Anonymous - Real Stories of Alcoholism, Addiction, and Recovery

Tamar never considered alcoholism a possibility. Drinking initially felt grounding and connective rather than escapist. Over time, it became essential for managing anxiety, grief, social interaction, and professional life in the arts world. The progression was gradual but unmistakable: secret drinking, carrying flasks, structuring life around alcohol availability, drinking during work hours, and rationalizing it all as part of a cr...

This conversation covers a lot of ground. Ben’s journey starts in Canada, where he struggled with mental health issues that he treated with drugs and alcohol. That was fun at first, but as often happens, it soon led to fun with problems and then just problems. When he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, he brought his addiction with him, and life became a nightmare. After passing out on a street corner, Ben knew he had to mak...

In this episode, John and Jason talk to David, who lays out his story of addiction and recovery so directly and simply that it’s easy to forget just how incredible it is. Part of it is his deep, gravelly voice, which was made for podcasting (he doesn’t do that professionally…yet). But mostly it’s his honesty.

From huffing paint thinner at an early age to daily marijuana use in middle school, David’s addictions led to a stint in reha...

This is a harrowing story of pain, addiction, recovery, relapse, and redemption. As a child, Serena developed deep feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and emotional pain after losing her father to suicide, her step-father to murder, and suffering childhood sexual abuse. She found ease and comfort from her trauma in drugs and alcohol at an early age. Heavy partying through her twenties started out fun but eventually led to serious...

In this episode, John and Jason talk to Christopher, who found relief from crippling fear and anxiety in a can of Fosters he stole from his dad’s fridge when he was 14. Partying in High School and college kept going until he realized he should maybe stop about 10 years later. Then he kept going for another decade or so before he finally gave up. We talk about how hard it was for all of us to stand up at our first meeting and admit ...

Missi joins Jason and John to share a story about a frightening childhood experience that reverberated through her life. Her desire to be someone other than herself and a need for validation led to a successful career as an actor and an entertainer. However, there was still a deep-rooted insecurity that drinking helped to quell temporarily. In recovery, she's discovered tools that help her stay sober and really connect with other p...

This episode was recorded the day after Brad celebrated 24 years of sobriety, and he packs a lot of experience, honesty, wisdom, and humor into his story. Brad tells us about his drug and alcohol abuse and the insanity of addiction. A native New Yorker, Brad attended one of his first 12-step meetings at the Jewish Y on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which was, ironically, the same place where he had been a camper and camp counse...

In this wide-ranging episode, Travis tells his story, recounting how flooding his home after passing out in his bathtub wasn’t enough to keep him sober but handcuffs and leg restraints courtesy of the California Highway Patrol helped him realize he had a problem that needed a serious solution. Travis details the extreme self-will and need for external validation that fueled his addiction, manifesting in both chaos and self-sabotage...

In this raw and surprisingly humorous episode, hosts John and Jason are joined by Abner, who shares his deep and complex journey through addiction and recovery. Abner walks us through his early life, characterized by a persistent feeling of being "different" and constantly having to fight to survive. He describes his addiction as being fueled by a need to overcompensate and a reliance on "liquid courage" and stimulants to feel both...

Kirsten shares her lifelong struggle with alcoholism that includes early, long term periods of sobriety followed by painful relapses. Kirsten candidly and sometimes hilariously details the mental traps of addiction and the transformative power of genuine spiritual surrender. Her story, rich with both struggle and an infectious gratitude, reveals the humor and humility found on the path to lasting sobriety. Through a dedicated engag...

Paul V. takes us on a wild ride that’s harrowing and hilarious-–often at the same time! From touring the country as a rising rock star to finding love on the set of Independence Day to living in a van, Paul’s life has had few dull moments, at least the way he tells it! His addiction adventures finally led him to recovery and now he finds that his dreams are coming true in improbable ways.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed:

• A Turb...

Erik unpacks his journey through addiction and the ongoing miracle of his recovery. From navigating a childhood with an alcoholic stepfather and a teetotaler mother, to finding his "arrival" in the numbing embrace of alcohol, Erik talks about the insidious progression of substance use. He shares his dive into drugs like LSD and marijuana, the isolation of his drinking, and the "involuntary spiritual experience" that finally led him...

Izzy shares her journey through active addiction and into a vibrant recovery. She opens up about her dual diagnosis of PTSD and severe anxiety, how her desire to escape herself led to blacking out on Vicodin and booze at 14, addiction to inhalants and psychedelics and an abusive 20-year marriage. Izzy’s story illuminates the insidious nature of the disease. and the profound miracles she's found in working the 12 Steps. John and Jas...

In this candid and moving episode, Ted takes us on a 40-year journey through the slow, subtle progression of alcoholism. From a self-conscious "chubby kid" having his first shower beer before middle school gym class to a radio DJ broadcasting with a bottle by his side, Ted's story is a powerful look at how alcohol can become an identity. He shares the painful self-realizations of sobriety, the difference between religion and spirit...

In this deeply personal and unexpectedly funny episode, hosts John and Jason sit down with Sarah, who recounts her path from a successful career to the edge of despair and back. Sarah shares the hidden life of a "high-bottom" alcoholic, from starting her drinking day at 2 PM while working from home to the elaborate schemes she devised to hide the extent of her addiction. Her story is a powerful testament to the insanity of the dise...

In this honest and sometimes hilarious episode, Marc talks about hitting rock bottom later in life. From celebrating his 50th birthday in detox to pooping his pants on the freeway, Marc details the moments of despair and absurdity that led him to recovery. His journey is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to ask for help and find a new way to live.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed:

• Late-in-Life Addiction: Marc disc...

In this raw and surprisingly humorous episode, hosts John and Jason are joined by J, who shares her journey through addiction and recovery. From grade school hangovers to hiding wine bottles from her partner to covering up a liquor spill with rubbing alcohol, J's story is a masterclass in alcoholic thinking. She shares the chaos of her past relationships, the rock bottom that led her to her first meeting, and the profound, sometime...