I just celebrated two months of sobriety on Thanksgiving day. Although this is not my first rodeo, I must say that I’ve had more clarity during these past two months than I have battling booze for almost two decades.

As soon as I got out of rehab for the third time in two years, I had a sober volleyball league set up to play in, an incredible support system, job interviews weekly, volunteer opportunities with The Phoenix and I had finally escaped the most toxic apartment complex I have ever lived in. If you think I’m being dramatic, well I most likely am, but this place was fucked up. If the truth is dramatic to you, then so be and in the famous words of Taylor Swift, “I swear I don’t love the drama, it loves me.”

Anyway, words can’t even begin to describe how I would critique this awful, disgusting and dangerous apartment complex. Oh wait, I am. However, at least an entire chapter of my memoir will be dedicated to the extraordinary “castle” I was living in and the dramatic movie all the tenants witnessed with front row seats. The 5th floor view of the mountains was the only redeeming quality of this trashy, wannabe a baller, shot caller apartment community.

The only reason I even stepped foot onto the grounds of these unfortunate apartments is due to the fact that my ex-dickhead lured me into thinking it was an upscale, safe and affordable place to call home in early 2022. It was also very self-serving of him as I was just across the pond from the douche nozzle so he could keep an eye on me. Jesus Christ JR, really?

After being sexually assaulted in my own unit in 2022, the constant fear of coming home alone, hearing gunshots and fights on the daily and most recently my Jeep being fucked with, it was a no brainer to move out immediately and take a bow. Some Karen’s who resided at my apartment complex put dryer sheets and sugar cubes into my gas tank causing thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

During these last few months, though, I kept my head down, worked hard, saved money and engaged with amazing friends in the Denver recovery community. I’ve really put myself out there as a recovering alcoholic with a dual diagnosis, hiding nothing and being the most vulnerable man I’ve been thus far in my life.

Playing volleyball with my friends is the best thing that has happened to me in years. Thank you so much guys, you know who you are; Trevor and Carlee especially. I know y’all will be in my wedding, if a guy will ever lock me down and treat me like the rare man I know I am.

One other really positive thing that has kept me from falling into old habits was attending the grand opening of The Golden Kava Lounge in Golden, Colorado about two weeks ago. It was such an inspiration to see other guests with months and years of sobriety.

I had never heard of Kava or that sober lounges like Golden Kava Lounge existed, so I decided to give it a try and hang with other healthy, smart and genuine people. From the moment I walked in to the new establishment, everyone, especially the Kavatenders, were extremely friendly, understanding and automatically welcomed me into their new home. It was as if we’d known each our entire lives. The natural authenticity of everyone plays such an integral part of the entire experience there, something that doesn’t go unnoticed. You can tell how dedicated and passionate the Kavatenders are and how proud they are for bringing their ideas to life. The staff work their asses off daily and it’s so enjoyable, admirable even, to see the magic happening right before my eyes.

Owners Luke and Jackson have turned what’s now become a cultural phenomenon across the country into their own unique, refreshing and relaxing spot to congregate in. Jaedon, Sophia and manager Bronson are impressively knowledgeable about the drinks they sling, providing historical details on all their products and are super educated in the benefits of Kava. They are also really great humans to confide in. With two pool tables, a few televisions, video games, couches and a monster sound system, The Golden Kava Lounge is the perfect place to socialize at a bar like feel without the pressures of drinking.

There is zero alcohol here, so if you’re worried about that aspect of being in a social setting with the chance of relapsing, no need to fret. A lot of the patrons are in recovery themselves and everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, sexual orientation and ethnicity.

All of these wonderful people are becoming a part of my recovery journey and being the bar fly I was during my drinking career, this alternative way to be around other like-minded friends is great. The Golden Kava Lounge is all about good vibes, unpretentious people and a safe environment to migrate in. I can’t say enough about this outstanding and life saving lounge.

I have absolutely no desire or cravings to use anymore and am confident knowing I will never drink again. Kava, a plant based tea, miraculously aids in deep sleep, caters to a good digestive system and promotes weight loss, overall mental health and well-being. Some people in AA proclaim that it’s not ethical or “allowed” in order to attend meetings to contribute to their sobriety. You have to live, eat and breathe AA outside of work and this is the only way to conquering sobriety.

All I know is I have never felt better, more alive and productive in years. Plus, this is Michael Jenney’s journey, not the fake fraternity “brothers” that are so adamant dictating that consistency in attending meetings and working with a sponsor is the only way to stay sober.

I know guys whose lives have changed for the better and are still sober for years, even decades now with AA as their prime purpose. That’s awesome for them, truly, but there are also so many other elements that can contribute to one’s sobriety. Working out, The Phoenix, eating healthy, therapy, a support system, using healthy resources, sober sports teams, The Golden Kava Lounge and surrounding yourself around genuine people are just several examples. Anyone who elevates my spirit and lifts me up makes my life easier, better and I’m more in touch with myself each day.

I’m ecstatic The Golden Kava Lounge is now open for business and I look forward to maintaining the friendships I’ve already made and other interesting people I know I’ll continue to meet. Everyone here, whether you know them or not, treat you with respect, support and unconditional love. It’s fantastic that we can all connect in a really fun, safe and healthy space.