Author Bruce W. Brackett On How to Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Be brutally honest. I relapsed over and over again because I wasn’t being honest with myself about why I was using. Once I was able to honestly pinpoint what I was dealing with, then I was able to honestly deal with it. Honesty is key.
In a world where the journey towards sobriety is often challenging and deeply personal, understanding the pathways and strategies for achieving and maintaining sobriety is crucial. This series aims to provide insight, encouragement, and practical advice for those who are on the road to recovery, as well as for their loved ones and support networks. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Bruce W. Brackett.
Bruce W. Brackett is a social media personality, author, entrepreneur, self-taught visual artist, and international motivational speaker. His book, “How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma and Healing My Soul” published by Wiley is now available everywhere books are sold.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
My name is Bruce W. Brackett and I was born into detox from drugs and alcohol. I also grew up openly gay in rural Montana, so my life has been super easy! HA! Just kidding. My life hasn’t been easy, but I have made it fun. After graduating high school, I moved straight to New York City to pursue my dreams of being on Broadway. I didn’t quite make it to Broadway because I listened to the “rejection” more than I listened to the rejection simply being “redirection.” I did, however, make it to Off-Broadway where I met my partner, Teo. There have been many dark moments in my life as well has many beautiful highlights. I don’t think I am alone there. Addiction has played a huge role in my life from birth. Now, in my own recovery, I have become a social media influencer and certified international motivational speaker on recovery. Proudly, I have 10 years clean from drugs and am in my first year sober from alcohol. I have released my first book called, “How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma and Healing My Soul.”
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
There have been many moments in my career as a social media influencer and motivational speaker that have been mind-blowing. One that stands out to me is when I was a keynote speaker for Northwell Health. I spoke to an audience of about 75 individuals, one of which was a person that I did drugs with back in the day. It was a full circle moment for me and really solidified my reason for doing the advocacy work that I do. It gave me the insight that some of us do recover if we have the capacity to be honest in our journey. Some of us do recover and some of us don’t. The choice is up to you.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Consistency, drive and the ability to not listen to the opinions of outsiders (when they are trying to tell you how you should be or what you should be doing) were all instrumental traits. There are a few moments in my life when I look back and remember someone who told me that I didn’t have what it takes. Well, I proved them wrong: I took that critique to the fullest and let it fuel me to reach my goals. My sixth-grade teacher was one example. In his words, I wouldn’t amount to anything and would go to hell because of who I am (being a gay person). Clearly his input had little effect on my outcome. I surely have become something and as far as I know, I am not in hell yet.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
With the recent release of my memoir, “How To Breathe While Suffocating,” I am very busy with my book tour throughout the United States. I have some tricks up my sleeve as to what might be coming next. However, I really just want to stay present and focus on enjoying this tour. I know that the book will help many who may be facing challenges of their own, and those who feel alone in facing them. This simply isn’t true. They are not alone. There is help out there for them. I know that a second book is in the works as well. I can’t give specifics of when that will be released, yet. But fear not, it is happening.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview. How would you advise individuals who are contemplating the journey to sobriety but might be hesitant or unsure about taking the first step? Are there key considerations or strategies that can make this initial phase more manageable?
First off, you have to really look at what it is that you are running from. Is the method of using substances actually helping, or is it causing more harm? For me, substance use always added more fuel to the fire. It never got easier and it always became more painful. I had to ask myself many times if I was at rock bottom yet. My rock bottom happened when I stopped digging. I also had to realize that my journey of recovery doesn’t have a destination. Nor does it have a timeline that must be followed. Once I realized that, I was able to understand what it really means to “give time, time” and to take it “one day at a time.” It doesn’t mean that it will be easy, but it will be worth it! One day you will look back at your progress and you will see how far you have come. You will also see all the amazing moments along the journey that you never would have experienced if you didn’t take that first step.
Sobriety often comes with its unique set of challenges. Can you share insights on how individuals can effectively navigate obstacles or triggers that may arise during their journey? Are there specific tools or support systems that you find particularly helpful in overcoming these challenges?
I highly suggest that you get yourself into some kind of support group. Build up that network of like-minded individuals, and when things get to be too much, call them. Build better practices for yourself. Meditation, exercise, fun activities that you enjoy on a regular basis. There are so many different ways of coping. Find what works for you and keep that. When things become unbearable, remember to use your tools. Also remember that it is easier to stay sober than it is to try and get sober again. We don’t pick up a drink or a drug, no matter what. Use your loved ones as support during your hard times. They want to be there for you, and you are not a burden.
