I Was a Daily Blackout Drinker... Then I Got 5 DUIs | Ep 184 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 5, 2026 · 1H 1M

I Was a Daily Blackout Drinker... Then I Got 5 DUIs | Ep 184

from Get a Grip Podcast · host Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes

In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Ben Solove to discuss a lifetime of alcoholism, repeated second chances, and the decision that finally changed everything.Ben's story begins with an ordinary childhood, but like many people, his relationship with alcohol started at a young age. What seemed like harmless drinking gradually became a dependence that followed him through high school, college, and adulthood.After attending The Ohio State University, Ben eventually dropped out and took a job at Chi-Chi's, where drinking became woven into his everyday life. He shares stories from the restaurant industry, following the Grateful Dead across the country, and the culture that normalized heavy drinking while masking a growing addiction.As alcohol tightened its grip, the consequences became impossible to ignore. Ben opens up about drinking on the job, the first DUI that should have been a wake-up call, and how he ultimately accumulated five DUIs in just five years. He reflects on the legal trouble, damaged relationships, and the emotional toll of watching his life slowly unravel.The conversation also explores his first marriage, the divorce that followed, and the moment he realized he could no longer continue living the way he had been. Through drug court, accountability, and a willingness to finally change, Ben began rebuilding his life from the ground up.After completing the program, Ben moved to Key West hoping for a fresh start. While life continued to throw unexpected challenges his way, including another painful relationship ending, he remained committed to his recovery and the life he had worked so hard to build.This episode is an honest conversation about alcoholism, consequences, redemption, and proving it's never too late to start over.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcastFor Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: [email protected]👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.#getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Ben Solove to discuss a lifetime of alcoholism, repeated second chances, and the decision that finally changed everything.Ben's story begins with an ordinary childhood, but like many people, his relationship with alcohol started at a young age. What seemed like harmless drinking gradually became a dependence that followed him through high school, college, and adulthood.After attending The Ohio State University, Ben eventually dropped out and took a job at Chi-Chi's, where drinking became woven into his everyday life. He shares stories from the restaurant industry, following the Grateful Dead across the country, and the culture that normalized heavy drinking while masking a growing addiction.As alcohol tightened its grip, the consequences became impossible to ignore. Ben opens up about drinking on the job, the first DUI that should have been a wake-up call, and how he ultimately accumulated five DUIs in just five years. He reflects on the legal trouble, damaged relationships, and the emotional toll of watching his life slowly unravel.The conversation also explores his first marriage, the divorce that followed, and the moment he realized he could no longer continue living the way he had been. Through drug court, accountability, and a willingness to finally change, Ben began rebuilding his life from the ground up.After completing the program, Ben moved to Key West hoping for a fresh start. While life continued to throw unexpected challenges his way, including another painful relationship ending, he remained committed to his recovery and the life he had worked so hard to build.This episode is an honest conversation about alcoholism, consequences, redemption, and proving it's never too late to start over.🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcastFor Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: [email protected]👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.#getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglivesdaily

NOW PLAYING

I Was a Daily Blackout Drinker... Then I Got 5 DUIs | Ep 184

0:00 1:01:21

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Get a Grip Podcast?

This episode is 1 hour and 1 minute long.

When was this Get a Grip Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on July 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Ben Solove to discuss a lifetime of alcoholism, repeated second chances, and the decision that finally changed everything.Ben's story begins with an ordinary...

Can I download this Get a Grip Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!