Alcohol addiction nearly took everything from Mario—including his life. At 24, he hit rock bottom. This is how early sobriety saved him.

🍻 In this raw episode of The Willpower Podcast, Will Gordon sits down with Mario Bencivenga, a Long Island native who opens up about his path from blackout drinking and college binges to authentic sobriety and emotional healing.

🧠 Diagnosed with ADHD and battling anxiety, Mario used alcohol as a coping mechanism. The social pressure of drinking culture and a breakup spiraled into self-destruction—culminating in dangerous behavior, lost identity, and suicidal thoughts.

⚡ But everything changed when he said the words: “Just don’t drink today.”

Today, Mario is sober, self-aware, and using his story to inspire young adults in addiction recovery. He’s writing a book and pursuing a career in mental health counseling to help others rediscover joy and self-acceptance.

🌱 Early sobriety is hard. But life on the other side? Worth it.

Alcoholics Anonymous saved my life. I tried inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and every drug imaginable—but the loop of addiction almost killed me.

🎢 From ecstasy and designer drugs in the 90s rave scene to the hopelessness of a father who wanted to die—this is a brutally honest addiction recovery story.

💡 If you've ever felt like you’re stuck on a merry-go-round of relapse, shame, and craving... you're not alone.

🧠 Addiction isn't just about substances—it’s about escaping the present moment through any external fix. And for many, that spiral starts early and escalates fast.

👨‍👧‍👦 "I had 3 young kids. I wanted to die. Rehab wasn't a luxury—it was a lifeline."

🛏️ From the raw truth of inpatient rehab to the spiritual breakthrough on his knees in a hospital room, this story is a living testament that recovery is possible.

🔥 Your greatest chapter isn’t behind you—it’s waiting to be written.

📅 Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session Today—LINK BELOW

https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodc...

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00:00 - The First Escape: When Alcohol Entered My Life

01:57 - The Rave Scene: Discovering Drugs in the 90s

04:05 - Numbing the Pain: The Addiction Cycle Begins

07:23 - Lost and Alone: Hitting Rock Bottom

10:20 - A Father’s Wake-Up Call: The Turning Point

13:15 - Surrender and Support: The Journey to Rehab

16:35 - Meeting God on the Floor: My Spiritual Awakening

19:15 - A New Perspective: Embracing Surrender Over Willpower

21:40 - This Is Not the End: Sharing Hope With Others

24:00 - The Power of Gratitude: Sobriety's Greatest Gift

Alcoholics Anonymous changed her life—but it wasn’t the only thing that saved her. From suicidal thoughts to ultra marathons, Megan’s addiction recovery story shows that sobriety is not just possible—it’s powerful.

⚡ "Alcohol does not discriminate."

From high-performing nurse practitioner to nearly losing it all, Megan opens up about her raw and emotional journey through alcohol addiction and long-term sobriety. Whether you’re looking for relapse prevention strategies, addiction recovery stories, or mental health and addiction recovery tips, this is one conversation you need to hear.

🏥 A medical professional who’s also in recovery

👩‍⚕️ Megan shares how her own experience helps her sit in the darkness with patients—and guide them into the light

🏃‍♀️ How ultra running mirrored her battle with alcohol use disorder

💥 What it’s like hitting rock bottom and finding a way out

💬 The role of shame, trauma, structure, and daily routines in long-term sobriety

🌱 Whether you’re in early recovery, struggling with relapse, or supporting someone on their journey, this is a story of hope, healing, and purpose.

👊 Your next chapter starts now. Let’s write it together.

📅 Book a 1:1 Sober Mentoring Session Today—LINK BELOW

https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30min

Love my content? It takes a ton of work. I would so appreciate any form of contribution if you feel inclined. Thank you for being here 🙏 https://buymeacoffee.com/thewillpowerpodcast