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Addiction Recovery
The Addiction Recovery Podcast is the ultimate destination for individuals battling addiction or supporting loved ones in their journey towards recovery. With a focus on providing informative, educational, and persuasive content, our podcast aims to engage and guide listeners towards healing and transformation.
Addiction Recovery
55: Addiction and Alcoholism--How They Wreak Havoc on Your Life and Relationships
Addiction is relentless, often pushing people toward devastating consequences. In this candid conversation, Steven T. Ginsburg shares the painful reality he’s seen this summer—an alarming rise in relapses and deaths. Quoting recovery literature, he notes, “The ultimate goal of any alcoholic is to drink like a gentleman. It never happens, and they will literally chase this goal into the gates of death.”
Steven draws on his own recovery journey and his work at Restore Detox Centers to explain the cunning nature of addiction and why treatment alone isn’t enough without immediate engagement in recovery. He describes the subtle “pre-lapse”—when people begin drifting from recovery principles—and how deceptive thoughts fuel relapse. He also highlights both the unique challenges and inspiring passion he’s witnessing among younger generations navigating recovery.
This episode offers three practical steps for anyone impacted by addiction and a reminder from Steven: “You are not in this alone. You are loved, you are worth it, sobriety is waiting for you.”
Helpful Links:
Learn more about Restore Detox Centers
Filling the Void book by Steven T. Ginsburg
Overcoming the Fear and Lies of Addiction e-book
How to Love and Set Boundaries Without Enabling Addiction e-book
Call Us for Addiction Recovery: 1-800-982-5530
DISCLAIMER:
Welcome to the Addiction Recovery podcast, brought to you by Restore Detox Centers. We are dedicated to providing valuable and insightful information on addiction recovery. However, it is essential to understand that the content shared in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for individual circumstances. The topics discussed in this podcast are based on general knowledge and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or treatment.
It is important to note that the views and opinions expressed by the podcast hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Restore Detox Centers. We strongly advise listeners to consult with qualified professionals, such as addiction counselors, therapists, or medical practitioners, before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast. Please be aware that listening to this podcast does not establish a client-provider relationship with Restore Detox Centers.
The ultimate goal of any alcoholic is to drink like a gentleman. It never happens and they will literally chase this goal into the gates of death.
Steve Coughran:This is the Addiction Recovery Podcast with Steven T Ginsburg, founder of Restore Detox Centers in sunny California. Enjoy your experience, Steven Just a little bit ago you were making the comment to me about addiction, and alcoholism is wreaking havoc. You have so many opportunities to work with incredible people out there in the world through restored detox centers and through your foundation. What Are you seeing out there and why did you say that?
Steven Ginsburg:Steve, thank you. Yes, this has been on my heart and this is something you know. A lot of times you and I collectively base some of our talking points on some of what I've experienced boots on the ground that restore detox centers, which I'm glad we do. I have the blessing and privilege of doing three groups a week there, and this week part of what I was discussing is just watching the perils and the trials and tribulations that addiction and alcoholism are serving up. It's been so sad.
Steven Ginsburg:We've seen so many people die this summer. They've gone out, they've relapsed, they haven't made it back home and it's costing their life. We've seen so much relapse, so much chronic relapse this summer. It's been painful. What I attribute it to is the same thing that this is all attributed to period. This disease. The disease I suffer from and that's what makes me blessed for my calling. I am an addict and an alcoholic. This disease is cunning, baffling and powerful, and it also is persistent and patient. My disease is in relentless pursuit of me. That's not bad news, that's good news. The realization that my disease is in relentless pursuit of me puts me in a situation where I choose to be in relentless pursuit of my sobriety and the solution, but without that, people fall by the wayside and too often, Steve, people die and we've been seeing too much of that, and that led me to my statement to you. It's just absolutely wreaking havoc and it breaks my heart.
Steve Coughran:And how is it that people can recognize this? Obviously, they know that when they get drunk, bad things happen. They lose their temper, they throw things, they may be physically abusive to people. They know they're going to get fired from their jobs, and the same thing is true with drugs. Right, you go down this path, you're going to lose money, you're going to engage in bad behavior, all this other stuff. They know this, but is it?
Steve Coughran:just that the drugs and alcohol are so powerful that it outweighs any consequence, even if that does lead to death.
Steven Ginsburg:Again, so many things you and I talk on lend itself to other things we've spoken on before. But that's the natural progression of these conversations. You know I believe in pre-lapse before relapse. You know I believe in that. We've talked on that before. So much of that lends itself to the pre-lapse, before the relapse. People are going to do really well when they're at restore. It's a controlled environment. I call it the remission hub. It is a sober life. Sober lifestyle. There's no drugs and alcohol. We're going to meetings, you're programming, you're seeing our doctor, you're in motion of sobriety when you discharge and get out into the world.
