Frequently Asked Questions

I was secretly battling alcoholism as well as a growing drug addiction for about 3 years prior to making the decision to quit.  I was well aware that I had a problem and that everyday it was getting a little worse and worse, but that didn’t ultimately stop me.  Unfortunately for me, I had to hit my rock bottom which came with some pretty heavy consequences.  I lost a lot (friends, family, money, respect) when I hit my bottom but ended up gaining a second chance in life to live right through Christ. Choosing to get sober is hands down the best decision I have ever made and has changed my life for the better in every way imaginable.

Honestly, I started off my road to recovery by leaving town.  I was so scared to quit and so ashamed of everything that had just happened with me, that I couldn’t bear to be in town or see anyone I knew.  So I packed my bags, rented an RV for 2 weeks and my dad & I drove out to California and went camping at Yellowstone National Park & The Redwoods in Oregon.  During these 2 weeks I was completely disconnected from the world.  I didn’t have my phone, a computer or even a TV.  Each day & night I spoke with God and reflected on how I was going to re-start my life when I got back home.  The first thing I did upon arriving home was found myself a recovery group.  I really think this is where it starts; find yourself a good recovery group or AA program to go to and continue to go.  I don’t really recommend getting out of town; all your problems will just be waiting for you when you return home anyways.

Well unfortunately there’s no magic pill you can take to stay sober and history has shown time & time again that if you’re trying to fight this fight alone (without God and without following a daily program) chances are you’re going to lose this fight.  I’m not saying no one has ever succeeded in staying sober without God & without a program; I’m just saying, the odds are not in your favor.  Personally I have success staying sober because I have made the choice to not fight this fight alone.  I have God by my side as well as a strong support system through my recovery group.  I also have a sponsor who I diligently work the 12 steps with every week.  I have chosen to live a healthy fit lifestyle and putting alcohol & drugs into my body is not conducive to the lifestyle. To top it all off I stay extremely busy working 50-60 hours a week running any of my 4 companies and most recently I started doing commercial real estate investments.

I think the most important thing to remember is YOU’RE NOT ALONE.  Addiction affects millions of people and it does NOT discriminate.  You can be black, white, rich, poor; addiction is seen everywhere, in all races, all religions and in all classes of people.  If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, let someone know and then take the proper steps to getting help.  There are countless places where recovery groups and AA & NA meetings are taking place that can help you get back on your feet.

This question always makes me laugh.  Choosing to get sober means choosing to live a lifetime without drugs and alcohol.  The road to true recovery takes a lifetime.

Yes, I attend a Christ based recovery group through my church, Gateway.  We meet every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm at Gateway Church in North Austin.

I don’t sponsor anyone at the moment but will be taking sponsees sometime in 2018.

I do the same things other people do when they go out, minus the alcohol consumption.  I’m extremely sociable and I love being out with my friends.  I still love to laugh, dance and be loud; I just do it a little different these days.  The coolest part about going out sober is I never have to leave my car stranded or worry about waking up with a hangover from hell.  My drink of choice when I’m out is a topo chico with lime.

In the beginning I was a little uncomfortable being around friends and loved ones while they were drinking but with time, God and working the 12 steps, I got stronger and now it doesn’t bother me one bit.  I now offer to buy my friends drinks and I always offer to be the designated driver.