Episode 7—Putting Down the Drink

Episode 7—Putting Down the Drink

In Episode 7 of From the Shadow to the Light, we explore the pivotal moment in Chapter 7 —Putting Down the Drink, when I put down the drink—an act that would redefine my life in ways I never expected. While the decision to stop drinking seemed like the ultimate solution, I quickly learned that sobriety alone wasn’t enough to heal the wounds that led me to addiction in the first place. Join me as I reflect on the challenges of early sobriety, the reality of being a “dry drunk,” and the deeper transformation required to reclaim my true self.

Show Notes

Episode Title: Putting Down the Drink Episode Number: 7

Welcome to Episode 7 of From the Shadow to the Light, where we dive into Chapter 7 of my memoir, Struck by Lightning: My Journey from the Shadow to the Light.

Deciding to stop drinking is often seen as the defining moment of recovery, but for me, it was only the beginning. Putting Down the Drink delves into the reality of quitting alcohol without addressing the underlying pain that fueled my addiction   For 17 years, I lived as what many call a “dry drunk”—free from alcohol but still trapped in the patterns of my old life. Sobriety brought external stability, but inside, I was still fighting battles I had never faced. In this episode, we explore the illusions of early recovery, the struggle of identity shifts, and the real work of transformation that extends beyond putting down the drink.

This is a story for anyone who has ever believed that stopping an addiction would solve everything, only to realize that true healing requires much more.

 

Reflective Questions

Theme 1—Facing the Challenge

1. Reflect on a pivotal time when you were challenged to confront a deeply ingrained habit or pattern of behavior. What emotions and thoughts arose within you during that time?
2. How do moments of weakness and temptation serve as opportunities for growth and self-discovery?

Additional Questions:

1. Contemplate the significance of choice in the process of personal transformation. What does it mean to actively choose change, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity?
2. How do we balance the fear of letting go with hoping for something better ahead?
3. What role does accountability play in making and maintaining difficult life changes?

Theme 2—Navigating the Journey

1. Reflect on when you felt the tug of temptation pulling you away from your path of growth and transformation. What strategies did you employ to resist temptation and stay true to your goals?
2. Consider the theme of inner turmoil versus external appearance. How do societal expectations and perceptions influence our ability to confront our inner demons and embrace authentic transformation?

Additional Questions:

1. How have the relationships and connections in your life served as sources of strength and resilience during challenging times?
2. What are the differences between abstaining from behavior and truly healing from its root causes?
3. How do you rebuild trust in yourself after breaking free from self-destructive patterns?

Theme 3—Confronting the Shadow

1. How do you relate to the “shadow self” concept and its influence on behavior and decision-making? Have you encountered moments where your own shadow aspects have surfaced, impacting your life?
2. What behavior patterns, such as denial, have hindered your authentic growth, and what steps have you taken to confront them?

Theme 4—The Burden of Illness

1. Have you experienced similar challenges, such as the burden of illness, in your journey toward self-discovery? If so, how has it been a catalyst for personal growth and transformation?
2. Consider the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one’s battle with illness. How does the experience of caregiving shape your own sense of identity and purpose?

Theme 5—Seeking Balance

1. How do you perceive the concept of balance in your own journey of personal transformation? What areas of your life do you feel need greater harmony and alignment?
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of imbalance within yourself. What emotions and thoughts arose during that time? How did you navigate the process of restoring equilibrium?

Conclusion

As we close Episode 7, we reflect on the reality that simply putting down the drink is not the same as true healing. The journey to recovery is not just about abstaining from alcohol but about facing the deeper wounds that led us there in the first place. May this episode serve as a reminder that transformation i