ago today I checked my self into HazeldenI recount the days leading up to checking in and the process of checking into HazeldenI discuss that Hazelden was my Genesis and where my story beginsI briefly recapped everything I have learned in the first year and the podcasts I have done A message from my higher power I discussed the message from my church last Sunday and how the message was from GenesisI went over the message and now it so perfectly fits with sobrietyStop the HidingStop the BlamingStop the Controlling Once you do this you can start living your best life. Healthy. Happy. Sober.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes In todays episode I read from Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol*. I wanted to do an episode that resonates with the Christmas Spirit, and this story fit the bill. If you have heard this story a hundred times, or if this is the first, listening to it from a place of recovery gave it new meaning to me and I hope it does the same for you. Merry Christmas!! *this condensed version of the story was read from Sparknotes.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes Nervous about the Holidays We start off todays podcast discussing an e-mail I received with 7 tips titled Nervous About the Holiday's? Hatch a holiday escape planRewrite the holiday story in your headStay helpfulBe mindful of what you are drinkingSome triggers and traps are optionalPractice self careConsider rehab over the holidays Dealing with Shame I next discussed how important it is for long term sobriety to deal with shame Guilt = I did something badShame = I am a bad personThe 3 C's of Al AnonI didn't Cause itI can't Control itI'm not going to Cure itSteps I found helpful for admitting I was an alcoholic getting rid of the shameSay it to yourselfSay it out loudSay it to a loved oneSay it at an AA meetingSay it to someone you don't knowSay it to someone you do know, but you haven't told yetI discussed two recent instances were I didn't let shame get in the way Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildner This book had an amazing story of a girl named Laura who had a horrifying childhood, but got over her shame and took back her life. As an alcoholic, that is what we need to strive to do everyday and I hope others can relate to her story and strive to not let this disease define them too.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com SHow Notes In this weeks podcast I start off by recapping my family vacation to AMI and comparing it to a similar trip last year before I quit drinking. Spoiler, this year was much better!We need to git rid of the thought process that when we quite drinking we lost something. It actually is the exact opposite, we gained EVERYTHING! Navigating the Holidays I spent time discussing some of the things you can do to ensure you have a great safe Holiday season: Drive your own car so you can leave on your own terms.check in with your sponsor before and after the party.Bring some to drink in case an alcohol free option is not provided.In cases such as a family holiday event don't be afraid to call ahead and discuss something that may be on your mind. In my case the fear the whole party would be dry on my behalf.As with most things, practice makes perfect. The more events you attend the more comfortable you will feel.Do not lock yourself in the basement and avoid the fun!! Step 12 The Holiday's are a great time to practice step 12. Use this opportunity to help others.A huge Thank You to all of my listeners. I find these podcasts so rewarding and with out you non of this would even be possible!!!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com SHow Notes I recommend reading the Big Book and 12 & 12, but also do some research online.Article by Jason Wahler – Breaking down the steps.Step 8 & 9 Podcast – The Recovery Show – Mary Pearl T. We take a look backward and try to discover where we have been at fault.We make a vigorous attempt to repair the damage we have done.We consider how, with our newfound knowledge of ourselves, we may develop the best possible relations with every human being we know. This is about cleaning your side of the street. Step 8 – Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all You should be on this list.Is mostly about identifying the damage you have done to others and listing those names.Even if you currently are not willing put them on your list.This is not a list you keep in your head. You put every name down on paper, even if you are not sure you owe them amends.Reason 8 is before 9. Don’t worry about 9.Be incredibly honest.Break this list down into:NowLaterNever Step 9 – Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Difference between amends and apologies – An Amends has to do with resorting justice as much as possible. If you borrow $20 form someone you don’t apologize and not give them the money back. You give them to $20 back. Honestly Admit and Humbly ask for forgiveness.Do not procrastinate, but also do not rush this step.As with anything you get batter as you do them. Start with the easy ones. Direct Amends – taking personal responsibility for your actions and confronting the person who you would like to reconcile with.Indirect Amends – Finding ways to repair damage that cannot be reversed or undone by doing things like volunteering and helping others.Living Amends – When you show others as well as yourself that you have made a genuine lifestyle change and are making a commitment to yourself and those that you have hurt that you will & have discarded your previous destructive behaviors. Restoration – Brining something back to its former state, usually things that have been damaged. (Reputations – Trust)Resolution – Likely have past experiences that plague or disturb us – Coming up with answers and solutions to these problems and laying them to rest.Restitution – the Act of returning something material to its rightful owner. Why is this important? 9th Step Promises, Big Book Pgs. 83-84

