Confronting Addiction: Confessions of a Recovered Alcoholic with Gary Miles – E56

Jan 8, 2025

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Can addiction coexist with professional success, and how do you find the courage to confront it? In this deeply personal episode, Charlène Gisèle welcomes Gary Miles, a seasoned lawyer and addiction recovery advocate, to share his transformative journey of overcoming alcoholism while navigating a demanding legal career. With over 45 years of experience in law, Gary reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to confront his addiction, embrace sobriety, and ultimately reshape his mindset and life.

Charlène and Gary explore the intersection of high-stress careers, substance abuse, and mental health, shedding light on the prevalence of alcoholism in the legal profession. Gary offers invaluable insights on recognizing the hallmarks of addiction, breaking through denial, and the power of seeking help. His candid reflections and practical advice inspire hope and resilience for anyone struggling with addiction or supporting a loved one through it.

“Addiction is a prison, but the key to freedom is always within reach if you're willing to seek it.” – Gary Miles

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How addiction can silently grow alongside professional success.
The key signs of alcoholism and how to recognize them in yourself or others.
How denial and shame keep addiction hidden—and how to break through.
Why high-performing professionals are more susceptible to substance abuse.
The role of external help, from therapy to peer support, in the recovery journey.
How overcoming addiction unlocks greater mental clarity, resilience, and joy.

Resources:

Connect with Gary Miles on LinkedIn: Gary Miles LinkedIn
Explore Gary’s book “Breaking Free”: garymiles.net
Listen to Gary’s podcast “The Free Lawyer”: The Free Lawyer Podcast

Connect with Charlène:

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction
01:44 Gary’s early struggles with alcoholism during his legal career
03:27 Was stress the trigger, or was addiction always present?
05:41 How to recognize the hallmarks of addiction
07:10 The February test—how Gary’s drinking escalated over time
09:58 The blackout moment that changed everything
15:09 How addiction affects professional performance and mental health
19:53 How loved ones can support without enabling
27:41 Life after addiction—clarity, peace, and resilience
32:10 Can healthy coping mechanisms replace addiction?
41:29 Gary’s advice to those struggling or supporting someone with addiction