Sisters In Sobriety – Details, episodes & analysis

In this classic episode of "Sisters in Sobriety," hosts Kathleen and Sonia bring a light-hearted touch to the serious topic of staying sober during New Year's Eve. With warmth and humor, they recount their own past holiday experiences, marked by not-so-glamorous moments of substance abuse, and compare them to their now joy-filled, sober celebrations.

Kathleen and Sonia take us through the often overwhelming social pressures and emotional challenges that come with the holiday season, yet they keep the mood buoyant by sharing their favorite alternative sober celebration ideas. Whether it's hosting a cozy get-together, enjoying a lively sober event, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, they remind us that there are countless ways to make New Year's Eve special and memorable without alcohol.

The duo emphasizes the shift in perspective that sobriety brings, turning New Year's Eve from a potential obstacle into an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. They sprinkle their conversation with encouraging and hopeful quotes, like Sonia's humorous take on relearning how to party sober and Kathleen's expressions of deep gratitude for the new life she has found in sobriety.

Kathleen and Sonia show that sobriety doesn't mean missing out on fun—it means rediscovering joy in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. Tune in for a dose of positivity and inspiration on how to turn New Year's Eve into a celebration of new beginnings and true happiness.

00:00:00 | Celebration of download milestone!

00:02:16 | Reasons why New Year's Eve is tough to stay sober

00:04:00 | Importance of having a plan for a sober New Year's Eve

00:04:43 | Ways to reframe the idea of New Year's Eve

00:07:00 | Sonia's experience of being sober on New Year's Eve

00:08:00 | Kathleen's experience of being a messy drinker on New Year's Eve

00:09:00 | Story of Kathleen's New Year's Eve where she found herself high, cold, and stranded

00:10:00 | Reflection on the past and commitment to sobriety

00:11:00 | Conclusion and end of the transcript

00:11:48 | Risky behavior and addiction to risk-taking

00:15:21 | Shift in priorities after getting sober

00:17:15 | Drug and alcohol-free New Year's Eves

00:19:32 | New Year's Eve as a time for reset and renewal

00:20:22 | New Year's resolutions and gratitude

00:22:00 | New Year's Eve activities and possibilities

00:23:29 | New Year's Eve retreat ideas

00:25:37 | Exploring alternative plans for staying sober on New Year's

00:26:00 | Hosting a sober gathering with a friend and kids

00:27:58 | Emphasizing the freedom and possibilities of being sober

00:28:14 | Reflecting on the gratitude of being in control and sober

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Ready to kick off the new year with a fresh perspective? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you plan your best sober year yet. From goal setting to finding balance, they’re sharing ideas to make 2024 your year of growth and intentional living—whether you’re brand new to sobriety or already a few years in.

How do you set goals that stick? What’s the secret to staying motivated when things don’t go as planned? And how do you balance everything without burning out? This episode has all the tips and stories to keep you inspired and moving forward.

You’ll learn simple strategies like habit stacking, breaking big goals into manageable steps, and why self-care is so much more than bubble baths. Plus, Kathleen and Sonia share how they use tools like planners and trackers to stay on course—and why progress always beats perfection.

Sonia and Kathleen also open up about their own journeys, from learning to adapt when life throws curveballs to embracing the quirks that make them who they are. Their stories are full of laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to embrace sobriety with confidence.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Time-Stamped Highlights

[00:01:00] Sonia and Kathleen kick off the episode: planning your best sober year yet.
[00:01:50] Kathleen’s 2024 goal: prioritizing physical and mental health.
[00:03:14] Sonia’s funny habit-stacking method for stretching before Netflix.
[00:05:45] Kathleen talks about the lessons she learned from setting unrealistic goals.
[00:08:13] Breaking big goals into bite-sized, manageable pieces.
[00:10:44] Celebrating small wins in creative ways—popcorn in bed, anyone?
[00:12:00] Sonia looks back at years of “moderation” goals that didn’t stick.
[00:14:20] Why Kathleen prefers harmony over balance in her sober life.
[00:16:59] Plans for a work-life reset: Kathleen is finally taking a vacation!
[00:19:00] Sonia’s non-negotiable: sleep as the ultimate self-care tool.
[00:21:25] Using tech like Apple Watch and Oura Ring to track goals.
[00:23:54] The protein-packed breakfast tip that’s changing Sonia’s mornings.
[00:25:00] Kathleen’s story about adapting her yoga practice as a single mom.
[00:29:00] Sonia reframes her narrative around sobriety and relationships.
[00:31:49] Kathleen shares practical ways to flip the script on negative self-talk.
[00:33:43] Byron Katie’s four questions for letting go of limiting beliefs.
[00:36:00] Self-compassion as the secret to letting go of old narratives.
[00:37:15] The connection between self-worth and self-care.
[00:38:11] Kathleen’s quirky planner obsession and why it works for her.
[00:39:00] Closing thoughts: It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and intention.

