Nate Bargatze, the renowned comedian, recently opened up about how actor Rob Lowe’s reflections on alcohol use profoundly influenced his understanding of drinking habits and addiction. During an appearance on Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert, on March 23, 2023, Bargatze recalled a crucial insight he gained from Lowe’s comments during a past interview with Howard Stern.
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Lowe, who has been sober since 1990, suggested that alcoholism is not solely defined by extreme behaviours such as daily binge drinking. According to Bargatze, this notion prompted him to reassess his own relationship with alcohol. “He said, ‘You think alcoholism is, you’re waking up drinking shots of vodka,'” Bargatze recounted, indicating that he had never considered the varied forms alcohol use disorder could take.
Amidst the conversation, Bargatze shared a personal experience of a colleague who would arrive at work reeking of alcohol early in the morning. This behaviour starkly contrasted with his own, as he noted, “I never drink at home. When I was at home, I would never crack open a beer.” However, paradoxically, when out socialising, he found himself struggling to set limits on his drinking.
Bargatze observed that he could manage to abstain from alcohol for weeks at a time, but it was the moments when he did drink that posed challenges. “You would just get going, and then it was like … it has its own momentum,” he explained, shedding light on the compulsive nature of his drinking habits during social outings. He articulated a common misconception; many people believe that they are not struggling with addiction if they do not exhibit the most severe symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
This realisation resonated deeply with Bargatze, highlighting the invisibility of many forms of addiction. “I heard Rob Lowe say that it was like this addiction thing to it. You think it’s just driving off a cliff in a car. But it’s like, there are so many levels of it,” he detailed. Bargatze admitted that he was often blinded by his understanding of addiction, believing he was fine simply because he was not consuming alcohol in a way that he deemed extreme.
In making these revelations, Bargatze reflected on his decision to quit drinking altogether in 2018. He conveyed that his ambitions and goals were impeded by his alcohol use, and he recognised that a change was necessary. “I just knew if I wanted to get where I wanted to get, this was in the way,” he stated, emphasising the importance of self-awareness in overcoming substance abuse.
Since his sobriety, Bargatze has shifted his focus to tackling other challenges, particularly concerning his diet. “Food is the one I have now … and that’s the one I’m working on now,” he confessed. The temptation of fast food and the stress that often leads to unhealthy eating habits have become his current obstacles, underscoring the complexities of addiction, irrespective of the substance involved.
Bargatze’s candid discussion reflects a broader societal need to understand the nuances of addiction and encourages individuals to seek help and support for their struggles. The conversation not only highlights the importance of awareness and introspection but also sheds light on the need to eliminate the stigma surrounding various forms of substance abuse.
For those who may resonate with Bargatze’s experiences, it is crucial to remember that assistance is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline is a vital resource, providing support and guidance to those affected by substance use issues.
In a world where open dialogue around mental health and addiction is becoming increasingly important, Nate Bargatze’s journey exemplifies the power of reflection and change. His story serves as a reminder that seeking a healthier path often requires confronting difficult truths and acknowledging the many forms of addiction that can impact our lives.