Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

letsexamineaddictionhonestly@gmail.com

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theleahpodcast@gmail.com

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In this episode, I talk about signs of addiction using an article focused on alcohol, while applying those same warning signs to other struggles I’ve dealt with, including nicotine and technology. I reflect on how addiction doesn’t always look like losing your job or falling apart—it can show up as using substances or screens to cope during downtime, stress, boredom, or emotional exhaustion. I share personal experiences from my time in the military and working in corrections, where drinking became routine, and how patterns like drinking to cope, spending more time recovering than living, and continuing despite consequences slowly wore me down.

I also discuss how addiction impacts family, relationships, and self-respect, including missed time, guilt, unhealthy role modeling, and long-term regret—especially after my DUI. I walk through common red flags, the stages of recovery, and where I currently stand in that process, while being honest about my hesitation with medication and my desire to return to therapy. This episode isn’t about labels or shame—it’s about recognizing patterns early, being honest with yourself, and remembering that change is always possible, even one small step at a time.

00:00 — Intro: Signs of Addiction & Why This Topic Matters

00:29 — Technology, Phone Use & Modern Addiction

01:27 — Disclaimer, Articles & Why I Use Them

01:59 — Personal Reflection: Drinking, Presence & Regret

02:23 — Functioning While Addicted & Daily Escape Habits

03:26 — My Relationship With Alcohol & Ritual Drinking

05:22 — Drinking, Recovery Time & Physical Consequences

06:22 — Coping With Stress, Boredom & Emotions

08:10 — DUI, Risk, Guilt & Turning Points

13:43 — How Addiction Affects Family, Recovery Stages & Closing Message

My Patreon

​https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

letsexamineaddictionhonestly@gmail.com

theleahpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk openly about the deep connection between grief and addiction, drawing from my own life experiences with loss and substance use. I share how my relationship with alcohol began after my great grandmother passed away in 2011, and how drinking became my way of avoiding the pain and regret of not being there when she died. I also reflect on the recent loss of my grandfather, the difficult decision not to visit him due to illness and logistics, and how—thankfully—I did not turn to alcohol this time. I discuss losing my dogs, the emotional weight of those losses, and how grief shows up in many forms, not just death. This episode is a raw look at how grief shaped my past drinking and how I’m trying to respond differently today.

I also break down key insights from two major resources—the Hazelden Betty Ford Institute and The Addiction Center—about how grief can lead to addiction through avoidance, substance-based coping, replacing relationships with alcohol, and lacking healthy coping skills. I connect these concepts directly to my own struggles with alcohol, nicotine, impulsive behaviors, and emotional suppression learned from family and military culture. I explain how therapy, fitness, and creative outlets like podcasting have helped me build healthier coping skills, and why this podcast exists in the first place—to remind people that they are not alone and that change is possible. My goal isn’t fame or money, but to help even one person choose healing over self-destruction and to show that we are never obligated to stay the same person we were yesterday.

00:00 — Intro, Addiction, Grief & Great Grandma’s Passing

00:28 — Drinking Through Loss & Deep Regret

01:56 — Grandpa’s Passing, Choosing Not to Drink

03:36 — Family Drinking History & Health Decline

04:57 — Stages of Grief & Loss of Dogs

05:52 — Hazelden Betty Ford: Complicated Grief Defined

07:02 — Why I Started the Podcast & Healthier Outlets

08:09 — Nicotine Sobriety & Addictive Tendencies

12:03 — Four Ways Grief Leads to Addiction

16:27 — Learning Coping Skills, Recovery Goals & Closing Message

My Patreon

​https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1) National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

letsexamineaddictionhonestly@gmail.com

theleahpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Let’s Examine Addiction Honestly, I open up about my lifelong struggle with alcohol and how deeply it has shaped who I am. I talk about my first experiences drinking at 17, the influence of my friends and family, and how alcohol quickly became woven into my social life and identity.

I share what it was like entering the Army, where drinking wasn’t just common—it was expected. I discuss the risky situations I put myself in, the embarrassing moments, the injuries, and the arrests that happened along the way. Looking back, I can clearly see how alcohol fueled so many of my bad decisions and strained relationships.

After the military, my drinking only increased. I was frustrated with my career path, angry at myself, and disappointed in the person I felt I’d become. I also talk about the impact addiction had on my relationships, including the pain of losing a child because of someone else’s substance use—an experience that still affects me deeply.

I also address my DUI, the consequences that followed, and the counseling that forced me to confront the truth about my behavior. For a long time, I didn’t like who I was, and alcohol was at the center of that.

Now, I’m working to slow down my drinking and move toward a life without alcohol. This podcast is part of that journey. I want to be honest about my past, take responsibility for my choices, and create a space where others can feel safe sharing their own experiences.

I end the episode reminding listeners that even if your past is messy or painful, you’re not alone. Change is real, and it’s possible—even if you have to rebuild your life piece by piece.

00:00 — Introduction & Purpose

Podcast intro, disclaimer, and first memories of drinking/smoking.

00:23 — First Experiences With Alcohol

Graduation party, Army training, early drinking patterns.

01:10 — Influence of Friends & Family

How friend groups and family drinking shaped early habits.

02:13 — Siblings & Different Paths

Comparing drinking habits among siblings; early exposure.

03:29 — Early Adult Drinking & Relationships

First sexual experience, Army years, early relationship issues.

04:33 — Alcohol-Related Incidents

Injuries, arrests, dangerous situations, and regrets.

05:24 — Post-Military Drinking & DUI

Transition home, becoming dependent, self-resentment, career struggles.

06:16 — Addiction, Parenting, and Loss

Relationship with addicted partner, DUI restrictions, losing a child.

07:04 — Acknowledgment & Accountability

Owning choices, recognizing alcohol’s role, shifting mindset.

07:51 — Recovery Goals & Closing

Slowing down, desire to quit fully, invitations for listener engagement.