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the nuanced connections between food, emotional well-being, and self-worth with special guest Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Ali brings a unique perspective to our understanding of food and body image, diving deep into how they shape—and often complicate—our personal stories

Ali breaks down big questions: How does food influence our sense of safety and belonging? What role does diet culture play in our self-worth? And how can we begin to reclaim our autonomy over our eating choices? Listeners will find Ali’s candid discussion on media messaging and societal expectations especially valuable, with practical advice on setting personal standards that nurture self-respect and belonging.

Throughout the episode, Ali addresses key concepts like body image, emotional eating, and the hidden impact of attachment chemicals on our relationship with food. Listeners will also hear about “self-authoring” our values—moving away from discipline and control and toward devotion to personal well-being. This episode covers functional medicine insights and tangible tools for aligning with our internal sense of self-worth.

Ali also opens up about her own personal story, reflecting on her early experiences with body image struggles and loneliness that many can relate to. Through her honesty, she shares how those moments shaped her journey to find true belonging, and how each of us can start unearthing our food and body stories to reclaim joy and freedom in our lives.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her background
[00:01:13] Functional medicine and cognitive behavioral approach
[00:02:00] The intersection of food and sobriety
[00:04:45] Unearthing the stories we tell ourselves about food and body
[00:06:35] The willpower and discipline myth in dieting
[00:07:57] The concept of food as safety and belonging
[00:10:04] Kathleen shares her earliest food memory
[00:12:45] Food as a source of comfort for loneliness
[00:13:39] Attachment chemicals released by food
[00:17:14] Media’s impact on body image and self-worth
[00:21:40] Transitioning to self-authority in adulthood
[00:23:14] Self-worth and evolving the sense of belonging
[00:26:32] Kathleen discusses finding a supportive partner
[00:28:20] Building a community that aligns with self-worth
[00:30:53] The lasting impact of family messages on body image
[00:31:42] Moving from discipline to devotion in self-care
[00:33:32] Foods and drinks that impact blood sugar levels
[00:34:00] Outro and preview of part two with Ali Shapiro

Links

Get In Touch With Ali - 

• Free breakfast experiment
• Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into topics of self-sabotage, overcoming limiting beliefs, and perfectionism with returning guest Lorina Christine, a transformational coach, mentor, and podcast host. Today, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you gain insights into managing high-achieving tendencies while embracing imperfection for lasting self-growth.

Lorina Christine brings her expertise on EFT tapping, emotional healing, and mindfulness practices such as breathwork and movement. The conversation delves into how perfectionism often masks fear of failure and how we can reframe this mindset to move forward. Key questions explored include: What are the root causes of perfectionism and self-sabotage? How can EFT tapping be used to release limiting beliefs and foster emotional healing? What daily practices can we use to realign our goals with our deeper purpose?

Listeners will walk away with valuable tools, like EFT tapping, to manage stress and anxiety, shift from a fear-based mindset, and gain self-confidence. Lorina also shares how incorporating self-compassion, movement, and breathwork can bring about transformation in everyday life. Whether you're dealing with self-sabotage, fear of failure, or just need a little encouragement to break through limiting beliefs, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

On a more personal note, Lorina opens up about her own journey from rebellion against societal expectations to becoming a high achiever in her entrepreneurial life. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up with a narcissistic step-parent and how that shaped her path. Get ready to hear Lorina's heartfelt story and learn from her experiences of overcoming obstacles to achieve personal and professional growth.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:

