The Next Fix

Episode 8: "When I Stop Fighting" with Daryl Dittmer

We dive into sobriety with Daryl Dittmer, a published author, discussing his journey through sobriety and the impact of the 12-step program on his life. He shares personal experiences, the influence of his mentor, and the therapeutic process of writing his book. The conversation covers themes of personal transformation, sobriety, and the journey to a better life. It delves into the importance of humility, responsibility, and the impact of small acts of kindness. The discussion also explores the concept of delayed gratification and the power of belief in something greater than oneself. The conversation concludes with a focus on creativity and the anticipation of future projects. 
Daryl has incredible clout in the recovery space with decades of sobriety under his belt.  His story and path showcase what is possible when you let go and surrender your power to something greater than yourself.  
You can find his book on Amazon "When I Stop Fighting"
You can also see what Daryl is up to next at www.daryldittmer.com 
Facebook also has his projects @When I Stop Fighting 
Takeaways
Darrell Dittmer's journey through sobriety and the impact of the 12-step program on his life.
The influence of a mentor, Bud, and the importance of having a guiding figure in the recovery process.
The therapeutic process of writing a book and revisiting personal experiences, leading to self-reflection and emotional release. The journey to personal transformation and sobriety involves embracing humility and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Small acts of kindness and humility have a profound impact on others and contribute to a better life.
Delayed gratification and the belief in something greater than oneself are essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Creativity and anticipation of future projects are important for continued growth and development.
#sobriety #12stepprogram #mentorship #personalgrowth #writingprocess #therapeuticjourney #personaltransformation #sobriety #humility #responsibility #delayedgratification #belief #creativity #future projects

Episode 7: Spirit to Spirit with Sheena Shanti

Sheena, a recovered alcoholic, shares her experience of being an alcoholic for 16 years and the cycle of addiction. The pressure of the professional world brought her to a common method of coping too familiar for people who struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs).   Her ritual of buying expensive whiskey and consuming large quantities of alcohol is seemingly normal for her addicted mind during the thick of abusive behavior. This leads to physical and financial repercussions. Her mother's intervention and her spiritual connection played a significant role in her recovery. Sheena shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in helping others. She describes the moment she made the decision to seek help and the support she received from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). She emphasizes the importance of realizing that addiction not only affects oneself but also hurts the people around them. In the AA meetings, Sheena delves into what worked and didn't work as she navigated her own approach to recovery and discovering "Spirit."  Sheena now works for Spirit and helps others overcome their addictions and find their true selves.  Her new book "Spirit to Spirit" is a deep dive into internal work to surpass the struggles of addiction and alcoholism.  You can find her book on Amazon -
SPIRIT TO SPIRIT : Tap into your inner fire, own our story, and transform your life
Takeaways
Addiction can be a cycle of constantly seeking a reward and using substances to cope with pressure.
Alcoholism can have a significant impact on physical health and financial resources.
Interventions and moments of realization can be catalysts for change in addiction recovery.
Spirituality and a strong support system can play a crucial role in overcoming addiction. Addiction not only affects oneself but also hurts the people around them.
Support from groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can be instrumental in overcoming addiction.
Self-discovery and personal growth are important in maintaining sobriety.
Finding purpose and helping others can be a powerful motivator in recovery.
Spirituality and connecting with something greater than oneself can aid in the healing process.
 
You can also learn more about Sheena's work at-- https://www.sheenashanti.co.uk/
 
#addiction #alcoholism #recovery #pressure #reward #expensivewhiskey #consumption #ritual #withdrawals #intervention #spiritualconnection #addiction #AlcoholicsAnonymous #support #decision #purpose #self-discovery #personalgrowth #spirituality #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery
 

Episode 6: Staying Sober in Las Vegas with Katie Howell

Getting sober in Las Vegas is no easy task.  In fact, most people wanting sobriety would agree the first thing you should do is get the hell out of Las Vegas if sobriety is what you want.  However, Katie Howell, stayed in the belly of the beast and still achieved an impressive recovery journey. 
In this conversation, Ryan Penley and Katie Carlson discuss their experiences with alcoholism and their journeys to recovery. Katie shares that her alcoholism was a slow burn, starting in her late 30s. She used alcohol to cope with depression and anxiety, but eventually realized she couldn't control her drinking. She hit rock bottom after her mother's death and a failed marriage. Katie had a spiritual experience where she surrendered and asked for help. She decided to go to rehab and received support from her family. After rehab, she recognized that she couldn't drink responsibly and fully embraced a sober lifestyle. Katie Carlson shares her journey of overcoming addiction and finding sobriety. She discusses the challenges she faced, including low self-esteem and the ego brain, and how she made the decision to listen to others and follow their guidance. Katie emphasizes the importance of being open to change and trying new things.  She also highlights the power of writing as a healthy outlet for emotions and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. Katie's story is a testament to the possibilities that open up when one chooses sobriety and embraces new opportunities.  Find her on FB @notsoanonymouskatie  https://www.facebook.com/notsoanonymouskatie
Takeaways
Alcoholism can be a slow burn, starting later in life and gradually becoming a problem.
Rock bottom is a personal experience and can vary for each individual.
Surrendering and asking for help is a crucial step in recovery.
Rehab can provide a supportive environment for individuals to begin their journey to sobriety.
Recognizing that drinking responsibly is not possible is an important realization in recovery. Overcoming addiction requires self-reflection and the willingness to admit one's weaknesses and seek help.
Listening to others who have experience and guidance can be instrumental in the recovery process.
Making healthy choices and finding new outlets for emotions, such as writing, can contribute to personal growth and self-esteem.
Surrounding oneself with supportive people and being open to change can lead to new opportunities and a fulfilling life in sobriety.
#alcoholism #recovery #rockbottom #surrender #rehab #ryanpenley #support #addiction #sobriety #self-esteem #egobrain #change #ego #thenextfix #myrockbottomrecovery #addictionrecovery #wedorecover 

