How I Swam my Way out of the Bottle with Ben Tuff
Episode 192
Ben Tuff. In 2012 Ben decided to quit drinking and to take up swimming. He became a long distance swimmer and is featured in a documentary called How I Swam my Way out of the Bottle
In this episode Ben shares how he:-
- Started drinking around age 16, initially as a social activity.
- Escalated to more secretive and excessive drinking over the years.
- Transitioned to a teaching career with increased responsibilities.
- Coped with stress through a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle involving heavy drinking.
- Denied the severity of his alcohol consumption.
- Employed denial and avoidance to ignore the growing problem.
- Developed strategic methods to hide alcohol purchases and consumption.
- Used tactics like obtaining cash back to avoid a record of liquor store purchases.
- Developed a secretive routine to hide alcohol consumption.
- Would disguise vodka in vitamin water bottles to conceal drinking.
- Rock Bottom Moment: Ben describes a pivotal moment when his alcohol addiction caught up with him, leading to a panic attack and a hospital visit. Blood alcohol level prevented immediate admission to the emergency room.
- The realization that his secret was out marked the turning point towards seeking help and recovery.
- Detox and Rehab: Ben's decision to go to rehab, supported by his wife, was a crucial step in his journey to sobriety. He spent five days in detox and five weeks in rehab, learning how to navigate a world that felt foreign without alcohol.
- Early Sobriety: Post-rehab, Ben maintained a strong support system, including a psychiatrist from rehab who remained his psychiatrist. He actively engaged in his recovery, attending AA meetings, and committing to a schedule that included daily meetings and swimming sessions.
- Sobriety as a Gift: Ben views his journey to sobriety as a gift, recognizing the real, authentic joy and connection he experiences with his family. The contrast between the facade of happiness during his drinking days and the genuine emotions in sobriety reinforced the value of his recovery.
- Swimming as Therapy: Ben's venture into swimming, initially inspired by a sponsor, became a therapeutic outlet. His dedication to learning and mastering swimming, including open water swims, provided a space for mental processing and connection with a higher power.
- Documentary "Swim Tough": Ben's decision to participate in a documentary about his journey stems from a desire to make stories of recovery more accessible. The film, titled "Swim Tough: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle," aims to highlight the transformative power of recovery rather than just focusing on swimming.
- Message to Those Struggling: Ben encourages those struggling with addiction to reach out for help without shame, emphasizing the importance of seeking support.
- Benefits of sobriety He reflects on the positive changes in his life, such as increased energy, a genuine appreciation for simple pleasures like good coffee, and the ability to sleep soundly, as key benefits of sobriety.
- You can follow Ben via his website which is https://swimtuff.com/