100 episodes

Hello my friends, and welcome back to yet another episode of I Love Being Sober brought to you by Camelback Recovery - a proud partner to the most effective way to achieve long term recovery without the pain and suffering and high cost of multiple stints in detox, rehabs, and sober living homes. My name is Tim Westbrook and I am the CEO and Founder of Camelback Recovery here in the always sunny and always sober Scottsdale, Arizona where my team and I over the course of many years have helped thousands of people on their path to long term recovery.

I started this show because there is so much misinformation about addiction treatment, mental illness, and addiction recovery in general. There is much more to recovery than just going to inpatient treatment, seeing a therapist, and going to 12 step meetings. Those things are important and AA saved my life. However, to find long term recovery and live happy, joyous and free, there is a lot more to it than just stopping the drinking, stopping the drugs, or stopping any addictive behavior. Sobriety and recovery can and should be fun. That’s not to say that the recovery process is going to be easy and it’s not to say that there won’t be difficult times ahead. However, to live the life that you deserve and for it to be exciting and fun you need new lifestyle habits. New healthy lifestyle habits that promote your mental, spiritual, and physical health. That my friends will lead you to living a KICK ASS SOBER LIFE!

Visit CamelbackRecovery.com to learn more about recovery coaching, sober living, and your next step to freedom and happiness.

I Love Being Sober Tim Westbrook

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.3 • 9 Ratings

Hello my friends, and welcome back to yet another episode of I Love Being Sober brought to you by Camelback Recovery - a proud partner to the most effective way to achieve long term recovery without the pain and suffering and high cost of multiple stints in detox, rehabs, and sober living homes. My name is Tim Westbrook and I am the CEO and Founder of Camelback Recovery here in the always sunny and always sober Scottsdale, Arizona where my team and I over the course of many years have helped thousands of people on their path to long term recovery.

I started this show because there is so much misinformation about addiction treatment, mental illness, and addiction recovery in general. There is much more to recovery than just going to inpatient treatment, seeing a therapist, and going to 12 step meetings. Those things are important and AA saved my life. However, to find long term recovery and live happy, joyous and free, there is a lot more to it than just stopping the drinking, stopping the drugs, or stopping any addictive behavior. Sobriety and recovery can and should be fun. That’s not to say that the recovery process is going to be easy and it’s not to say that there won’t be difficult times ahead. However, to live the life that you deserve and for it to be exciting and fun you need new lifestyle habits. New healthy lifestyle habits that promote your mental, spiritual, and physical health. That my friends will lead you to living a KICK ASS SOBER LIFE!

Visit CamelbackRecovery.com to learn more about recovery coaching, sober living, and your next step to freedom and happiness.