Maintaining sobriety is a long-term commitment. From your experience, what are the essential factors that contribute to the sustained success of individuals on this journey? Are there lifestyle adjustments or mindset shifts that prove crucial for the ongoing pursuit of sobriety?
The most important thing I can say about this is to stay in the moment. Nobody wins a race by skipping the race and expecting to end up at the finish line. Keep it simple and keep it in today. That is very helpful. For me, I also had to change everything about myself: who I surrounded myself with, what types of music I would listen to, what areas of town I needed to now avoid. All of this change took time. You will win your “race” by taking each step. One other thing that I find very important and helpful is avoiding the phrase “I got this.” Once I think I have my addiction managed or cured and it is no longer an issue for me, that’s usually when I relapse. That being said, I am not a first-time winner. I have relapsed many times. But I don’t let it keep me down. I get back up and try again. The thought of not being able to drink or do drugs again can be too overwhelming for some. Which is why we say to take it one day at a time. It breaks it down and makes it much easier to manage.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety”?
1 . Be brutally honest. I relapsed over and over again because I wasn’t being honest with myself about why I was using. Once I was able to honestly pinpoint what I was dealing with, then I was able to honestly deal with it. Honesty is key.
2 . Use your support systems. There are friends and loved ones out there who have been where you are and who are willing to help you through. If you say “but I don’t have any friends” then go out there and make friends. You will find your friends in support groups, 12-step meetings, book clubs, exercise groups, art classes….the list goes on and on. Also remember that for people with addiction, the people who you are drinking with or doing drugs with, or are giving these substances to you, are not your real friends. Your real friends wouldn’t want you to be putting poison in your body.
3 . Maintain a healthy relationship with 12-step meetings or support groups. I can’t stress this enough. It is so important to surround yourself with people who have already gone through what you are going through. They did this by doing the hard work it takes in a 12-step group or a support group, and they have years of sobriety and a full life to show for it. Know your limits and what you are willing to take on when you are ready to take them on. Maintaining a healthy relationship with these types of groups means to always be kind and honestly supportive. It may also mean taking a break and trying different meetings. This way, you won’t get sucked into gossip, and your meetings won’t feel like they are becoming dull. Also remember to have fun. There can be joy in recovery.
4 . Provide service to others. This is where it becomes real. This is when you really get going in recovery. When you provide service to others, not only are you helping them, but you are also helping yourself. There is a very famous saying in recovery, “You can’t keep what you have if you don’t give it away.” By helping someone else through recovery, you are keeping it green for yourself. You are constantly reminded what it was like when you were using, or at the first steps in your recovery. It is also a really great way of getting out of your own way. When you are having a pity party, do something for someone less fortunate. It really snaps things into perspective.
5 . Stay sober and repeat these steps. Simply put.
Community support plays a vital role in the journey to sobriety. How can individuals find and engage with supportive communities or resources that align with their specific needs and goals? Are there online platforms, local groups, or initiatives that you recommend for fostering a sense of connection and understanding during this process?
This is the million dollar question… YES! There is so much help out there. Not everyone knows where to look or even how to ask. I didn’t when I first started out. There are local community health centers that have resources for you. If they don’t have the resource that you need, they will probably know who to direct you to. Libraries are another valuable resource that many people overlook when it comes to finding help. There are literally thousands of 12-step meetings all over the world, and they are free! You can go in-person or online to attend a meeting at any hour of the day or night. Online has become a huge factor in receiving fast help. Chances are, if you have a problem with something, there is most likely a support group for you that you can attend in-person or online. Almost all of my work is done online through social media, zoom, teleconference and more. Now with my book being published, I can reach people through local bookstores and in libraries. You can also get help by calling 988 or by going to samhsa.gov. Or simply google…”Is there a support group for ________ near me?” If there isn’t one near you, then ask if there is a support group online. Keep looking until you find your answer, because it is out there.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
First off, I want to thank you for having me, and I want to thank your readers for joining me in this process. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Threads at @bwb.positivity and you can also find the latest information through my website www.bwbart.com. A huge reminder to everyone reading this: you are loved, and you are not alone. So keep moving forward and Negativity Be Gone!
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
Author Bruce W Brackett On How to Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.