In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan sits down with Chris Marshall, a remarkable individual on a transformative journey of sobriety and recovery. Recorded, once again, in Kenya, this conversation delves into Chris's experiences with alcohol, his desire for connections, the challenges he faced as a black man in the recovery community, and the inspiring creation of Sans Bar.

Chris’s First Experience with Alcohol 

Chris opens up about his introduction to alcohol at the age of 16, driven by a desire to fit in with his white friends. Despite initial disgust at the taste, he found a sense of connection through drinking. The conversation explores the rapid escalation of Chris's drinking habits, leading to a DUI and strained relationships.

The First Attempt at Treatment

At 23, Chris sought treatment for the first time but left prematurely, lacking full commitment to sobriety. Recognizing the need for change, he re-entered treatment a few months later, determined to stay sober. This marked the beginning of a journey towards belonging and connection within the recovery community.

Trust and Belonging in Recovery

Chris emphasizes the importance of trust, both in himself and in others, as a crucial element of his recovery journey. He shares insights into the challenges faced as a black man in the recovery community, particularly in Texas. Despite feeling like an outsider, Chris found support from other black individuals in recovery who understood his unique experiences.

The Birth of Sans Bar

In the latter part of the episode, Chris delves into the creation of Sans Bar in 2017, an alcohol-free space that stemmed from his desire to establish a fully accepting environment. Sans Bar was conceived as a space where individuals could be their authentic selves without leaving any part of their identity behind. Chris attributes the inspiration for Sans Bar to the support and love he received from others during his own recovery journey.

Chris’s details:

San’s Bar website: https://www.thesansbar.com/ 

Instagram: @San_bar

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Resources

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