#53 Creating The Maze: How Justin Gurland Beat Addiction and Built a Haven for the Sober Movement

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Justin Gurland, a creative entrepreneur and founder of The Maze—New York City's first members-only, alcohol-free social club. Justin is someone who has navigated the difficult road from addiction to nearly two decades of sobriety. In a candid and inspiring conversation, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, from confronting his heroin addiction on his 25th birthday to rebuilding his life and identity, and ultimately dedicating himself to helping others find community and purpose in recovery. Together, they tackle the challenges of overcoming addiction, the importance of genuine connection, and the rise of the "sober curious" movement. Whether you're seeking insight into resilience, interested in supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the new and changing landscape of social life without alcohol, this episode offers powerful lessons on growth, honesty, and the essential human need for community.Justin Gurland’s experience with addiction and recovery directly influenced the creation of The Maze, aiming to fill a gap for a supportive, alcohol-free community space.Family intervention—especially from Justin’s sister—was a pivotal moment that pushed him to confront the reality of his addiction.Addiction is described by Justin as an "isolated disease," with isolation and loneliness becoming central features in his own struggle.Recovery, as framed by Justin, requires full commitment; easing up on efforts can lead to setbacks or a return to old habits.Justin’s story challenges common assumptions about addiction by showing that it can affect individuals with supportive families and healthy backgrounds.Through his roles in both personal recovery and professional behavioral health, Justin observed patterns that either help individuals maintain sobriety or contribute to relapse, with ongoing community support being crucial.Justin suggests that parents should create safe, nonjudgmental spaces for open communication, enabling children to be honest about difficult topics without fear of harsh consequences.Justin says the rise of "alcohol-free culture" and the "sober curious" movement is motivated by diverse personal and health reasons, not limited to those in recovery from addiction.Sustaining sobriety and overall well-being is, according to Justin, deeply tied to community and human connection; isolation often hinders progress.The Maze is designed to serve not only people in recovery but also those who are interested in alcohol-free social experiences, thereby broadening its appeal and impact.Key Moments: (00:00) Founding The Maze—an alcohol-free members-only social club(04:51) Journey to self-recognition and change(08:21) Discussing motivations and identity(11:41) Reflecting on early life influences(14:30) Getting pulled out of class(18:32) Parenting and open communication(21:16) Managing parental reactions to children(24:47) Inspiring story of resilience(28:02) Building a sober community(30:17) Evolving views on alcohol health(33:24) Importance of building community