Steven Ginsburg:If you don't hit the ground running, getting right to meetings really a meeting a day, getting that sponsor working, the 12 steps being of service to others the disease is amazing. It creates this subtle drift and you start to get a little further and further away and then disease starts to preach, lies into our ears and tells us. You know it's an overreaction. You know you're not like the rest of those people. You know the weirdo in the pajamas. I'm referring to myself because I basically almost. You know I wear pajamas basically to work. I'm wearing like workout gear to work and like. So I call myself, the weirdo in pajamas, that guy okay, that's fine for him. The Jesus freak who's all about recovery, but that's not you. And they start to buy into those lies instead of the truth that they've been bought into. And again, cunning, baffling, powerful, persistent and patient without the footwork. It is too much for us. And so the relapse occurs.
Steve Coughran:I mean, isn't that more the exception than the rule? Like, can't somebody just drink and drug every once in a while and it's not going to turn into death or like disease?
Steven Ginsburg:Not somebody like me not somebody like me, not someone who shares with me what I'm so grateful to have, which I am an addict and alcoholic. There's a ping pong thing that goes on with me. I love chapter five, how it works, and sometimes I love chapter three more about alcoholism, and I switch back and forth to which chapter is the most important to me or means the most to me. Chapter three more about alcoholism puts it perfectly the ultimate goal of any alcoholic is to drink like a gentleman. It never happens and they will literally chase this goal into the gates of death. It says it in the book and then it puts it perfectly we're like men who lose their legs.
Steven Ginsburg:And Steve, I'll ask you this because I already know the answer Do men who lose their legs grow new ones? They don't, right, this isn't going to change. Once you are, you are. And if you never were, you're not. But never the two shall meet. But don't worry, you'll find out. It says it in the book too. On this chapter, Go ahead and try, and when you try some controlled drinking, when you end up in the same space and worse, then you'll know you're a part of congratulations, you've qualified, and that's what it all boils down to, brother.
Steve Coughran:Well, and we just did an episode, episode 51, about the California sober lifestyle. So what if somebody is listening to this and they're like Steve? Steven, you guys are crazy. I can drink, smoke, my weed at night. I can still have a job, still be a great parent. It's fine.
Steven Ginsburg:I really, again, I appreciate the talking point and it incites passion in me immediately. Again, here's what I say I'll put my hands in the air and tell them go, do your thing, and I will be waiting for you. And we don't shoot our wounded at restore. We will be waiting for you with open arms and I'll be praying, praying what that you make it back alive, because you're going to find out quick.
Steven Ginsburg:And if they've come to our facility, if they've come to the table, or I found them in the rooms, it's not because there are some minor incident, it's because the unmanageability has reared its head at a level that is beyond comprehension and they are fighting for their lives. And when we're fighting for our lives, we do just that we surrender, we completely give ourselves over to the process and, like it says in the doctor's opinion, by following a few simple rules. Come on now. A few simple rules and abstinence is provided. Who can't do that? The program's simple, steve. It's just the people who suffer from this who need the program. We're complicated, so our job is to not complicate this simple process today.
Steve Coughran:Yeah, absolutely, and you know what scares me, though. You know what scares me to death here, absolutely, and you know it scares me though you know it scares me to death here. When we talk about addiction and alcoholism wreaking havoc. Let's talk about the younger generation, because how confused are they. I mean, think about like, think about the world. They live in social media, right? So they have Instagram, Tik TOK, Facebook, Snapchat, all the, and there's new ones.
Steve Coughran:There's all these, all these platforms out there, and everybody is a talking head and an expert, and for every person that speaks out about drugs and alcohol like we do, there's somebody else who's saying it's fine, oh my God, live and let live Right, and you have chachi tea.
Steve Coughran:Yeah, I mean, it's just so confusing, the world's so confusing, and then the lines get blurred. I remember, like growing up I don't know if this is for you Like I remember growing up and I was kind of sheltered where I lived, but the first time I drank alcohol I felt terrible, like so guilty. I was like, oh my gosh, I did something really bad here. Like really bad, I disappointed my mom, like I went against my faith. Then, when I smoked weed for the first time, it was like wow, I thought I was like a drug addict. You know, terrible. I think nowadays, and maybe you have a different perspective, I think the lines are so much more blurred with kids, and the optionality is crazy, because now it's not just drinking alcohol and smoking weed, but there's like tons of other things out there on the market. There's prescription pills, I mean, there's just a ton of stuff.
Steven Ginsburg:Speak a little bit about that we could do 4,000 hours and we won't cover it all. It's just harrowing and there's so many trusted sources just carrying lies and it's stacked up against these kids. And knowledge is power and we've got to provide them with the truth and we've got to come alongside this younger generation and explain to them. Hey, first of all, we respect you, we salute you. I wouldn't want to grow up right now. It was hard enough for me growing up when I did. But again to your point, with social media's influence, with the rapid availability through technology of information, with the information age, with chat, gpt, the odds are stacked against them All. That being said, the solutions are all the way from the 1930s and even before then, and it's proven and it'll carry the through line and deliver the answer and it'll remedy against any and every outside factor, because that truth and the solution will always carry all the way through. So if a younger person gets into that realm where they qualify for our life and our lifestyle and the pathway of sobriety, we provide them that same solution. And then there's specifically designed programs and specifically designed meetings and specifically designed approaches for the younger generation as well, because they need to have their own version of excitement and life force and life flow. And I will tell you this, I'm going to wrap up the answer to this question Not too too many years ago, I got asked to a young person's meeting to speak Like literally, I think I'm on fire for recovery.