    Redefining Recovery: Inside The Sanctuary at Sedona with Dean Taraborelli

    Redefining Recovery: Inside The Sanctuary at Sedona with Dean Taraborelli

    I’m excited to have Dean Taraborelli with us. He's the innovative mind behind the Sanctuary at Sedona, where he has developed a groundbreaking method for treating addiction and trauma. This unique, non-12 step residential center in Arizona is renowned for its approach to dealing with a broad spectrum of addictions, as well as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
    At the heart of the Sanctuary is its Integrative Addiction Recovery program, a pioneering effort that blends the latest scientific research with ancient healing traditions. This holistic approach treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Dean's commitment and dedication have helped countless individuals embark on a journey of healing, empowering them to live fulfilling and enriched lives.
    We talk about his personal journey and inspiration for the Sanctuary at Sedona. We explore the moments that set him on the path to recovery and sobriety. Dean shares insights into the core philosophy with an emphasis on health and feeling good. We also discuss the effectiveness of various healing modalities, psychedelics, and more.
    [04:33] Dean shares his journey that led to founding the Sanctuary at Sedona. In his efforts to manage his addiction he went to treatment frequently.
    [06:03] After many relapses, he started expanding his search worldwide. 
    [07:06] He realized that he knew more about addiction than many of the counselors, and realized we need a new model of treatment.
    [08:04] Sanctuary is a non 12-step program, but it's not anti 12-step.
    [09:20] He realized that there was a lot of science that could be applied to getting well and improving mental health.
    [10:29] The mind-body connection is indisputable. Our unconscious mind is more powerful than our conscious mind. The holistic approach enhances the other treatment methods.
    [12:06] The mind influences the body.
    [13:24] Reprogramming the unconscious mind. Repetition, constant hypnosis, and different meditative states. Breath work.
    [14:28] The nervous system can be accessed without talking about a lot of stuff. The nervous system is energy. When we begin to understand what influences this energy the work begins.
    [15:46] Trauma is stored in our brain and affects all of the decisions we make, especially in a time of stress.
    [16:54] We need to work on the monologue that makes our inhibitions.
    [17:34] The program drew from experts like David Perlmutter, Mark Hyman, and Joe Dispenza.
    [18:27] At Sanctuary people are treated with loving, kindness, and care.
    [19:21] Dean went to a conference in Sedona and ended up meeting his future teacher. It was like his talk was for him.
    [20:42] Energy medicine dissipates charge. 
    [22:24] Dean's recovery path is like his wellness path. Recovery means being no longer defined by the use of the substance.
    [23:46] A daily process of health translates into recovery.
    [29:12] The connection between the gut and the brain. Depression and anxiety being caused by inflammation.
    [31:37] For aftercare, the Sanctuary likes the focus on what makes people feel good when finding support.
    [33:43] The core philosophy behind the Sanctuary. Every thought changes the brain so use it to your advantage.
    [35:42] We can up regulate and down regulate genes. They focus on getting to the root cause also.
    [39:01] Inflammation is usually a metabolism related thing.
    [41:30] Some of the most impactful modalities utilized at Sanctuary include a combination of modalities that help quiet the brain and open up the possibilities of different neural networks. 
    [52:34] Psychedelics work on the higher brain as opposed to alcohol or marijuana. What we take is a very personal choice.
    [56:50] Helping people and giving them different ideas and strategies for recovery is Dean's goal. 
    [57:22] Recovery is much better on the other side, and the process isn't going to be as bad as you think it could be.
     
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelb

    • 1 hr 1 min
    The Gift of Continued Relapse with Cole Chance

    The Gift of Continued Relapse with Cole Chance

    Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Cole Chance. Her transformation from the depths of addiction into a beacon of hope in the recovery world is both challenging and enlightening. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, she skillfully blends the wisdom of yoga and Buddhism with insights from modern neuroscience and psychology. Her approach prioritizes compassionate self-inquiry, guiding students to explore their mind and body for deeper understanding and freedom. This episode delves into Cole's philosophy and teachings, shedding light on how to navigate life's complexities with grace and self-compassion.
    Cole's journey began at age 13, marked by numerous treatment programs and relapses before she acknowledged her addiction and the need for change. A significant turning point was her discovery of yoga during treatment, which played a crucial role in managing her stress and breathing. We also discuss the concept of nervous system allyship in recovery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our mental states and actively learning how to shift them when necessary. Cole's story highlights the profound impact of self-awareness and mindful practices in overcoming addiction.
    [05:01] Cole was having social anxiety, and the minute she began drinking she felt better. She was 13.[06:25] She felt so great, she decided that she would do it forever.
    [08:55] She grew up and was living in Santa Cruz, and she started drinking vodka and orange juice in the morning. She was also  hiding drinking from her partner who was also a big drinker. 
    [12:08] After getting a DUI, she had court ordered treatment. She went to treatment six or seven times, but she wasn't supposed to be there.
    [12:57] Cole shares her first AA meeting experience.
    [15:04] She had a seizure but blamed it on stress. 
    [15:37] She had a pattern of going to treatment whenever she hit a wall, but then after sobering up a bit she realized she wasn't supposed to be in treatment.
    [19:23] She didn't want to admit that she had a problem, because then she would have to do something about it.
    [25:55] She had repeated relapses and the alcohol wasn't making her feel better. 
    [27:16] A friend said that she was going to come to a point where she could either be high or happy.
    [28:02] This realization was when she called a sober living facility and asked for help. 
    [29:28] Her first job was to make it sober for 3 days. That was 10 years ago.
    [30:39] Our lives are a culmination of what happened before so the previous treatments did build.
    [31:19] Just because you relapse, treatment isn't for nothing.
    [35:49] Yoga during her treatment really had an affect on her. 
    [39:32] Yoga is great for the stress of recovery, and it regulates your breath. 
    [43:09] Tim talks about the benefits of a cold plunge and how it can be similar to yoga. 
    [43:30] Nervous system allyship in recovery. The nervous system and brain like to work in patterns and being an ally means you're working with your nervous system.
    [47:18] We shut down when we are in danger. We can mobilize our energy to make something change or just give up.
    [48:40] It's healthy to be able to move through all of the different states that we go through. 
    [49:46] When we understand how we respond, we can do things to help us recreate better patterns. We become an active operator of our nervous system.
    [50:45] Understand how your nervous system responds and then find ways to settle down. If you're anxious, you can hum. This will help stimulate the vagus nerve. Shaking can also help.
    [51:53] If you're shut down, you need to use energy to get to the green. Invite some movement to move into yellow, and then you can move into green.
    [53:42] Whatever state our nervous system is in will be the reality that we see.
     