00:01:17 – Overview of Lorina’s work and EFT tapping
00:02:00 – Perfectionism as a form of self-sabotage
00:02:32 – Lorina’s personal story of rebelling against societal expectations
00:03:23 – High achieving tendencies in entrepreneurship
00:04:45 – Root causes of perfectionism
00:05:50 – Strategies Lorina uses to manage high achieving tendencies
00:07:25 – Messy action vs. perfectionism
00:08:30 – Difference between fear of failure and perfectionism
00:09:55 – Importance of embracing imperfection
00:13:10 – How to identify and break self-sabotaging patterns
00:15:00 – Lorina discusses the role of self-concept in personal growth
00:16:30 – EFT tapping explained
00:17:50 – Lorina leads a live EFT tapping session
00:21:40 – Discussion of shifting energy with EFT
00:25:30 – The importance of acknowledging limiting beliefs
00:27:00 – How EFT works alongside other practices like breathwork and movement
00:32:00 – Lorina discusses emotional regulation and the impact of EFT
00:36:00 – How tapping can bring immediate relief and long-term results
00:40:00 – The healing power of dance and movement
00:44:00 – Lorina challenges Sonia to a self-love dance routine
00:48:00 – Shifting mindset from “I have to” to “I get to”
00:52:00 – Closing remarks and what’s next for Lorina Christine

Links:
Follow Lorina Christine on Instagram: @Lorina.Christine
Listen to Lorina’s podcast: Unleash Your Radiance for more wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset content
Sisters In Sobriety Substack – find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
Sisters In Sobriety Email
Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are joined by Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW, a social worker and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help you dig deep into how ACT can support recovery and mental health. Together, they’re here to help you understand how ACT can help you live a fuller, more present life, especially when facing tough emotions and the challenges of addiction.

Tim Gordon isn’t just your average therapist—he’s an ACT trainer, international presenter, and co-author of several therapy books, including The ACT Approach and The ACT Deck. He’s passionate about using therapy to help people move through trauma, attachment issues, and addiction to live more meaningful lives. Tim’s warm, down-to-earth style will make it easy to follow along, even if you're new to the world of therapy.

In this episode, you’ll hear Sonia and Kathleen chat with Tim about the basics of ACT, focusing on how it helps people break free from negative patterns and take action in their lives. They dig into key questions like: What is psychological flexibility, and how can it help with recovery? How can you stop running from your emotions and start dealing with them in a healthier way? This episode covers all that and more, so you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how ACT works in everyday life.

Tim also shares practical tips and personal stories about how ACT helped him in his own life, from overcoming his own doubts to finding balance as a father and therapist. Whether you’re in recovery or simply looking for better ways to handle life’s ups and downs, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective on how to navigate the hard stuff without feeling stuck.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. For more support, tips, and resources, be sure to check out our Substack.

Time-stamped Highlights:

[00:00] – Welcoming today’s guest, Timothy Gordon, and introducing the topic of ACT
[00:01] – Tim’s background and how he got into social work and ACT
[00:03] – Why ACT is different from other therapies and why it matters in recovery
[00:06] – Understanding psychological flexibility and how it can change your life
[00:09] – The role of trauma and attachment in addiction
[00:12] – How ACT helps you show up for your emotions instead of avoiding them
[00:16] – Breaking negative cycles and finding new ways to cope
[00:19] – Tim shares a personal story about overcoming doubts with ACT
[00:22] – Practical tools for being present and mindful in everyday life
[00:25] – The power of accepting your emotions and using them to grow
[00:28] – Tim explains how small changes can make a big difference in recovery
[00:30] – How to be more mindful and break free from old habits
[00:33] – Finding connection and meaning in relationships and life
[00:36] – Addressing loneliness and disconnection in today’s fast-paced world
[00:38] – Tim talks about his new projects and balancing work with fatherhood
[00:41] – Why secure attachment is so important for recovery and well-being
[00:44] – Closing thoughts on how ACT can transform your recovery journey

Links:

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In today’s episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Megan Gluth-Bohan, a powerhouse CEO. Megan has built an impressive career, but what really makes her story special is how her personal journey to sobriety has shaped both her leadership style and her life. She’s here to chat about everything from navigating alcohol in a high-powered career to learning how to take care of herself along the way.

In this episode, Megan opens up about the challenges of being a high-functioning woman dealing with alcohol and the constant struggle of people-pleasing. We’ll dive into what it really means to take care of yourself as a leader, and Megan will share some practical, down-to-earth tips on balancing work, sobriety, and self-care.

