"All Ceilings Suck..." | Episode 139 - Andrew

<p>If AANP speaks to you, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0Gp7W0Sto6atIj3XCbR9zA?si=08f5b200b29b4a9e">⁠⁠follow the show⁠⁠</a> and never miss an episode.Andrew has been part of AANP for more than a year, attending almost every day, often twice a day. In this deeply honest share, he talks about relapse, recovery, chronic pain and what happened when sheer determination was no longer enough.</p><p>After putting together 394 days of sobriety, Andrew found himself overwhelmed by the pain of ankylosing spondylitis, a degenerative condition that became increasingly debilitating during a journey through Europe. Despite extraordinary physical pain, he remained sober throughout much of that experience, leaning on the recovery community that had become such an important part of his life.</p><p>Eventually, though, he reached a point where he couldn&#39;t keep going. A friend gave him some advice that changed his perspective: <strong>“You need a tactical retreat.”</strong> Andrew returned, reconnected with the rooms and began seeking better medical care and physiotherapy. But the pain, isolation and frustration ultimately led to an eight-day relapse.</p><p>After three trips to the emergency room and a frightening deterioration in his physical and mental health, Andrew finally found doctors who listened and began treating him properly. Slowly, little pieces of hope began to return.</p><p>His sobriety date is now <strong>July 4, 2026</strong>.</p><p>A powerful share about relapse, chronic pain, radical acceptance, community, and discovering that sometimes moving forward means knowing when to retreat.</p><p><br></p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Andrew previously shared at AANP in November of 2025.</p><p>You can hear that share here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EUMq4b5TGuBhuqU9EhFB7?si=yZ9MVzvsTFOn_j3CKcwXkw</p>