Martin Parker and I are shockingly similar in a number of ways. We've both spent far too much of our lives beating ourselves up. We both used alcohol to try to fit in, whether that meant dumbing ourselves down or making ourselves feel more interesting. We did that because we're deep-thinkers who suck at small talk.

There are some ways we're starkly different. Martin was diagnosed with Parkinson's while he was in the thick of his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. He's gone through a painful separation with the mother of his daughter. Yet when he awoke one evening to find himself upside down in his truck in the ditch, in nothing but his underwear (something else I admit I haven't experienced), despite all those personal obstacles, he got clean.

He's emerged as an advocate and an inspirational speaker. In fact, one of his speeches has won an award. Above all else, he's steadily becoming a better human, father, and brother each passing day.

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This episode was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.

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