You'll walk away with insights into why self-care isn’t all spa days and yoga retreats (though, those are nice too), how to handle social situations when you don’t drink, and how learning to trust your gut can be a game-changer. Plus, Megan’s journey will inspire you to think about what’s next for your own personal growth.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights (Time-stamped)

[00:01:00] Megan introduces herself and discusses her role as CEO of Catalynt Solutions.
[00:03:00] How her struggles with alcohol impacted her career and personal life.
[00:06:00] High-functioning alcoholism in business – is it really a thing?
[00:08:30] Megan’s “farmer’s market” moment and the disconnect between who she wanted to be and who she was.
[00:10:00] Megan’s early days in AA and how she got started on her sobriety journey.
[00:12:30] Balancing early sobriety with a demanding career.
[00:14:20] People-pleasing, perfectionism, and setting boundaries.
[00:16:45] The fine line between being accommodating and abandoning yourself.
[00:18:00] How self-abandonment impacts personal growth and decision-making.
[00:22:50] People-pleasing and sobriety – Megan’s strategies for staying true to herself.
[00:26:00] Handling social situations related to alcohol and recovering out loud.
[00:27:30] Self-care as a leader and why it’s more than just a buzzword.
[00:29:50] Megan’s definition of self-care and small, everyday habits that keep her grounded.
[00:31:10] Sonia and Kathleen share their own simple self-care routines.
[00:34:30] Alcohol as perceived self-care – and how that mindset has shifted for Megan.
[00:36:00] Encouraging self-care at work and creating a supportive environment for her team.
[00:39:00] Why caring for employees leads to better business results.
[00:41:00] Redefining success – Megan’s take on balancing professional success and personal fulfillment.
[00:43:00] How to stay motivated, even when things get tough.
[00:45:00] The role of mindfulness and intuition in making leadership decisions.
[00:47:30] Megan’s mantra in sobriety: "Life on life’s terms."

Megan Gluth-Bohan's Social Links

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Caroline Beidler, MSW, to discuss the powerful intersection of trauma, addiction, and recovery. Caroline believes that transformation is possible and healing is a choice. Her own experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery has inspired her to help other women find recovery in its many forms. Caroline is the founder of the global storytelling platform, Circle of Chairs, which reaches thousands of people weekly through her newsletter. In just three short years, she has built an international community of recovery supporters and organizes an annual global event on International Women’s Day, gathering thousands of advocates from around the world. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in social work and ministry, Caroline brings deep insight and compassion to the conversation about trauma and recovery.

In this episode, Kathleen and Caroline dive into key questions surrounding trauma and recovery: How can trauma shape addiction and mental health struggles? What does it take to break intergenerational cycles of trauma? Caroline shares her personal journey, offering insights into how trauma manifests in daily life and how healing is possible through vulnerability, community, and faith. They also discuss how women can navigate grief and loss while maintaining sobriety and building supportive, trauma-informed recovery systems.

Listeners will gain an understanding of trauma-informed recovery, the role of storytelling in processing trauma, and practical tools for addressing deep-rooted family dynamics. Caroline’s experience leading a global research initiative on family recovery adds a fresh perspective on the importance of healing trauma within family systems. By sharing her expertise, Caroline offers listeners tangible steps to embrace their own recovery journey, cultivate resilience, and transform pain into growth.

In the personal story segment, Caroline opens up about her own path through addiction and trauma recovery, sharing how these experiences shaped her life and calling. From battling shame and perfectionism to learning how to show up authentically in her recovery, her story is both relatable and inspiring. She also reflects on her work as a consultant, helping nonprofit organizations, governments, and communities build recovery-focused initiatives that foster long-lasting change.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

 Highlights:

• [03:00] Caroline introduces herself and shares her background in social work and recovery advocacy.
• [05:15] Discussion about Caroline’s book Downstairs Church and how it explores the intersection of faith, addiction, and trauma.
• [07:32] Caroline explains the concept of “grit” in trauma recovery.
• [09:45] The role of trauma in addiction and how it can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.
• [12:00] How trauma manifests in everyday life for those in recovery.
• [14:20] Caroline shares her personal experience with intergenerational trauma.
• [16:15] The importance of addressing trauma to maintain long-term sobriety.
• [18:30] Caroline explains what radical vulnerability looks like in recovery.
• [20:45] How faith plays a role in trauma healing and addiction recovery.
• [23:10] Navigating grief and loss while maintaining sobriety.
• [25:35] Caroline discusses her work with Bright Story Shine and its mission to share recovery stories.
• [28:00] The importance of storytelling in processing trauma and addiction recovery.
• [30:12] How perfectionism and self-sabotage impact sobriety and healing.
• [32:25] Caroline shares insights on how to begin breaking cycles of family trauma.
• [34:50] The role of community in trauma-informed recovery programs.
• [37:05] Caroline reflects on how trauma and addiction affect relationships and family dynamics.
• [39:20] How women can embrace authenticity and break free from societal expectations in recovery.
• [41:45] Caroline talks about the International Women’s Day Global Recovery Event and the importance of women in recovery spaces.
• [44:00] Practical tips for building resilience and addressing shame in recovery.
• [46:25] Caroline’s final thoughts on finding hope and healing through trauma recovery.

