Addiction Unlimited Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Did you know that many people don’t realize they’re on the path to relapse until it’s too late? The truth is, relapse doesn’t happen in a single moment—it’s a slow buildup of emotions, stressors, and unchecked behaviors that compromise your decision-making over time. In this episode, we’re breaking down the early warning signs of relapse so you can recognize them before they get the best of you. From seemingly harmless triggers like work stress and family dynamics to emotional overwhelm and self-doubt, I’ll help you uncover the patterns that could be quietly steering you back toward drinking. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why cravings aren’t really about the drink but about the need to change how you feel. ✅ How daily stressors and emotions weaken your resilience over time. ✅ The key emotional and mental warning signs to watch for. ✅ Simple strategies to interrupt the relapse cycle and stay on track. The number one takeaway? Relapse is preventable when you know what to look for and have the tools to stay in control. You don’t have to let life’s challenges derail your sobriety. Let’s get clear on how to protect your progress and keep moving forward, one day at a time.   Links mentioned in this episode:  3 Stages Of Relapse And How To Triumph Over Temptation: https://addictionunlimited.com/tag/relapse-prevention/ Your Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist: addictionunlimited.com/playlist Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

The holiday season is magical—a time for sparkling lights, heartfelt traditions, and moments of togetherness. But for many of us in recovery, this time of year can feel like navigating a minefield of stress, temptation, and overwhelming expectations. The pressure to be everything for everyone, the endless to-do lists, and the ever-present cultural norm of celebrating with alcohol can make it feel like staying sober is an uphill battle. You’re not alone if the holidays bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. That’s why this episode is here to help. Today, I’m sharing practical, actionable tips to stay alcohol-free while embracing the joy and connection of the season. Whether it’s managing family dynamics, handling social events, or finding comfort in moments of solitude, we’ll cover strategies to help you navigate the challenges with confidence. I’m getting into the hidden triggers that you probably aren’t thinking about because it feels like the holidays put your emotions under a microscope. And to make this journey even easier, I’ve created something special for you—my Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist You Need, packed with binge-worthy episodes to keep you grounded, motivated, and inspired through every holiday moment. This episode is your toolkit for a stress-free, alcohol-free holiday season. So, grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s dive into how you can make this season not only sober but truly magical.   Links mentioned in this episode:  The Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist You Need: https://addictionunlimited.com/holidayplaylist Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

I know this is going to ruffle some feathers because the world is embracing mocktails in full force right now. And I know alcohol-free drink options are a welcome alternative for many people and there’s nothing wrong with that. This is NOT going to be a conversation about if it’s RIGHT or WRONG. Because it’s neither. This isn’t about making a judgment on your choice or mine. I want to share with you the research, my personal experience, and some of the issues you’ve probably never considered that create unexpected risks. Especially if you are pretty early in sobriety because there are a lot of insights that you probably aren’t aware of yet. While you may not get the buzz, these alcohol imposters can still be harmful and I’m going to give you some alternative ways to think about the risks associated with non-alcoholic drinks so that you can make a smart and informed decision as to what’s best for your recovery. I’m going to share some deeper insights and advanced recovery concepts that you’ve probably never thought of when you’re considering drinking NA beer or not.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited 3 Stages of Relapse episode:  addictionunlimited.com/260   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

