Facts about Alcohol:  Less than 20% of people with alcohol abuse disorders actually seek treatment for their disease.  Excessive alcohol consumption costs the U.S. economy an estimated 250 billion dollars in lost productivity according to a study from 2010.  Alcoholic’s Anonymous success rates vary depending on the source. Makenzee, with 1 year since her last drink, shares her story   SHOW NOTES   [12:05] Paul Introduces Makenzee.  I am from Boise Idaho.  I am 23 years old and I work in the emergency department at the hospital.  I love crafting, and fitness and nutrition.  I got married 9 months ago.   [13:15] Paul- When did you first realize you had a problem with alcohol?   Makenzee- I had a constant build up of sickness and hangovers on my days off.  I started to realize that my hobbies didn’t exist anymore.  I wasn’t really present in the moment.  It was miserable.   [16:57] Paul-  13 days ago, did you have a rock bottom moment?  Tell us why you quit drinking.   Makenzee-  It was hard to say one specific thing happened.  I was excruciatingly hung-over 13 days ago.  It lasted about two and half days.  I was going through some physical withdrawals.    [25:22] Paul-  Let’s back up to Day 1,2, 3, 4, 5, how have you gotten this far?   Makenzee- Days 1,2,3,4,5 were…  I’m not going to sugar coat it, absolute hell.  My body was physically aching.  I had a hard time wrapping my head around the situation.  Yesterday was the first day I did not feel miserable.  It was very difficult the first few days.   [31:36]  Paul- What have you learned most about yourself over these past 13 days?   Makenzee-  I’m actually a good person.  I beat myself up a lot.  I realized everyone is not going to like me.  But I like me, and I am comfortable in my own skin.   [36:52] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? Blacking out after my husband face timed me from overseas, and not remembering talking to him. Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? Waking up after our wedding night and not remembering the last half of it. What’s your favorite resource in recovery? Café RE, and self-care. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? Facing it is the only way to overcome it. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?  Rip it off like a Band-Aid.  It’s terrifying; it hurts like hell, but just do it.  Your life will flourish. You might be an alcoholic if... you buy a plane ticket to Vegas instead of paying for a lawyer for your DUI.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Recovery Elevator in Dallas January Social Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Opportunity to waive the set up fee. Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com     “We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”