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelback Recovery
    I Love Being Sober YouTube
    Emerge Recovery
    Cole Chance Yoga
    Cole Chance YouTube
    Nervou

    • 58 min
    How To Help Yourself And Others Transform Beyond Addiction With Deanne Adamson

    How To Help Yourself And Others Transform Beyond Addiction With Deanne Adamson

    I’m delighted to introduce Deanne Adamson, founder of Being True to You, a groundbreaking program transforming addiction recovery. Deanne combines her extensive background in Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Philosophy, Theology, Psychotherapy, and Personal Development with her experiences in family services and victim advocacy. 
    Her innovative approach aims to revolutionize addiction recovery by offering a dynamic, purpose-driven, and results-oriented platform. This platform not only combats addiction but also challenges the associated stigma, inspiring intrinsic motivation in individuals. Join us in exploring this transformative journey with Deanne Adamson.
    We talk about a multifaceted approach to addiction recovery. Deanne emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction, committing to change, and actively working through the process. She outlines practical steps including building a support team, self-reflection on addiction's impact, and understanding addiction as a progressive condition often exploited in our culture. We also discuss the role of psychedelic therapies in self-assessment, lifestyle examination, and more. .  
    [06:57] Deanne likes to help people find inner and outer steps they can take to help themselves. 
    [08:41] These steps include conceding that addiction has happened and accepting that it's going to be a process to get out of it.
    [09:26] Pledge to change and make it personal to you so that it can drive your recovery.
    [10:02] Start the work and work with the material as it comes up.
    [10:53] External steps include building a support team, finding who you can trust, identifying your support team and finding three people you can confide in.
    [11:41] Write down where addiction has a hold of you and what you can do about it.
    [13:15] Deanne talks about how addiction is externalizing your problems and solutions and getting attached to a certain thing for a feeling or belief. It's a progressive condition that continues to take over your mind.
    [15:14] Addiction is something you do repeatedly in spite of negative consequences.
    [16:24] A lot of people get addicted because the phenomenon of addiction is exploited in our culture.
    [22:25] Deanne values the work and transformation not the quick fix which is the trap of addiction. 
    [23:39] Psychedelic therapies can be really helpful with taking an inventory of oneself and assessing where your mind is at.  A person can pull apart their lifestyle and look at what they are doing that creates the conditions they are in today.
    [25:36] The long-term solution is to feel good on the other side of it.
    [27:23] When you work with a coach who understands addiction they'll understand what you're going through.
    [31:16] The medicine is going to open doors and windows and help show you what you need to do.
    [34:14] Getting and staying sober takes finding a new path in life.
    [42:09] The armor that is protecting our self includes anger, projections, resistance, and emotion in general.
    [45:41] The ego can create a protective armor and we won't want to let people in.
    [47:49] We talk about incremental changes in transformational recovery. Taking the stairs, not the elevator.
    [53:08] We talk about how great it feels when you are able to achieve any goal, even a small one.
    [54:49] To really help someone you need to get into a place of compassion. Autonomy is also important. 
    [01:01:59] Deanne shares what they do at Being True to You, her coaching company. 
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelback Recovery
    I Love Being Sober YouTube
    Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
    Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything
    Being True to You
    833-379-0070
    Being True to You Facebook
    Being True to You Instagram

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Understanding Porn Addiction with Jeremy Lipkowitz

