How I'm Managing to Stay Sober (In Spite of My Circumstances)

I know you probably feel like you are alone and talking to a camera, but you have a bunch of people here watching and listening and we are sending good vibes , praying and generally have your back. I just know you are going to be ok. Keep making these videos because you are educating people, reaching people and doing good works. One day I hope you can realize what an impact you are having on society. Sending a hug ( unless that feels too creepy) .. LoL

The system is not designed to support and rehabilitate people, only to punish them........ it's heartbreaking. I'm glad that you have managed to stay clean in spite of it all

I am an RN also, I cannot imagine what it must be like for you to have lost your career. That’s huge in itself, let alone the list of your in-laws, your wife, your freedom…. The challenges you have faced are massive, yet in this short time your insight, clarity and the way you have been able to take responsibility, then articulate it to the public is really a credit to you. I’ve only watched two of your videos, yet I will continue to watch as I feel you have so much to offer the community and feel that maybe this is your calling. I’m really standing beside you and I am so very proud of the steps you have taken to improve your wellbeing, take control of your life and step forward in order to help others understand the mind if an addict. The stereotypical drug user, down and out on the street is not relatable to so many who want to get clean, not all users end up in that situation, so many are hiding behind their status in society, teachers, drs, businessmen, lawyers etc, addiction does not only effect one particular group within society, it’s everywhere across the board and no one is immune. So I believe that someone like yourself who was of good standing in this world, who is a regular guy, but fell victim to the pitfalls of addiction, is relatable for those who are not your “regular, typical, stereotypical” user. There are not many professionals, who have fallen from grace are willing to share their story, in fear of shame and judgement. I’m really proud of you and the industry of nursing has obviously lost a very intelligent, kind, open minded person, which is really sad. ❤

I want to let you know that I so appreciate your candor and vulnerability . I love that you are using this opportunity to share your struggles and your recovery with others. From one Bay Area nurse to another, I support you.

Yes boredom and isolation is my number one reason for using.

Love your storytelling and sense of hope. Struggling with having quit the best job I ever had while messing around with xanax and adderall hardcore, but you make me realize healing is possible.

You should really consider being a sober coach or addiction therapist!

I had a similar thing with alcohol. When i chose to stop drinking for months at a time, I still played gigs at bars and restaurants and breweries and was around it all the time. It never affected me. When I completely cut out hard alcohol 2 years ago, it was the same: friends doing shots at the Bar, patrons offering to buy me shots during my set, etc. It didn't tempt me at all. I can't speak for everyone whether they're addicts or "social drinkers/smokers" or what have ya, but I feel like we just grow out of things. Whether it's our bodies telling us to stop, or the lifestyle seeming less intriguing because of x y and z, or you're getting into fitness or whatever...I feel like our bodies tell us when enough is enough and we either choose to listen to it or pay the fee. Song of the week for me has been: "Uh Oh, Love Comes to Town" by the Talking Heads

I am in awe to everything youre saying. I literally just moved away from Reno. I can relate on so many levels to this whole video. I used meth and heroin as well, got arrested, now I've been clean for over 4 years. For what it's worth I am proud of you! Keep doing what you're doing! Keep your head held high when you walk down Wells or Valley into P&P and continue to inspire yourself.

65y/o RN here … been binging a few of your videos as you are my “there but for the grace of God go I” story. Sent to tx for etoh got out and my solution to no alcohol was drugs. Did that for years and was arrested at work. Ugggh! Luckily that was enough for me and days in jail was enough to let me know I’m not a jail person. Luckily my state has a program for healthcare addicts and that kept me straight for 5yrs. On my own now no strings or random tests and I feel safe. Went from ED to telephone triage and case management. Zero access to drugs. You’re not alone. There are sooooooo many of us out here. Keep reaching out. Be honest and real. You got this right now and you if you don’t then turn on computer and stream live …. and we will surround and support you. ❤

You are an excellent, engaging, insightful speaker. Thank you for sharing.

I don’t know how or why YouTube recommended your channel though I am so glad they did. You are teaching me a lot. I have never been around many drugs, though I have tried a few in the past at parties. I can imagine how challenged you are in your home confinement. I love to be at home though I know that is because I have a CHOICE. Last summer, I broke my ankle and after surgery I spent 8 weeks at a friend’s house in her guest suite bed. I couldn’t walk so couldn’t go anywhere for many, many days and it took a great deal of patience, which is not my strong suit, to survive without temper tantrums or going crazy! She recommended a book to me and I’m recommending it to you. It is called A Gentleman in Moscow, and about a man who is imprisoned in his home. Your videos are very interesting and I look forward to more of your stories. You seem like a wonderful person. I would give you a huge hug if I could!!!!

Everything I have now: the joy, the peace; the happiness. It’s what was seeking from drugs.

My life blew up in 2011, but I didn't restart my addiction. I don't have to use or drink again if I don't want to.

I’ve been off of heroin / fentanyl since 12/10/22. I’m now 6 weeks clean from subvoxone. I’m determined to stay clean. Especially,now that I have a pacemaker and 3 artificial valves. Now I’m afraid that I’ll never be able to feel normal again.

I really think that you speaking into the camera and sharing ur story is a form of therapy and rehab and will help keep union the recovery road!!!! Know that you are helping so many people out in the world just by being vulnerable and telling your story. Your story is so similar to so many of us!!!! Keep up the great work and keep on telling your story to the camera and speaking your truth. Ur truth has so much in common with many of us!!!!!!!

I really liked what you said about finding some confidence in recovery - I’m an alcoholic first and foremost but drugs were creeping up on me before my recovery started and I can relate to the idea of being an addict with alcohol as my DOC. And while I still identify that way, I am not addicted to anything anymore (well… coffee). I’m a recovering alcoholic. You can’t turn a pickle back into a cucumber but I do believe in myself. I trust myself. I love sobriety so I trust that I won’t drink or use again so long as I take care of myself. A lot of my AA fellows have that mindset of confidence = a dangerous slippery slope and while I can see the point of how they can look so similar, I also treasure my confidence in sobriety! I’m happy, I’m not held back in life because I fear a drink or drug. I’m at peace. Best wishes to you. ❤❤

I know you may feel lonely at times, but I hope that we as your viewers can give you some of that connection you crave! You are such a genuine person and we love hearing and learning from you and value your stories so much :)

Every day in sobriety is a celebration...over 2 years is monumental! Best of luck!!

Hello my friend.. I absolutely loved your video this week.. I am so proud of you and your sobriety journey. I totally understand what you were talking about when you were saying isolation is terrible. After I had my stroke and I was sent home.. I had no friends.. all my friends were in my addiction. I obviously could not associate with them anymore. It made me so depressed that I didn’t have connections with other people. I had my parents so grateful for that.. but they don’t get it to the full extent. And it’s so hard as we get older to make new friends and connections… I am still learning everyday. Been sober since 1/3/2022 I am still encountering new things and learning. It’s really really hard. I give you so much props for what you are doing with your channel.. and I can see you have quite a few new subs. That’s amazing!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences.. keep up the great work.. Just Keep Swimming my friend 💜