Today we have Vinny. He took his last drink 9 ½ years ago.  This is his story. Today's Sponsor: Café RE
Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE.  On today's episode Paul talks about change.  Whether you like it, or not, you are always changing.  You're either building new circuits or adding new blockages to your energy field.  With an addiction it's either gaining momentum or you're lessening the energetic bonds of the addiction.  You must make time to always do the work.    [15:45] Paul introduces Vinny.    Vinny is 61 years old and lives in Bangkok.  For fun Vinny like to read, watch a good TV series, going to meetings and helping people.       [19:20] Give us a background on your drinking.   Vinny discovered alcohol in his late teens and continued to use it for 10 years. The next 10 years involved alcohol and smoking marijuana.  He added crack to the mix and became a crack addict for the following 5 years.  He went to 2 treatment centers and didn't get clean until 2004.  He hit his bottom while living (homeless) in Las Vegas.  He managed to get sober after that and it lasted 3 years.     [22:45] What in your message you want to get out?   Vinny says that recovery can be simple.  Simple means it's not complicated.         [27:13] How can thinking get us into more trouble?   Vinny says that most of us do not think, or see, very clearly.  He says we act based on the false evidence we see in front of us, so obviously if we are not relating to reality, we are always going to make the wrong choices.       [30:05] What do you see is the biggest challenge that someone on this journey will face?   Vinny says he thinks that people have the illusion that they have to do it all themselves.         [38:05] What do you think addiction is and where do you think it comes from?   Vinny says he doesn't know where addiction comes from, and that it doesn't matter.    [44:00] Talk to us a little bit about self-loathing.    Vinny says self-loathing is shame.    [46:35] Talk to us about burning the ships and being honest with others.    Vinny says that sometimes we are not even aware that we aren't honest with ourselves.    [52:30] Do you think that someone can become recovered?   Vinny says if you want to use the word recovered in the present moment, yes.  If recovered means you are cured, then no.    [54:50] Rapid Fire Round  

1. What is your favorite alcohol-free drink?

  Pepsi-Cola   

1. What is a memorable moment that a life without alcohol has provided you?

  The energy here at my job, on a Saturday afternoon, seeing 30 recovering people connect with each other.  

1. What's some of the best advice you've ever received?

  Don't take yourself too seriously.   

1. And what parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?

  Take responsibility for yourself.    You might need to ditch the booze if...             You are a healthcare provider and you are taking care of somebody that needs you, and you have ran out of booze at 3 o'clock in the morning, and you abandon him and go and get booze.  The book, Alcohol is Sh!t, is out.  Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here!  You can get the Audible version here!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com   "Recovery Elevator – It All Starts from the Inside Out.  We can do this."