Domestic Dad Cleaning Up The Mess | Sobriety, Parenting, Dad, Addiction, Recovery,

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Are you looking for inspiration to start your journey into sobriety and become a better Dad? Has that hard wired feeling of “suck it up and deal with it”, gotten to a point where you had to sedate the weight of it with something else? Me too! Im Nick Barnett, Founder of the domestic dad project, A brand that strives to create a community that breaks the stigma around dads reaching out for help to get their lives back on track and become better Fathers. Welcome to The Domestic Dad Podcast, your go-to destination for candid discussions on journeys into sobriety, parenting, and personal growth. Ive been a dad since I was 18 years old. Im also a trauma survivor, alcoholic, divorced, happily re-married, proud, hard working, humbled by life domestic Dad. I remember realizing I was in the pit of addiction when I couldn’t leave the house without planning a stop to grab a few shooters at the gas station before I got home. Or Making up reasons to go to the grocery store just to make a un-necessary food purchase to bury a bottle of booze or wine in my cart and Stashing “back up bottles” around the house.. Only to wake up in the middle of the night, parched with a glass filled with vodka disguised as water on my night stand to quench my thirst so I could get through the next few hours without getting sick… Just to get hit with another devastating hangover that left me with debilitating heart burn, bloating, vomiting and shaking so bad that I couldn’t write an email, send a text or complete sentence without stammering over words… all while coming up with reasons in my head that every person in the world was against me and I was the “victim” Looking back at the way addiction stained my days and nights, stole time from me, my wife, and my kids left me embarrassed and ashamed. Because of this, I struggled with the pit of mental health issues in some of the darkest ways imaginable. But I fought my way out. With the help of community resources, life changing coaches, mentors, pastors and raw will power. Since then, I’ve embarked on an unbreakable journey into sobriety and life that has changed in some the greatest ways imaginable. There is not one goal I have set for myself that I haven’t had the confidence to go after, most which I’ve achieved. Today I feel great when I wake up in the morning, I’m productive with my work, my 40 year old body feels great, I’m present with my family and friends, I sleep through the night, I don’t have the fear of dying from my disease, I no longer doubt my value to my family and I know I have a meaningful future! My mission here is to share the resources that worked for me, with you! In the form of candid interviews and conversations around journeys into sobriety. But that’s not all – we also tackle the sheer delight and trials of parenting, sharing practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and expert advice to help you navigate the wonderful adventure of raising children and being the glue that not only allows your family to survive but more importantly THRIVE! Because you’re worth it, you have value in this world, there is a bright future for you here, and there is a son or daughter that needs and wants a meaningful relationship with you. My hope is that you will subscribe to this podcast and that it inspires you to join our growing community! So grab a mop and let’s start cleaning up the mess! Website: www.domesticdadproject.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_domestic_dad_brand

Episodes

Monday Aug 19, 2024

Sobriety Journey - Joey Rains

Monday Aug 19, 2024

In this heartfelt episode, the host, Nick, interviews Joey, a father who has walked the challenging path of sobriety. Joey shares his personal journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding hope, strength, and community through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, the importance of accountability, and the profound changes in his relationships since getting sober.

Joey emphasizes that sobriety isn't just about quitting alcohol—it's about transforming one's entire life. He discusses the struggles of early sobriety, the critical role of a support network, and the unexpected rewards that come from helping others on their own journeys. As a sponsor in AA, Joey finds fulfillment in guiding others through the steps and witnessing their personal growth.

Throughout the conversation, Joey offers practical advice to those contemplating sobriety, urging them to take the first step and seek help. He candidly shares the challenges and rewards of staying sober and underscores the importance of being open-minded, trusting the process, and embracing the support available in the sober community.

The episode closes with Joey encouraging listeners to believe in the possibility of a better life, no matter how deep their struggles with addiction may be.

Key Takeaways:

Sobriety Requires Support: Joey stresses the importance of finding a mentor or sponsor who can guide you through the early stages of sobriety. This relationship is crucial for accountability and learning how to navigate life without alcohol.
Transformation Beyond Sobriety: Getting sober is not just about stopping drinking—it's about fundamentally changing your approach to life, relationships, and self-care.
Help Others, Help Yourself: As a sponsor, Joey finds that helping others stay sober is a powerful tool for maintaining his own sobriety. The process of guiding others reinforces his commitment to his own recovery.
Open-Mindedness and Trust: Joey advises newcomers to sobriety to stay open-minded and trust that life will improve, even if the path is unclear at first.
Improved Relationships: One of the biggest rewards of sobriety is the positive change in relationships. Joey highlights how his connections with family, friends, and his son have strengthened since he stopped drinking.
Challenges Remain: Sobriety doesn't eliminate life's challenges, but it does equip you with better tools to handle them. Joey emphasizes the importance of learning to deal with issues soberly and productively.

Memorable Quotes:

"Things will get better. Things can get better."
"Helping other people is how I gain energy."
"Sobriety is a path where you have no idea where you're headed at first, but trust that things are going to get better."

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Joey

00:40 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

01:52 School Days and Early Friendships

02:47 Sports and Sibling Bonding

05:01 Parental Influence and Growing Up

06:55 High School Years and Early Drinking

07:52 College Life and Escalating Alcohol Use

11:59 Realizing the Problem with Alcohol

15:57 Struggles with Addiction and Attempts to Quit

17:11 Regrets and Consequences of Drinking

27:07 The Turning Point and Seeking Help

38:41 The Turning Point: Quitting Alcohol for Good