RRP Episode 64: Alcohol, Anxiety, and Advocacy – Grant’s Path to Sobriety

Update: 2025-05-23

Description

Title:

Presenters: Julie and PeterLength: 1 hour, 10 minutesListening Link: https://mdcr1.com/64

Blog Link: https://mdcr1.com/64b

Key Points with Time Stamps:

[00:02:03 ] Grant shares his sobriety date (June 15, 2019) and early life growing up on a ranch in rural Oregon.
[00:06:03 ] First experiences with alcohol and observing generational drinking culture.
[00:10:02 ] College drinking intensifies; the "church night" bar deals and impact on academics and health.
[00:15:51 ] Grant describes high-functioning alcohol use and how it masked deeper depression and anxiety.
[00:21:02 ] The escalation of his drinking in 2017–2018, daily use, and loss of control.
[00:23:57 ] Rock bottom moment at a political fundraiser and realization he needed help.
[00:26:54 ] A therapist at Legacy Good Sam explains alcoholism’s neurological effects—a turning point for Grant.
[00:34:13 ] Introduction to AA, early meetings, and relapse leading to recommitment and securing a sponsor.
[00:40:54 ] The importance of Zoom meetings during COVID and the role of community connection in recovery.
[00:47:35 ] Balancing work travel and recovery, including meetings in other cities and public advocacy.
[00:50:48 ] The impact of alcoholism and the underreported nature of alcohol-related deaths.
[00:55:10 ] Reflections on the AA program, relapse, and embracing recovery long-term.

Summary:

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Grant S. reflects on his journey from rural Oregon to a career in political advocacy—all while navigating the hidden burden of high-functioning alcoholism. Grant discusses how alcohol subtly took over his life, the cultural and familial influences that shaped his drinking habits, and the turning point that led him to seek recovery. From a transformative conversation with a therapist to his commitment to AA and showing up for recovery events across Oregon, Grant’s story is one of awareness, service, and resilience. Now over five years sober, his insights on anxiety, depression, relapse, and healing offer hope for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol.

Links to Websites Discussed:

Quote:

“It takes a year for your brain to heal—and sometimes five years to pull your head out of your ass.” —Grant S.

Hashtags and Mentions:

#RealRecoveryPodcast #AlcoholRecovery #AAWorks #MentalHealthAwareness #HighBottomRecovery #RelapseAndRecovery #SobrietyJourney #HopeInSobriety #OregonRecovers@OregonRecovers @portlandalanoclub