Episode 5: Combined Local Strength in Sobriety: Ryan and Daniel Quimbaya talk about setting an example in Orlando

The paths of Ryan and Daniel have been close in Orlando, FL.  They share many of the same circles of friends in which some have found and searched for traction in recovery and others haven't.   The biggest impact they both have felt on their lives is the loss of David Hausterman, a mutual friend found dead in his car after overdosing and suffering from alcohol poisoning.  
Since, gaining some days of sobriety between the both of them and working in the same gym in Orlando, Ryan and Daniel share a passion for fitness and self improvement through health.  Daniel is an avid runner and Ryan tries to keep up.  You can find Daniel's workouts posted on Facebook under his name, @Daniel Quimbaya.  Try and keep up!
This episode outlines the benefits anyone can experience if they choose to stick with sobriety and undergo the journey into recovery from their addictions.  
Takeaways
Addiction can lead to a loss of control over substance use and have a negative impact on relationships and responsibilities.
Realizing the need for help and seeking support is a crucial step in the recovery process.
Addiction can be deceptive, and individuals may tell themselves narratives to justify their behavior.
Recovery is an ongoing process that requires awareness, maturity, and the ability to face emotions head-on.
The conversation also highlights the tragic loss of a mutual friend to addiction, emphasizing the importance of addressing and seeking help for substance abuse issues. Not everybody makes it, so it's a blessing for those who do overcome their circumstances and make positive changes.
Awareness and constant effort are key steps in deciding to stay sober.
Support from recovery programs and community can be instrumental in maintaining sobriety.
Humility is a major lesson learned through difficult experiences.
Small wins and keeping promises to oneself build confidence and lead to long-term success.
Physical fitness plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and mental clarity.
#addiction #alcoholism #drug addiction #recovery #loss of control #relationships #realization #seeking help #narratives #awareness #tragic loss, #personal growth #overcoming addiction #positive changes #small wins #confidence #physical fitness #mental clarity
 

Episode 4: The S.O.B.E.R. Method with Massimo Rigotti

Massimo Rigotti shares his journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the challenges he faced and the progress he made. He started drinking to cope with bipolar disorder and eventually spiraled into addiction to alcohol and cocaine. He ended up homeless and even ran a makeshift taxi service for the homeless community. After the loss of his girlfriend to a drunk driver, he committed to sobriety and turned his life around. He found success in his professional life, achieving eight promotions in three years and becoming a general manager. Massimo emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the future and not dwelling on the past. Massimo Rigotti created the SOBER Method as a continuous improvement program for himself after realizing that he needed fulfillment internally. The method stands for Stoic Observe Behavior Execute and Restore and follows a continuous improvement cycle. Massimo ground the method in stoicism to make it more accessible and less off-putting than traditional 12-step programs. The method involves observing one's behavior, remapping behavior through cognitive behavior therapy, executing new behaviors, and restoring oneself through making amends and giving back. Massimo has written two books on the method and is launching the SOBER app on July 4th to create a supportive community for sobriety.
http://massimorigotti.com/
Takeaways
Addiction can be a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues.
Alcohol can be a deadly drug, and quitting abruptly should be done under medical supervision.
Recovery is not a linear process, and relapses can happen, but it's important to keep fighting.
Achieving sobriety opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Staying focused on the future and not dwelling on the past is crucial for progress. The SOBER Method is a continuous improvement program that helps individuals achieve sobriety by observing their behavior, remapping their behavior, executing new behaviors, and restoring themselves through making amends and giving back.
The method is grounded in stoicism to make it more accessible and less religious than traditional 12-step programs.
Massimo Rigotti has written two books on the SOBER Method and is launching the SOBER app on July 4th to create a supportive community for sobriety.
The app will provide resources, workbooks, virtual meetings, and the opportunity for one-on-one coaching to help individuals on their sobriety journey.
The goal of the SOBER Method and app is to create a supportive environment where slip-ups are observed and corrected without shame, and success stories are celebrated.
#sobriety #sober #sobermethod #addictionrecovery #thenextfix #newpodcast #homelessness #bipolar #neardeath 

Episode 3: Shot in the Head: A Turnaround from Rock Bottom with Lyndon Chamberlin

It doesn't get worse than a bullet in the skull, but Lyndon Chamberlin got his act together and has came back from the unthinkable.  He endured sexual assault and violence that is terrifying even when it's on a movie screen.  However, he survived and is here to share brighter days and a bigger future after finding traction in sobriety and quitting several hard-hitting narcotics cold turkey.  
 
