Real Recovery Talk Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster

In this episode I discussed a life-changing event that took place on June 14, 2022. My dad had a massive stroke and lost his vision. Along with that a lot of his memory has been severely affected. These are the things that we often talk about when getting sober that we need to be prepared for. Life throws things at us and if we're not ready for them it can very easily be a reason to drink or use drugs. Fortunately for myself I had a lot of support from friends and family that I could rely on to get me through this tough time. My hope for you in this episode is that you can see it is it possible to endure these challenges without using drugs or alcohol. 
If you would like to reach out about your specific situation you can email me at tom@realrecoverytalk.com and ben@realrecoverytalk.com enjoy the show! 

In this episode we discuss the Top 5 reasons/excuses as to why people dont go into drug treatment.  We are very good at talking ourselves out of doing the things that we know are best for us.  
Realtiy is, there are no good excuse to not go to treatment when it is needed.  Dont let anyone or anybody talk you out of making the best decision of your life.  
If you would like to reach out to us and discuss your specific situation you can email us at 
Tom@realrecoverytalk.com
Ben@realrecoverytalk.com
 

In this episode we discuss five tips to keep your sobriety intact and not let it get stale. No matter where you are in the sobriety journey it is important to stay active and to continue to build on your sobriety. We can do this in many different ways, but most importantly we need to continue to work on ourselves.
These tips are very applicable and can be done at any moment. If you want to amplify your sobriety, take a listen and emplement these stratagies today!
If you would like to reach out to us you can email us at 
Tom@realrecoverytalk.com
Ben@realrecoverytalk.com
Thank you for all of your support!

In this episode we discuss the top five reasons why you keep going back to treatment. Unfortunately people have unrealistic expectations around what treatment is supposed to be for. We tell people all the time, if you're not doing it while you're in treatment, you won't do it when you are out of treatment. If you take these five things and really focusing on them during your treatment process it is going to be very hard for you not to be successful.
Thank you everyone for your support. Remember, you can always turn your mess into your message! If you would like to reach us you can email us at tom@realrecoverytalk.com and ben@realrecoverytalk.com also please go and take a look at our Youtube Channel!!

The holiday season is here upon us. This can be tough for those who are in early recovery, especially being with family. Along with family comes a lot of emotions. You may have indulged in drugs and alcohol to get through previous holidays to get yourself through this time. Now, however; you are sober and you’ll need to put new tools in your toolbox to move through the holidays sober.
The big question I’m going to discuss today: How can we go into the holiday season and be sure we will be OK when we get out the other side?
Don’t go into the holiday season with the idea that this will be hard for you. Put your fear aside, celebrate being joyful with friends and family. Especially if you’re new to sobriety, take heart to follow these steps and make your holiday season a good and memorable one. 
Here is a plan you can follow to have a safe, fun and enjoyable holiday season this year:
#1 Create a plan for your holiday
Not just plan where to go, but how you are going to deal with situations. If you are seeing family, you’ll most likely be going back to the same dysfunction or bad habits of the family. Think about what you are going to do and say when family members put you in a “party” situation or try to bring you to a bar.
#2 Find a meeting where you are going during the holiday
Find a support person locally to reach out and talk to someone who can support you. 
#3 Communicate with your family members
Tell your family your boundaries and expectations for your health and to support you. Let your family know if they cannot support you, that you will not be coming to the family function. They won’t know what you expect unless you communicate with them effectively. Share with them your expectations weeks before you are going to meet them for the holidays. This will relieve the awkwardness of your family so they will know what you feel comfortable with during events. Tell your family that you don’t want to be offered alcohol or drugs. If they are drinking, you may need to be in a different room.
#4 Set up your accountability partners beforehand
The newly recovered person should decide before they go to a family function who the responsible family members are which they can have for support.
#5 Look at this as an opportunity to create new, wonderful memories with your family!
Look for happy moments and fill your time with fun activities with your family and friends. Have meaningful conversations and tell them about your newfound sobriety. You may be a vehicle for others to become sober. You may have spent years not being there for your family, this is your time to show your family and friends you are sober and there for them. Have gratitude you have this opportunity to spend time with them. 
If your family is a party family and always uses drugs or alcohol, your best choice is to not attend a family gathering. Be proud of your sobriety and do not put yourself in a situation to lose what you have done for yourself!  There’s nothing on the face of this planet that is worth more than your sobriety.
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Show Notes:
[01:44] Sobriety - you haven’t had to be sober for previous holidays, but now you do!
[03:22] Going into your first holiday season as a sober person.
[04:33] #1 Create a plan for your holiday
[07:11]What should you do when your family puts you in a not-so-great situation? Plan ahead!
[09:09] #3 Communicate with your family members
[12:03] Decide what family members are supportive and communicate with them. #4 Set up your accountability beforehand.
[15:59] Know that you have a say in what you do with alcohol. 
[19:09] Be proud to be the sober person in the crowd.
[20:15] There’s nothing on the face of this planet that is worth more than your sobriety.
 
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