Day 7

The 'Day 7' episode of 'Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard' is a raw and vulnerable conversation between Dax Shepard and his co-host Monica Padman, centered on Dax's recent relapse after 16 years of sobriety. The episode begins with Dax expressing his fears about the consequences of disclosing his relapse, including potential judgment from others, feelings of betrayal from those inspired by his sobriety, and the impact on his professional life. Despite these fears, a close friend encourages him to be honest, emphasizing the importance of helping others through sharing his truth.

Dax recounts the onset of his relapse, which began with a legitimate prescription for painkillers following a motorcycle accident and his father's terminal illness. He describes the complex emotions of using opiates with his dying father, an event that blurred the lines of his sobriety. From there, Dax details the gradual progression of his addiction over the years, with each injury and subsequent prescription leading to increased secrecy and manipulation of his medication intake. He shares the guilt and loneliness he felt while hiding his addiction from loved ones and the rationalizations he made to justify his behavior.

The episode takes an emotional turn as Dax reveals the moment he confessed his relapse to Monica and his wife, Kristen Bell. He describes the intense shame and fear of judgment he experienced, as well as the relief and support he received from them. Dax then delves into the process of withdrawal, the humility he gained from attending AA meetings, and the newfound connection he feels with others in recovery. Throughout the conversation, Monica provides her perspective, sharing the challenges she faced in recognizing and confronting Dax's relapse, as well as her own emotional journey through the ordeal.