Episode Overview David Dean Haskell, author of Wounded Angels, joins hosts Mike and Glenn at the Sober.Coffee shop (zooming in from Tokyo) for a deep discussion on sobriety, trauma, and moving beyond mere abstinence to achieve genuine emotional healing.
Key Discussion Points
- Beyond Abstinence to Inner Child Work: Putting down alcohol is the vital first step, but it is rarely the end of the journey. David shares how codependency and unresolved inner child wounds—rather than just the addiction itself—led him to seek deeper healing and ultimately write Wounded Angels for those asking, “Is this all there is?”
- Trauma Has No Standard Formula: The guys discuss how background doesn’t dictate addiction. While some endure chaotic childhoods without developing alcoholism, others—like Glenn, who rated his childhood a 9 out of 10—still succumb to the disease. Understanding personal trauma is about getting well.
- The “Why” vs. The Solution: When actively trying to get sober, obsessing over “why” can become a distraction. Glenn shared how years of overanalyzing kept him stuck until he accepted his alcoholism, embraced the 12 Steps, and prioritized a spiritual experience. However, once stable, examining root causes helps navigate life’s ongoing challenges.
- Working the Tools Through Life’s Storms: Recovery doesn’t stop life from throwing curveballs. Mike, Glenn, and David emphasize that regular inventories, processing trauma, and relying on spiritual grounding allow you to remain steady—and even thrive—amid the storms.
- Honesty in Medical Care: A critical point of agreement was rigorous honesty with healthcare professionals. The group highlights the dangers of mixing alcohol with medications, misdiagnoses stemming from hidden substance abuse, and the absolute necessity of medical supervision when adjusting prescriptions for depression or anxiety.
Core Takeaways & Closing Advice
- Total Sobriety Comes First: Nothing else works until the substance abuse stops.
- Holistic Balance: Long-term recovery requires daily attention to emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
- Message to the Sober Curious: If you are in pain, don’t give up on yourself. Keep seeking answers, do the deeper work, and remember: it’s better to be better.
David Dean Haskell’s book, Wounded Angels, is available on Amazon.