My guest this week is Sam Lander who hit rock bottom when she was sent to prison.
In this episode:-
- Sam's first drink was in 7th grade and her first drug use (weed) in 8th grade.
- From there she progressed to heavy substance use, including GHB, cocaine, and meth.
- She was blackout drinking and using drugs to alter her state of mind.
- Despite her addiction, she was high functioning – she was a varsity athlete, spinning instructor, and held down various jobs.
- Her turning point was certainly a dramatic one – a SWAT Raid of her home which led to a 27 month prison sentence
- Even in prison she didn’t get clean
- Eventually Sam accepted that her life was unmanageable and went to rehab
- She describes her rehab experience as liberating - experiencing joy and laughter again!.
- She was sober for 13 years but then had a relapse due to struggles with motherhood, marriage and isolation
- Sam was drinking a bottle of gin a day throughout Covid
- As her addiction got worse she lost some people close to her and she finally realised what was blocking her recovery
- She wasn’t doing the work and realised that she was lacking the humility she needed
- Sams relapse after 13 years is such a warning sign to those of us that have clocked up years of sobriety – if we still see alcohol as a way to relieve our struggles then we are at risk
- The key is to develop alternative coping mechanism so that we don’t go to our default and seek a way to numb out from our problems
- These days Sam has clocked up more than a year of sobriety, focusing on daily gratitude and service work
- She is now a Health Coach and helps women to address their health:-
- Gut health
- Hormone imbalances and
- Stress management
- She combines nutrition, functional lab testing, and personalized programs.
- She also encourages clean eating, proper supplementation, and weightlifting for sustainable health.
- She had some advice:-
For those struggling: Be vulnerable and admit you need help – there is no shame in seeking support. - First-year sobriety struggles: Address gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and underlying issues.
- For those having sugar cravings: Use natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, and balanced meals.
- Her take on exercise is that its key: Start slow, prioritize weightlifting, and integrate daily movement like walking.
- Sam Offers free health clarity calls to assess needs and recommend lab tests.
- Contact her via Instagram @seefitliving
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