what is moderate drinking If the illusion of moderation is very persistent and you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I can, in fact, have just ONE drink”. And things aren’t going as well as you’d hoped, or you find yourself feeling left out in groups, or the lie tells you that once you ‘work through it’ then you can manage just one drink. If any of this sounds familiar then you, my friend, are in the perfect place right now. This is a must-listen-to podcast if you are any of those scenarios. So, if you’ve ever had challenges with the moderation myth or your brain keeps telling you it will different now and you’re a little bit worried about how to get through it, today is like a checklist of different areas that you can troubleshoot to make sure if you’re stuck you can move through it; and if you haven’t fallen into the trap yet, then you can side step some of these big mistakes. It’s important that you actually listen to this episode and not tune out because this isn’t happening for you right now. This is a weird little tick in sobriety that can happen any time. None of us are shielded from these thoughts and traps- no matter how long you’ve been sober. It took me a few situations before I really understood that I couldn’t control my alcohol intake. And when I say that, it doesn’t mean I never had nights out that I controlled it, I did. I had a  few of those nights when I just had a few and went home without any drama. But those nights were very few and far between. Just like you can quit for 30 days for Dry January or Sober October, or, sometimes we quit for much longer- and that feeds the myth that there is some level of control. Let’s go ahead and dive into the trouble with your moderation dreams.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Signs You Should Stop Trying to Moderate Your Drinking: https://addictionunlimited.com/signs-you-should-stop-trying-to-moderate-your-drinking/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Movies About Addiction Today’s episode is a little extra special. The reason for that is that we’re approaching this topic from a totally different angle. We’re not going to talk about programs. We’re not talking about pitfalls, recovery plans, and another day 1. Not that we’re not talking about any of it, but, we are going to talk about a totally different approach to quitting drinking that you’ve probably never thought of before. Today, we are talking about movies about addiction. That might seem a little bit weird as a way to get sober, and, if you know anything about me you already know I’m a planner and like to have things laid out. So this completely unorthodox way of approaching recovery really intrigued me. When my new friend, Ted Perkins, reached out to me about his book and wanted to talk about the connection between movies and addiction and how he used movies about addiction to get sober, I thought it was something I definitely wanted to explore. Ted is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, and a successful screenwriter for film and television He watched 100 movies in 100 days to beat his alcohol addiction and documented his journey in his new book, Addicted in Film, and he’s here to tell you all about it! It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the best (and worst) movies ever made about addiction and recovery, and what they can teach us about living a happier, healthier, more balanced life. I like that Ted turned to what he knows and loves, and used it as his support to make huge changes and understand sobriety on a new level. This is the epitome of figuring out a plan that is individualized to you! I also really value what he shares. It’s different than how my brain works and that’s sometimes uncomfortable and always exciting at the same time. I don’t want to give it all away. I am going to let you listen in and see if this is something you might want to take action on. I know I definitely will be.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Free Bootcamp: addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Addicted in Film Book:  https://amzn.to/3HGG6GZ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

dealing with triggers I’m going to start this episode with a mind-blowing statistic. Are you ready? Okay, here we go. Everyone has triggers. Crazy, right? I know, I know, it’s not that mind-blowing when you think about it because we are all living life, dealing with the ups and downs and the changes we have to make as we go through it. Change is inevitable. And when we are undergoing change, leaving old behaviors, habits, and people behind, there will be triggers. It’s also a little comforting to know we’re in this together because if you’ve had to overcome triggers, like I have, then we’re not alone. Actually, we’re in great company. Now, if I told you that you can get through all your triggers and I can show you how to do it, would you be interested? Yes? I hope you just said yes because that’s what we’re doing today. It’s important to continue talking about this topic of triggers because I know many of my clients experience it, to the point that they fear starting new and exciting endeavors or they will start and they definitely don’t follow through on these new and exciting endeavors because they begin to think, “I don’t want to deal with triggers and cravings 24 hours a day. Thursdays are a huge trigger for me and I don’t know how to get through it.” And so they don’t start, or stick with, the process. Have you been guilty of this? I know I have, for sure. And I’ve overcome it, and I want to talk about how you can as well. The thing is, triggers are a real thing. And if you’re dealing with them and sometimes feel like they are winning the battle, I want you to know you are far from alone, there is nothing wrong with you, and you can definitely overcome it.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Episode #114, Relapse Triggers: https://addictionunlimited.com/relapse-triggers/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

people pleasing People pleasing is a common struggle for most people, especially those of us with addiction issues. The key is to not let those habits stop you from doing the work that you know you need to do. So what do you do when the fears of saying “no”, or setting boundaries around your time and energy threaten to throw you off your game or derail you completely? You get guidance, take action, and learn to keep moving forward. And sometimes you need a little inspiration to keep you going. In this episode, my friend Nick Pollard (TikTok phenom) and I are going to dig into the underlying fears and feelings people have that turn us into exhausted little people-pleasers. As a Coach, Nick’s work is to pull back the curtain on the underlying issues we have to work on to create happier lives with more energy for our friends and families, and feeling more confident in the choices we make. Some of the very things you may be experiencing now may be obstacles, but they are not insurmountable. This is my 15th year of being a Life Coach and Nick is in his 10th year! We’ve seen it all and have experienced ALL the fears ourselves (and still do!), so get your ear buds ready and listen in to the helpful insights Nick is sharing for you and your life! You’re going to learn some valuable tips and tricks that will help you navigate the fears that come with making changes in your life, cutting back the people-pleasing, and stepping into a better version of yourself. Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Free Bootcamp: addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