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Listen Notes In this episode we welcome back Kelly Kristo as a co-host to have an open discussion about recovery. Kelly and I are in different stages of our recovery and it was fun to get a new perspective. We talked about a lot of different subjects, not all recover based, including: What's happening in the NFL with our favorite teamsMy first Halloween not pulling a coolerHow is this holiday season going to be different for me and different ways to copeHow meetings differ from place to placeWhat is FRED G?And plenty of other topics, including the Timberwolves. I hope you enjoy this new format and we look forward to doing this again soon. I'd love to hear from you on how you think the podcast is going and if there is anything you would like to see discussed in the future! You can always e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com or feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @hammeredrecover. Thank you so much for listening.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Listen Notes Today I started off the show recapping a long weekend with my kids and discussing how quickly they have reverted back to wanting to spend time with me again. I also discussed an upcoming episode on The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. I am not quite ready to do a full podcast yet, but I discussed how I am already using the tool to combat my procrastination issue. Different Levels Different Devils The main topic of today's podcast is talking about how we all have different devils at the level we are at in sobriety. My Levels and devils have been: 3 years ago - adding more and more HH's to my week2 years ago - stopping on the way home to pick up a bottle1 year ago - hiding bottles in the garage9mos ago - not admitting I was an alcoholic and needed to go to treatment8mos ago - thinking I was cured getting out of treatment7mos ago - not wanting to go to meetings6mos ago - not wanting to get a sponsor5mos ago - not wanting to do the stepstoday - falling into the trap that "I got this" I also discussed relapses along the way and finding the courage to get back up and not let them define me. What level are you at and what devils are you dealing with?

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show notes In todays podcast I welcomed Quinn to tell his story. I meet Quinn when I was just starting out in recovery. In fact, at that time I hadn't even decided to quit drinking yet. He was in my first IOP group, which I eventually failed out of, so I didn't get to know him all that well early on. In fact, we've only met in person one time. That being said he has been a big part of my sobriety. Quinn was the first person I heard say "play the tape forward". He took the time to call my wife after yet another failed attempt of sobriety for me. Also, it was after one of many talks with Quinn that I decided to check myself into treatment. There were many many others who helped me along the way, but Quinn stood out to me. What I now know is that, in sobriety, there are thousands of Quinn's. This is a community of people helping others and if you are new to it, I hope you find your Quinn too!

