The Lie Alcohol Sold Me — And the Dog That Saved My Life
When Rock Bottom Turns Into Redemption: Justin’s 12-Year Sobriety Journey
When Justin first tasted alcohol, it felt like love at first sip. It wasn’t about escape or rebellion — not at first. It was about the warmth, the ease, the rush. But that illusion didn’t last. Like many who fall into alcohol’s grip, what started as affection turned into dependency — a toxic relationship that nearly ended his life.
In our recent interview on the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast, Justin opened up about his path from blackout drinking to spiritual clarity and personal transformation. A 12-year Air Force veteran, strength athlete, gym owner, and proud dog dad, Justin’s story is full of painful truths, hard-earned wisdom, and hope for anyone still in the fog.
🎧 Watch the full interview on the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast:
Falling in Love with the Wrong Thing
Justin describes his early experience with alcohol as a "love story" — but not the kind with a happy ending. It was a quick bond, intense and destructive. The substance became a constant companion, even as it stole relationships, opportunities, and self-worth.
“It felt like love at first sip... but it never loved me back.”
Raised around a culture of alcohol use and caught in personal storms like custody battles and unresolved trauma, Justin drank to cope — and eventually to survive. The military gave him structure, but it didn’t protect him from the spiral.
Rock Bottom: Waking Up in Jail
What finally forced a shift? Jail. Not the cell itself, but the moment he realized his dog — his only source of unconditional love — might be in danger because of his choices.
Facing felony charges after breaking into a neighbor’s apartment while blackout drunk, Justin had no idea how he got there. But he did know this: he could no longer live that way.
“I wasn’t scared of jail. I was scared of getting comfortable with jail.”
Sobriety Begins with Structure
Coming out of that arrest, Justin didn’t just stop drinking. He started rebuilding. Slowly. Painfully. One day at a time.
Fitness became his outlet — lifting weights, rediscovering a love for strength training he had buried in addiction.
Faith became his foundation — a deeply personal relationship with God that gave him clarity and direction.
Routine became his anchor — applying for jobs, going to the gym, cooking meals, and facing each sober day.
Building a Life Worth Staying Sober For
Justin’s recovery didn’t stop at getting sober. He started dreaming again — and achieving.
Today, he co-owns Iron Sharpens Iron, a community-focused gym in Ogden, Utah. With his wife (who also owns a barbershop next door), they’ve created a space where sobriety, strength, and purpose meet.
“The gym is more than equipment. It’s a team. A family. And it saved me.”
This wasn’t just about staying sober. It was about building a life that alcohol could never offer.
Sobriety in Relationships: Why Going Sober Together Matters
One of the most relatable parts of the conversation? The role of relationships in recovery. Justin acknowledges how difficult it is to get sober when your partner isn’t on the same path.
“If you can get sober together, that’s incredible. But if you have to go it alone — do it anyway.”
His advice? Prioritize your sobriety first. Don’t wait for others to join. Lead by example. Stay the course. Change is contagious.
Strength Training as a Healthier Obsession
As someone who once drank daily, Justin understands the power of obsession. That’s why strength sports became more than a hobby — they became a replacement for addiction.
From powerlifting to strongman competitions, he channeled his addictive tendencies into personal progress.
He swears by the 80/20 rule — eat clean and train hard 80% of the time, and give yourself space for flexibility 20% of the time. (But he makes it very clear: this rule does not apply to alcohol.)
Facing the Hardest Loss — Sober
At nearly 10 years sober, Justin faced the loss of his beloved dog. The grief was overwhelming — but he stayed sober through it. That experience became a new kind of bottom.
“She saved my life. And when she passed, I made a promise: I will never drink again.”
It’s not about perfection. It’s about commitment. About honoring those who carried you when you couldn’t carry yourself.
The First Year: Surviving Every “First” Without Alcohol
Justin’s advice for anyone in early sobriety?
The first year is full of emotional “firsts.”
First birthday. First argument. First time passing the liquor aisle.At first, sobriety feels like survival.
But eventually, it feels like freedom.The key is to stick with it.
“You don’t stop thinking about alcohol until you’ve replaced it with something better.
Why Sobriety Feels “Weird” — and Why That’s Changing
There’s a strange double standard in society: quit smoking, and people cheer you on. Quit drinking, and people ask if you’re okay.
“If you said you were putting an umbrella in your meth pipe, nobody would come to the party. But say it’s a cocktail, and it’s totally normal.”
Sobriety is still misunderstood — but that’s slowly changing. Celebrities like Joe Rogan have opened up about quitting alcohol. More people are questioning its role in their lives. And communities like Sobriety Uncensored are helping break the stigma.
You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom
If Justin’s story proves anything, it’s this: You don’t have to lose everything to change everything.
Sobriety doesn’t mean your life is over. It means you finally get to live it.
“You can raise your bottom. You don’t have to wait until the worst happens to make a better choice.”
Key Takeaways
Alcohol might feel like comfort, but it often becomes a thief.
Hitting bottom doesn’t always mean destruction — it can be a turning point.
Building structure and replacing habits is critical in recovery.
You can live a full, exciting, and rewarding life without alcohol.
Sobriety is personal, powerful, and possible — even after 12 years of struggle.
Final Thoughts: Today is a Good Day to Stop
Justin’s journey is a reminder that sobriety isn’t a punishment — it’s a path to peace, purpose, and possibility.
Whether you’re at your lowest or just tired of the hangovers, it’s never too late to start.
👉Qutting Alcohol? 1:1 Sober Coaching: https://soberstrongcoaching.as.me/
👉More Sober Content: https://www.youtube.com/@Soberstrong
👉Be a guest on the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast: https://thesoberstrong.com/sobriety-uncensored-sober-strong
