Ben feels that his character trait of being a people pleaser led to his addiction. He got so wrapped in wanting to do well (or just seem like he was doing well) and making people happy, that he sacrificed his own personal sanity. He ended up dealing with his anxiety by indulging in alcohol. Drinking became an escape that ultimately led him down a path straight to the ICU. That undying hope that Ben had that he would be able to figure it out on his own with no help and save face almost cost him his life.

Having been in treatment three times, Ben knew the drill but this time he was beaten down. Physically weak and exhausted, he was ready to finally listen to suggestions. He was also willing to not shut up anymore. He became aware of the wreckage that he had caused over the years. Ben started talking and seeking advice in treatment. In return he got the answers he was seeking.

For Ben, the thought that certain things would be too impossible to achieve or could never be better without drugs or alcohol has been proven false over the course of his new life in active recovery. He now lives a full life with new hobbies, a fiancé and a career in addiction recovery where he goes home feeling like he’s helped someone achieve hope and the motivation to do something different in their life.

Podcast may contain mature language and situations