    Understanding Porn Addiction with Jeremy Lipkowitz

    There's a growing body of research that suggests porn addiction is on the rise. Jeremy Lipkowitz, a former porn addict, now dedicates his life to helping others overcome their struggles. As a meditation instructor and digital habits expert, Jeremy is committed to guiding men on a journey of mind mastery and the development of fulfilling relationships.
    He helps men combat porn addiction and carve out a life filled with purpose and integrity. His work has been featured in publications like Men's Health Magazine and Livestrong. He also pioneered the Unhooked Recovery program, a 30-day transformative experience aimed at breaking the chains of addiction.
    Jeremy's background as a Buddhist monk and his credentials as an ICF-certified Executive Coach underpin his approach. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Jeremy, who is here to share his insights on achieving personal mastery and peak performance, through the power of self-love and scientific principles.
    [04:51] Jeremy started looking at porn at a young age and overtime it progressed to addiction. 
    [07:18] The negative effects of porn addiction build up over time.
    [08:17] Jeremy shares when he realized that porn was a problem. 
    [10:57] He realized that he would never be happy if he was always craving sex with new people.
    [11:25] Suffering is the feeling of wanting something you don't have. He was creating this suffering by watching so much porn. 
    [12:18] He was creating super highways of lust.
    [12:54] One of the things that porn does is make you addicted to novelty, instead of cultivating a deep relationship with a person.
    [13:59] Meditation is a way of training the mind.
    [18:36] Mindfulness is a present moment of awareness of what is happening in an open and spacious way that's not trying to push any experience away or hold on to any experience.
    [19:13] Awareness of any of your senses or an emotional state and the orientation you have towards that experience.
    [21:53] Awareness is 90% of transformation.
    [23:08] Jeremy practices Vipassana, or insight meditation. At a retreat, you do nothing but sit and walk for 10 days. You are really present with what's happening. 
    [25:45] You feel a deep peace when you don't need anything more.
    [29:05] Jeremy has spent 10,000 hours watching porn, and he knows what it is like. He's put in the work, and it's his life's passion to help people with addiction.
    [37:18] Porn takes away the sexual energy that you're giving your partner and puts it into porn. 
    [37:55] If you can stop for 30 days, you likely aren't addicted.
    [41:10] Letting go of shame is important. A lot of Buddhism is just looking at what are and aren't wholesome mind states to cultivate.
    [48:06] Mindfulness helps with recovery by giving you a choice about how you want to live.
    [51:03] Jeremy shares his morning routine. 
     
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelback Recovery
    I Love Being Sober YouTube
    Unhooked Podcast
    Jeremy Lipkowitz | Unhooked Podcast Instagram
    Discovery Call for 1:1 Coaching
    The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation

    • 57 min
    Avoiding Mineral Deficiency

    Avoiding Mineral Deficiency

    Have you ever wondered if your vitamins are working or not? My guest today has the answers. Barton Scott is a biochemist, inventor, and founder of Upgradedformulas.com. In 2015, using his chemical engineering background, Barton crafted a new type of mineral known as Stabilized Nano Minerals. 
    These minerals are easily absorbed by the body without regular digestion. Plus, his at-home hair analysis testing helps pinpoint nutrient deficiencies, making it easier to address them. Barton is deeply committed to helping people tackle daily stress, sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, and more.
    He shares a poignant personal journey inspired by the loss of his mother, underscoring the vital role of mineral balance in our health and emotions. We also touch on the significance of dietary sodium, highlighting the benefits of sea salt. Join us for a captivating exploration into the nexus of nutrition and well-being.
    [04:49] Barton is a chemical engineer, and he studied nutrition. He built a process using nanotechnology equipment to improve mineral absorption. 
    [07:43] He produces an encapsulated gel to help minerals absorb into the bloodstream.
    [08:10] He's now writing a book about how nutrition becomes personality. Our energy levels are determined by us and what we consume.
    [09:27] Too much iron can cause personality shifts. Lack of magnesium will give you anxiety. 
    [11:30] We can't help but be addicted if we're missing things. Testing is the first step.
    [11:55] Barton's passion was inspired from losing his mother. He was involved with nutrition for himself and his loss of his mother. 
    [14:35] Problems with mineral absorption affect almost all bodily functions. Testing can give a map of what minerals we need. 
    [18:37] Hair is tissue and tests with hair are stable.
    [20:49] Lack of lithium can cause anxiety. Minerals are also water soluble. 
    [25:46] Naturopaths actually study nutrition and are likely to give good advice.
    [27:27] Upgraded mood has lithium in it. 
    [29:53] The hair test looks at the hair closest to your scalp. The test is redone every 3 months.
    [30:30] The Dutch test is an adrenal test.
    [32:16] Some minerals do have lower absorption rates. Some nutrients compete with other nutrients for receptor sites.
    [32:55] We need sodium, and sea salt is the best type because it has trace minerals.
    [33:51] Barton talks about iodine and our thyroids. People in Japan eat 15 mg of iodine a day.
    [37:55] Minerals activate the pathways that vitamins need. Boron activates vitamin D.
    [38:27] Barton talks about chelated vitamins and minerals.
    [40:21] We talk about Quinton Hypertonic. Upgraded T shows improvements in fertility issues. 
     