Lyndon is working on his physical fitness, including mastering pistol squats, and has plans to pursue a career in AI or cybersecurity. He is grateful for the support of his sister and roommate throughout his journey.
Takeaways
Lyndon Chamberlin battled with addiction to crystal meth, cocaine, and fentanyl.
He experienced extreme violence and assault, which led to a turning point in his life.
With the support of his sister and roommate, Lyndon managed to overcome his addiction and is now focused on rebuilding his life.
He is working on his physical fitness and has plans to pursue a career in AI or cybersecurity.

Episode 2: From a 9 Year Old Coping with Cocaine, To the Comeback Hero of His Family. Jimmy Kilkenny

Jimmy's journey involves hard to listen to moments that he shares with extreme transparency.  He knows that without a test there is no testimony.  Struggling to cope with sexual abuse as a child he chose substances to help cope.  This formula typically leads to an early grave or indefinite incarceration.  He found God in the latter of those two possible outcomes and has developed into a man his family can count on.  Without holding back he shares failures and struggles in what can now be considered a massive success in the pursuit of addiction recovery. 
Jimmy currently gives back to his community by helping other people who understand a thing or two about rock bottom.  He's thankful to have his wife Amanda and two children, LJ and Kenzie, by his side.  In addition to his recovered and saved mother, Carla Abercombrie.  Jimmy would like to recognize Ripple Effect Recovery (Facebook) and Harmony Ridge Recovery Center as well.  
Takeaways
Traumatic experiences in childhood can contribute to addiction later in life.
Addiction can lead to a high-energy lifestyle and involvement in illegal activities.
Rock bottom moments may not always be enough to prompt change in an addict's life.
Family and love can be powerful motivators for change.
Solitary confinement can provide an opportunity for self-reflection and realization.

Episode 1: Jared Whittington - Ripple Effect Recovery

Jared Whittington (https://www.rippleeffectrecovery.com/) shares his story of addiction and recovery, highlighting his journey from childhood attachment issues to substance abuse. He discusses his addiction to heroin and meth, his experiences with pain pills and OxyContin, and the impact of drugs on his relationships and responsibilities as a father. Jared reflects on the moments that led to his realization that he needed to change and the multiple chances he had to turn his life around. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to a higher power and finding hope in recovery. Jared Whittington runs a Facebook page called Ripple Effect Recovery where he offers support and help to those struggling with addiction. His main goal is to help people on a larger scale and create waves of change in the addiction and recovery community. Jared emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, physical fitness, and reading to strengthen the mind and build confidence. He believes that true happiness is found in the journey, not the destination, and encourages others to always have something to work towards. Jared finds excitement in being outdoors, engaging in nature, and making a positive impact on others.
 
Check out Jared on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rippleeffectrecovery 

Episode 0: Mike Dasilva Replacing Addiction with Productivity

In this episode, host Ryan Penley interviews Mike De Silva, who shares his journey of addiction and recovery. Mike had been drinking heavily for over two decades, hiding his behavior from his family and colleagues. He reached a breaking point when he realized the negative impact his addiction was having on his life and relationships. Since becoming sober, Mike has focused on replacing his addiction with productive activities and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of being present in social situations without relying on alcohol. Mike's story serves as an inspiration for others struggling with addiction.
Takeaways
Addiction can become normalized, making it difficult to recognize the need for change.
Replacing addiction with productive activities and personal growth is crucial for long-term recovery.
Being present in social situations without relying on alcohol is possible and rewarding.
Support from loved ones and professional help are essential in overcoming addiction.

Episode 0: Mike Dasilva

In this episode, host Ryan Penley interviews Mike De Silva, who shares his journey of addiction and recovery. Mike had been drinking heavily for over two decades, hiding his behavior from his family and colleagues. He reached a breaking point when he realized the negative impact his addiction was having on his life and relationships. Since becoming sober, Mike has focused on replacing his addiction with productive activities and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of being present in social situations without relying on alcohol. Mike's story serves as an inspiration for others struggling with addiction.
 
Takeaways
Addiction can become normalized, making it difficult to recognize the need for change.
Replacing addiction with productive activities and personal growth is crucial for long-term recovery.
Being present in social situations without relying on alcohol is possible and rewarding.
Support from loved ones and professional help are essential in overcoming addiction.