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Listen Notes The social media trap This weeks podcast starts out with a discussion to be more aware of what makes you happy and what makes you angry.I discuss how I have become more aware of how social media has been affecting my mode in a way I do not like and what my plans are to address it.Why have Twitter likes and podcast become important to me? As we have learned from The Four Agreements a goal needs to be to not takes things personally and if we are following this agreements "likes" and downloads should not be important to us.I have also found that the amount of negativity on Twitter, and in the news in general, has affected my happiness and I need to be more proactive in cutting this hate out of my life. THe Prodigal SOn Next I discussed the Prodigal Son. In the bible story there are three main characters.The prodigal son who has lost his way - This is meThe father who welcomed him home - This is my recovery communityThe older brother who became bitter with the return of the prodigal son - This is anyone in your life that is not happy for you and not there to support you, and you need to actively cut them out of your life so you can truly be happy. I hope you enjoy this weeks podcast and you too can actively work to become a person who is not just sober, but Healthy. Happy. Sober.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes Today I want to start out the show by speaking directly to those listeners who have found the podcast and are still drinking. The most important listener is the listener who hasn’t decided to stop yet or just recently has. The people, that like me 10 mos. ago are in a very dark place and think there is absolutely no way out. 10mos ago I found the solution of how to get out of the dark place that if you don’t will lead to death. I quit drinking and I can tell you exactly how to do the same. We tried an easier softer wayYou’ll be amazed before you are halfway throughThe promises do come true IF YOU WORK FOR THEM. Depression is living in the past and Anxiety is living in the future. Pause this podcast google 24 hours a Day book July 29th,30th, 31st. Next listen to: Ep2 – There are 2 days in each week about which we should not worry. (Long title) Ep 14 – my story Ep 8 – Kelly’s story Ep 11 – We Tried an Easier Softer Way Ep 3 – Breaking the Cycle Ep 7 – The Promises. Next you are going to go to HammeredRecovery.com, use the help button under More info. Find a treatment centerFind a meeting and a temporary sponsor DopamineDopamine causes that little happy feeling when someone likes your post of Instagram, you check something off your to do list, or compete a small task.It is meant to motivate your body toward a distant goal, one step at a time.Without it early humans never would have had the motivation to hunt down large mammals and benefit from investing effort into long-term goals.Today it is what helps you get through your to do list or motivates you to start a new habit.The effects of dopamine are fleeting. This isn’t the type of long-lasting happiness you’ll be able to savor. It lasts just long enough for you to check something of your list and motivate you on to the next one.Always start your to do lists with easily attained goals.OxytocinOften referred to as the “hugging Drug” because it is released by the brain during physical contact with others. Also the feeling behind, love, friendship, or deep trust.How to get them: Positive social interaction. Working together with others, sharing a meal, giving a gift, opening up emotionally, providing full attention while listening to others, long hugs.Unlike Dopamine it is long lastingWorks two ways, you get it and give it at the same time.Fights stress, improves relationships, and promotes long-lasting positive emotions.SerotoninAnother social chemical like Oxytocin, but functions in an entirely different way.Pride, loyalty, and StatusWhen we feel a sense of accomplishment or recognition from others, we are experiencing the effects of serotonin.Serotonin is what motivates a leader to excel and grow their influence, to win awrds, to become popular, but compels followers to do well and not let down their leaders as well.It is why athletes often thank their parents, coaches, God after a win.Whoever they felt offered them support and protection they needed to accomplish what they accomplished. When others offer us that protection and support, because of serotonin, we feel a sense of accountability to them.Believed to affect digestion, bone growth, and organ developmentEndorphinsThe feeling runners get on long runs “Runners high”, that feeling comes from endorphins.Endorphins are essentially released in response to pain.They help us push our bodies beyond their comfort levels and persist when we might otherwise give up.One you remove the pain part of the equation endorphins can feel like a “high”Talking a freezing cold shower in the morning, for example, can give you a huge boost of endorphins if you can stand a minute or two of physical discomfort.They are the reason why starting a gym routine can help you relax after a long day at work, or ramp up for the day in the morning.

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes: Joseph Caravelle, MA, LADC – The Disease of Addication AA Program defines addiction as having three distinct components:The Allergy of the body.Understanding the parts of the brain that are affected by this disease.Limbic System – “Survival Brain”Neocortex – “Thinking Brain”NAc / Survival/reinforcement circuit – “Go” CircuitLeft Orbitofrontal Cortex – “Stop” CircuitThe obsession of the mind.How a memory formedHow do certain chemicals present during the formation of a memory affect how these memories are imprintedThe Malady of the spirit.How eventually we are left broken and what we need to move forwardCrossing the Invisible LineUnderstanding addiction is a diseaseOrgan – BrainDefect – The breakdown in communication between the NAc and the left orbitofrontal cortexSymptoms – Chemical use despite consequences; the loss of control; tolerance and withdrawal; cravings

For more information visit HammeredRecovery.com or e-mail me at justin@hammeredrecovery.com Show Notes In this weeks Podcast Kelly Kristo is back to fill in as guest host while I tell my story. Topics covered include: Growing up in a small townRealizing I drank differently than mostThe progression of my diseaseFinally admitting TO MYSELF that I had a problem and that I wanted a better life for myselfFinding that Meetings, a sponsor, and working the step was the only thing that worked for me.