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelback Recovery
    I Love Being Sober YouTube
    Upgraded Formulas Use Code BARTON10 at checkout!
    Barton Scott Instagram
    Upgraded Formulas YouTube
    Total Upgrade Podcast

    • 47 min
    Stigma, Shame, and Secrecy

    Stigma, Shame, and Secrecy

    I’m excited to continue my chat with Mary Tilson. Just yesterday, I was on her show, and we discovered we have so much in common. In 2013, Mary overcame alcohol and drug addiction and has since dedicated herself to assisting others on their journey to sobriety. After reshaping her life, she made it her mission to guide others towards recovery, founding Sun and Moon Sober Living—a community rooted in holistic healing.
    As an E-RYT 500 Yoga & Meditation Teacher, a certified Professional Recovery Coach, and an International Retreat Leader, Mary draws from a rich tapestry of ancient traditions combined with modern science. When she's not imparting her wisdom, she can often be found soaking in nature's lessons amidst the majestic mountains of Colorado, where she calls home. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey.
    [05:11] Mary didn't think she had a problem until she went to college and started experimenting with various drugs. She was blacking out and ended up in terrifying situations. 
    [08:36] She desperately needed help, and called her mom asking for help. 
    [10:01] She also went to yoga daily. When she went back to school, she started drinking and using drugs again, but yoga was also a big part of her life. 
    [11:16] She had no concept of what someone young would do with their life if they were sober.
    [11:36] After graduating, she got a job in digital advertising.
    [13:04] She started doing cocaine late at night. She went to work after being up all night and realized that this wasn't working. 
    [18:58] Trauma informed yoga and meditation. Yoga has an incredible ability to support people during healing. It gives people choice and helps them adapt and make the practice their own.
    [20:12] Movement is more than just working on the physical body. Yoga helped Mary with her recovery.
    [23:48] Fitness is mental, emotional, and spiritual.
    [28:25] Awareness being clean and sober. What are you numbing from?
    [30:18] The difference between trauma informed yoga and regular yoga.
    [33:56] Mary talks about the importance of mindfulness in recovery.
    [36:06] Understanding our nervous system and regulating. Without substances, we do need tools to regulate. 
    [41:12] Mary loves cold plunges and healthy stressors. Mentally you are safe even though it's cold. It's a peaceful state. 
    [46:46] The importance of embracing multiple pathways to recovery. It's not one size fits all.
    [50:48] Recovery is a program of action.
    [51:17] When it comes to habit change, making it small is much more doable. Consistency is also important to carve out new pathways in the brain. 
    [54:04] There's a lot of positive reinforcement when you are sharing your wins.
    [57:50] Having a sober community is really important, because we need that sense of connection.
     
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    Camelback Recovery
    I Love Being Sober YouTube
    Mary Tilson Yoga
    Sun and Moon Sober Living
    Sun and Moon Sober Living Instagram
    Mary Tilson Instagram
    Sun & Moon Sober Living Podcast
    Recovery Through Relapsing With Brandon Lee
    The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
    Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma
    Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything

    • 1 hr 2 min

Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

Recovery Taylor ,

Incredible Resource!

I appreciate the time and dedication to providing this valuable recovery information! If you need help with recovery, this is an incredible resource! I’ve learned some amazing insight from listening!

This is great content! ,

Great for newcomers!

The “How To Avoid A Relapse” series is amazing for anyone that wants to be clean and sober and especially for someone in their first year of sobriety.

cherisapisa ,

Addiction it’s

I absolutely love these podcasts. Getting sober involves so many other aspects than merely quitting your DOC and these podcasts recognize the many other facets to recovery. Sobriety means changing a lot of things about yourself and this explores the different routes available. I really enjoy listening to the science behind it all. I highly recommend them!

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