S1 E50 The Real Sober Stories UNCHAINED With Dennis Haynes

I peeked in my father’s “man cave”; age 10. My father, his friends were drinking, laughing, dancing, and listening to music. I thought this was “FUN”, I can’t wait to grow up with my friends and do this. This was the beginning of my irrational and irresponsible thinking as it then led to a quick decision to redeem myself by joining the Marine Corps. I traded my dysfunctional home upbringing for more chaos and dysfunction, that included MORE drinking, and ultimately more substances. This then led me to be a part of the criminal justice system. This cycle of recidivism lasted 20 years plus..I then realized that I sabotaged myself, wanted to stop running away and was my own worst enemy. My last incarceration period was different. I attended a 6 month rehabilitation program during my 5 years away. I learned so much about myself that I wanted to learn more and more. I realized that the shame and guilt that I had repressed for so many years kept me in that vicious cycle of addiction. I began assisting the therapist with the other men and began facilitating the groups as well. Fast forward to today; there have been a multitude of bumps and bruises but because of the recovery process I was equipped with the tools I needed. I have been a part of the recovery community for the last 10 years, working in the behavioral health field for 7. I’ve won awards and received recognition for my supportive assistance. Grateful for all the trials and tribulations as that made me the man I am today. Dennis can be reached at: denhaynes07@gmail.com