In 2007, I ended up owning a bar called The Toad Tavern in Littleton and I figured if I could avoid
drugs and just drink I’d be okay. I managed to stay off drugs but around 2012, I was completely
physically dependent on alcohol and was drinking about a half gallon of vodka a day. I was told by a
doctor that I was a late stage alcoholic w/a failing liver and I had a year to live if I didn’t stop drinking.
Oops! Well, I drank for well over a year because I just couldn’t stop.
On July 1st, 2013, I was admitted to Centennial Peaks Hospital in Lousville, CO because they treat
people with mental illness and addiction and I’d had a suicide attempt and needed detox. I was
actually glad when they diagnosed me bipolar 1 with rapid cycling and PTSD from early childhood
trauma because if I was mentally ill maybe I would be able to keep drinking. The problem is I hated
the mood stabilizers they prescribed me, I had a young son at home, and deep down I knew I wasn’t
really mentally ill. So I had a choice to make. Did I want to continue to be in and out of psych
hospitals and detoxes or admit that I was powerless over alcohol?
My son Trace’s story was supposed to be “My dad owned a bar and drank himself to death when I
was 2”. How tragic would that have been? He actually doesn’t remember me ever drinking and for
most of his life I’ve been creating Mile High Recovery Center.
Today, I’m free from addiction and I’m making a difference in the lives of others. Even though I’m sort
of crazy, I no longer struggle from any mental illness at all. I’m physically in the best shape of my life.
Most importantly, I’m happier than I’ve ever been and I’m blessed with an incredible life. I have
freedom and serenity. I feel a contentment and a connection I didn’t know was missing. I have the
privilege of being a father and a son and a positive contributing citizen of the universe. I experience
spirituality, joy, abundance, love, creativity, and I literally get to help people for a living which is the
best job in the world!
By Brice Hancock, Founder/CEO Mile High Recovery Center
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