Steven Ginsburg:These guys and gals had me by 12 miles Like I couldn't get out of the room. Nicole was like are you coming home? I'm like yeah, if they'd stop asking questions I would. They're on fire, they're sponsoring each other. They're working so diligently and so intentionally against the enemy that's posed itself, which is drugs and alcohol. They're all dating each other. There was so much energy and they're on fire for recovery and they understand how high the stakes are and many, many, many, many of them a majority of them were not of legal drinking age. So there is hope and the solution is an equal, opportunist for all ages, for all demographics, for men and for women, and it always absolutely overcomes the disease of addiction and alcoholism.
Steve Coughran:I love that. So we've been talking about alcoholism and addiction wreaking havoc, but let's talk about three things that people can do right now, depending on where they're at, and so I think the first one is let's say you're struggling with addiction, and that could be with alcohol, could be with drugs, could be with anything right, absolutely.
Steve Coughran:Maybe, you're on the cusp and you're listening, you're like I don't know, maybe I'm an addict, maybe I'm not, I don't know. There's a very simple solution. You could go to Restore Detox Centers right now RestoreDetoxCenterscom. There are a ton of resources. You can always schedule a call and just start the process and if Restore can't help you, they'll point you in the right direction. So that's the first thing.
Steve Coughran:The second thing is maybe you're listening to this and you're like wow, I once struggled with this but I got out of it. Or I never struggled with it, but I've seen other people struggling with it and I want to get involved. And one of the best ways you could do that is do you know how many people Stephen turns away each month because they don't have the right kind of insurance or financial resources to get help, which is crazy. And, stephen, I'm speaking for you because I know you're very humble and you probably don't want to say all this stuff, but I can tell you like, here's Steven, here's your store, ready to help people, and some people can't get the help because they lack resources.
Steve Coughran:And if you're listening to this and maybe you've done well, maybe you haven't done well, maybe you just have a little bit to give a widow's might matters a lot in all circumstances, just where your heart is. You can always contribute to the foundation and you can learn more. You could email us Hello at restored detox centerscom If you want more information on this. But a lot of people don't know about the foundation and we do this podcast all the time Like.
Steve Coughran:I want to get involved. I want to help, but they don't even know about it. So I'm pointing this out. Then, the last thing that I want to say. And then, steven, I want you to, you know, add your thoughts as we wrap up here. I've been thinking about this a lot. I think everybody's just so busy and they're just so consumed with themselves and their lives. And I don't mean that necessarily in a bad way. I just think that's the world we live in. We're going at this rocket speed here and we get so consumed with our own lives.
Steven Ginsburg:It's just life's hard right.
Steve Coughran:But I was thinking back this weekend about two wrestling coaches that I had. I wrestled in high school and these guys, they poured their hearts into our team. I wrestled on one of the best wrestling teams in the entire state. We won state year after year after year. Nothing that I did, I just was lucky enough to go to the school and have these coaches. But these coaches, they would take us to wrestling camps. They would literally rent vans in the summer, reach out to parents and say, hey, we want to drive to Pennsylvania from Denver to Pennsylvania because there's this wrestling camp and we want the kids to have the opportunity to learn from these college greats. And they would do that. And they would find tournaments out of state.
Steve Coughran:This wasn't required, right, we could have just stayed in our boundaries and wrestle like that. But they loved us, they poured into us and that love changed my life. Changed my life. It's not like they gave me all this money and they, you know, bought me this and gave me a new car and it changed my life. No, they like simply took an interest in me and I think, like right now, like you could be listening to this and right now, right in front of your face somebody's drowning and all you got to do is just pour into them. And I'm like holding a mirror up in front of my face right now, speaking to myself, because I'm not great at this, but like there are people in my life that are drowning and I'm just like looking out like, oh, look at my problems, look at this, steven.
Steve Coughran:Oh, I'm really struggling with this and it's like I can pour love into people and help heal people, because a lot of people are in pain and I think that can have a radical difference. That's all I'm going to say. I'm going to turn the time back over to you as you wrap up, but I just wanted to share what was on my heart as it related to this entire topic.
Steven Ginsburg:Steve, thank you. It's just. Your three points right there are perfectly apropos, and any of those three avenues provide an element where there can be relief and there can be healing. And just know that, where all of that is concerned, we are available. There are people who are supporting the mission that are available. You can contact us anytime. You will hear back from us and we want to hear from you. And if you think you're struggling, you probably are. But know this if you think there's a solution, you're not probably right. You're completely right, because there's so many living examples. Millions of people globally are participating in the solution that's being provided and what is so freely given for all of us. But you are not in this alone. You are loved, you are coveted, you are worth it, sobriety is waiting for you, and this is all only a phone call or an email away. So, Steven, thank you for your part. We love you everyone. We are for you, everyone, everyone. Have a safe and sober day.
