Welcome to my first podcast, where I discuss with my dad, Prof. Dr. Marko Pavliha, how alcohol addiction almost destroyed our lives. We share our past experience about being an alcoholic, as well as how we managed to get sober and how we now lead a fulfilled alcohol-free lifestyle. If by sharing our own experience and our own struggles we get to help at least one person, then our mission is accomplished. Marko Pavliha is a Doctor of Civil Law and a Full Professor of Commercial, Transport and Insurance Law with extensive experience in management and politics, being an ex-Minister of Transport of the Republic of Slovenia and ex-Vice-President of the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia. He is an author and co-author of more than 40 books and hundreds of scientific and other articles. He has been sober and alcohol-free for more than 5 years now. He is my hero, my role model, my friend. He is my dad.
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(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) Introducing my dad
(06:42) First drink ever
(09:38) First time getting drunk
(10:57) Drinking in secondary school
(11:24) Alcohol and flirting
(13:20) Joining the army
(14:49) Drinking during Law University studies
(15:43) Initial signs & lies about (not) having a drinking problem
(19:43) My dad's parents & drinking
(21:08) Alcohol is worse than heroin?
(22:37) Not having enough money to drink
(24:40) Stepping into business world
(24:58) Insurance industry & drinking
(25:39) 3 pints of beer during business lunches
(26:39) Drinking with business clients
(29:23) Drinking after work to relieve stress
(30:35) Becoming a full-time professor
(30:58) Entering politics & becoming the Minister of Transport
(33:07) Drinking culture in politics
(34:38) My dad's drinking noticed by media tabloids
(37:14) End of political career
(38:07) Dark side of politics
(38:42) Missing politics & its power
(40:58) Downfall after political career
(41:37) Drinking alone in the morning
(42:22) Family noticing my dad's alcohol problem
(43:25) Similarities between my dad and me
(44:22) My dad's influence
(46:50) My dad's contribution to my drinking
(47:07) Why did I drink so severely?
(47:45) Best hangover cure
(48:58) Influence of music on my drinking
(49:58) Bob Dylan concert
(50:31) Sharing past memories
(52:25) Smoking
(53:30) Alcohol addiction is the best thing that happened in my life
(54:20) Cure for addiction is suffering
(55:12) Tipping point
(55:49) Trying to control drinking alcohol
(56:24) Professional help
(56:53) Alcohol-free challenges
(01:00:27) "My wife is the main reason I have quit"
(01:02:00) Making a promise to quit in Sarajevo
(01:03:32) Achieving true freedom
(01:04:53) My reaction to my dad quitting alcohol
(01:05:59) My dad was my drinking buddy
(01:06:58) Beautiful moments with alcohol
(01:07:44) Becoming a different person while being drunk
(01:09:22) Insecurities & superiority complex
(01:13:09) My story & tipping point
(01:19:14) What would happen if we drink 1 beer right now?
(01:22:52) How to avoid relapse?
(01:24:32) Socializing without alcohol
(01:25:11) One last dark question
(01:29:11) End speech Disclaimer: I have business academic/professional background and I speak only from my personal experience. The information in this post is NOT meant to be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you need medical help, you are advised to speak to a suitable medical professional.