New Year Plan Can you believe 2022 is over already? I know it’s so cliché and everyone is saying it- but this year has gone by so fast! Maybe you can relate. I know when a year is packed with as many projects, challenges, milestones reached and lessons learned as 2022 has been for me, it makes time fly by. Some years ago I adopted a new way of thinking about it - instead of thinking about resolutions, as if something isn’t right and needs to be resolved – I think about my intentions for the upcoming year. And because my sobriety birthday is in January, I have a tradition at the end of the year I always reflect back on what my life was like before I got sober. Of course, that immediately puts me in a place of gratitude because I was such a mess in so many ways. And, it gives me fresh inspiration on how I want to approach the coming year. This year, I went through some major stuff. And, if we all get honest here, every year is full of major stuff. So as I was reflecting on the past 12 months, I was writing down so many things that I had to turn it into a whole podcast episode for you. Because, I want you to approach your next year with a fresh perspective and sense of determination like you’ve never had before. But also, a sense of ease. Like, we’re going to make this so effortless, and you are going to feel so empowered, that you look forward to getting started and following through! The strategy I’m going over today is all about a different way to approach your goals so that… you will get more done everything is set up for you to succeed with ease you end the day feeling more satisfied with your whole life In particular, if you want to build a life around recovery and confidence in whatever you do, this strategy will be really applicable for you. It will help you get more done with less stress, less guilt, and less resources… you know, all the precious commodities we never have enough of. I suggest curling up with the last Christmas cookie, stir a little eggnog creamer into your coffee, and enjoy a final moment of holiday hibernation to brainstorm your 2023 intentions. In the end, your intentions are really all about your balance. Understanding we are working on personal growth and taking on new habits more than just accomplishing tasks. Adding too little will leave you underwhelmed and unsatisfied; adding too much is just way more stress than you need. This episode is your personal low-down on how to think about your intentions, and how to set yourself up for success from day one so that you can get your life and your goals aligned for an amazing year!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Kickstarter: A 30-Day Bootcamp with Angela Pugh:addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Feeling better, adulting better, and how life will steer you the right direction (whether you’re ready for it or not!) A mom with a huge heart, a nurse, and determined to change the game, Lucy Maina is here and she’s ready to help you take action on your recovery dreams, move forward even when fear wants to hold you back, and use the gifts you already have to support your sobriety. I love this interview with Lucy, and I know you will, too. In this episode we talk about how she channeled her energy from the beginning to support her decision to quit drinking, why her thoughts and mindset were such a powerful tool in the process, and the importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many light bulb moments, “a-has”, and brow-raising WOWS in this episode, I can’t even name them all. You’ll just have to listen to the podcast and hear them for yourself. On this show, conversations have a life of their own and a lot of wisdom is revealed. And when Lucy says, “I decided to focus on two things that were really hard for me to distract me in the beginning,” you’re going to stop multi-tasking and listen in to hear the conversation that follows. You’re in for a treat, my friend! Listen in, get excited and inspired, and driven to take action with Lucy’s insight and experience.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Dry January Bootcamp:  addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Healthy Routines When you're going into a stressful time of year your healthy routines get off balance, there are tons of things to do, and stressors lurking around every corner. And if you don't know what to do, that lack of clarity can you lead you down the path of overwhelm and high anxiety. That's why I recorded today's episode. To take away your stress and make this process a lot easier for you. I'm breaking down a few fundamental steps to focus on when your rituals and routines are thrown off balance in the holiday season with travel, family, and all the added financial and time stressors. Whether you're just getting started, or you have decades of sobriety under your belt. These are absolutely crucial for a successful and sober holiday season (or any high-stress situation!). Are you a successfully substance-free and getting through stressors with ease? Don't click away because this episode is for you, too. I not only focus on these steps for the holidays, but I still practice this today whenever I travel or have any disruption in my routines and rituals. Here's a snapshot of what I'm focusing on in today's episode: --> action steps to keep your sobriety in tact --> strategies you can use RIGHT NOW --> a step-by-step plan to set you up for sober success I don’t want you to feel like you are walking into a high-stress situation completely unprepared so I’m going to walk you through what to focus on so you are happy, healthy, and staying sober even when your routines and rituals are turned upside down.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to keep moving forward to the recovery lifestyle they want.  Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!