Did Alcoholic Conquer His Addiction and Stop Drinking?
Earlier this season, we met Mason, who reached out The Doctors because he was concerned about his drinking and feared that it would take his life.
He was drinking every day and until he passed out and spending all of his money on alcohol. Additionally, Mason who is 6 feet tall only weighed around 112 pounds and there were days when he would not eat and only drink alcohol.
After spending 90 days in treatment at The Hills Treatment Center and working with psychologist Dr. Howard Samuels, Mason joins us to share an update on all the progress he has made. In addition to treatment, we sent Mason to see dentist Dr. Sako H. Karakozian, who helped with the effects that heavy drinking took on his teeth.
Watch: Alcoholic Celebrates 90 Days Sober
Mason's treatment included meditation, group work, virtual reality therapy, individual therapy and Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. He also shares that he has been able to gain 30 pounds during his treatment stay through healthy eating.
As he prepared to leave rehab he says, "I cannot express how good it feels and how happy I am and thankful. They gave me my life back and given me an opportunity to make something of myself. I'm going to get out there and be a productive member of society and contribute to this world, and for that, I will always be thankful."
Joining The Doctors on stage, he happily shares, "I'm proud to report that I'm 90 days sober." Looking back on his first appearance on the show he admits that he was skeptical that he could get sober, but says he knew that he had to at least try to get sober. "I just had to be strong enough the whole time," he says.
Mason says his biggest challenges were first dealing with alcohol withdrawal, being mindful of his triggers to drink and following a new schedule.
He tells us, "I'm grateful to the producers and staff of The Doctors for being such an incredible, passionate and caring group of people and taking a chance on me at one of the worst times in my life. They gave me the opportunity to climb out of the pit called despair and find happiness and purpose when I had none. They truly saved my life and I'll be forever grateful."
Watch the video below to find out how Mason's relationship with his parents has evolved since his sobriety, plus we surprise him with a family reunion. He also tells us that he wants to go to college and hopes to work in the treatment field. In order to help him follow his college dreams, Dr. Jack Zamora surprises Mason with a gift that will help him with his education goals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction please call the confidential and free National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or visit their website.