Links

• Connect with Caroline
  https://www.carolinebeidler.com/
  https://carolinebeidler.substack.com/

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Hey there! Welcome to our Sober Dating Series—Swipe Smart! In this episode, we’re talking about Five Ways to Tell if Your Match is Sober Friendly Before the First Date. Dating can be tricky, especially when you're navigating the world of sobriety. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether you're tired of swiping on profiles that treat whiskey like a personality trait or you're unsure how to spot someone who's truly respectful of your sober lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you filter through potential matches.

We'll guide you through:

1. Spotting red flags in their bio (hint: if they talk about alcohol like it's a hobby, swipe left).
2. Understanding what their relationship with alcohol might be, based on key phrases like "sometimes" vs. "hard yes."
3. Decoding their photos—because if every picture includes a drink, you might be dating a cocktail, not a person.
4. Recognizing date ideas that scream "I love alcohol!" (like a vineyard tour) vs. ones that align with your sober values.
5. Trusting your gut when something feels off—it’s your secret superpower in sober dating.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who’s navigating the dating scene without alcohol and looking to find a match who truly respects their lifestyle. We’re here to help you swipe smarter, so you can find love that doesn’t require liquid courage!

 
If you found these tips helpful, make sure to like, comment with your favorite dating tip, and subscribe to our channel for more episodes in our Sober Dating Series! And don't forget to share this episode with someone who’s navigating the sober dating world too!

Links

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

Erin Gilmour, the founder of Rose Psychotherapy, is back with us for another insightful episode of Sisters in Sobriety! Erin is not only a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor (CCAC), but she’s also someone who truly gets it—thanks to her own recovery journey. Known for her compassionate, down-to-earth style, Erin specializes in helping people navigate addictions and eating disorders. She’s also a fierce advocate for marginalized communities, bringing attention to the bigger picture of systemic issues in mental health.

In this episode, we dive into some serious stuff: What exactly are co-occurring disorders? How can anxiety or depression make recovery from substance use that much harder? And most importantly, how can we tackle both at the same time? Erin breaks it all down with her wealth of experience, sharing practical advice on what really works when you're dealing with more than one challenge in recovery.

You'll walk away with a better understanding of how mental health and substance use are interconnected, and why it’s so important to get to the root cause of both. Erin also talks about simple, but effective strategies for managing those tough moments. Plus, you'll learn why focusing on compassion and support can be a total game-changer for recovery.

On a more personal note, Erin shares what it’s like to deal with anxiety and depression while staying sober. Her honesty will hit home for anyone who’s felt overwhelmed on their own journey. She offers real-life tips for finding a balance and being kind to yourself through it all.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the supportive community that helps women transform their relationship with alcohol. Be sure to check out our Substack for bonus tips, resources, and support!

Highlights:
[00:00:00] Meet Erin Gilmour—back for round two!
[00:01:15] Erin’s approach to helping people with co-occurring disorders
[00:03:00] What are co-occurring disorders, and why are they so tricky?
[00:05:08] How to spot co-occurring disorders in therapy
[00:06:50] Why mental health and addiction often go hand in hand
[00:07:53] Treating multiple disorders—what makes it complicated?
[00:10:50] Figuring out which issue to tackle first in recovery
[00:12:44] How anxiety and substance use fuel each other
[00:14:29] Why alcohol and anxiety don’t mix well (spoiler: it gets worse over time!)
[00:17:50] The frustrating cycle of self-medicating with substances
[00:19:00] Mapping out your triggers—getting practical in therapy
[00:21:40] How Erin helps clients manage both addiction and anxiety
[00:24:00] Social anxiety in recovery—navigating tough situations like AA meetings
[00:26:50] Coping with anxiety in early sobriety (without reaching for a drink)
[00:28:30] The relationship between depression and substance use—what comes first?
[00:30:00] Why it’s hard to separate depression from substance use
[00:32:50] The connection between untreated depression and relapse
[00:36:00] Practical steps for managing depression in sobriety
[00:38:00] Why medication can be key in treating co-occurring disorders
[00:41:00] Eating disorders and addiction—how common is the overlap?
[00:44:01] How to approach both eating disorders and substance use in therapy
[00:46:30] How body image issues can make recovery even harder
[00:49:00] Eating disorders and control—how they tie into addiction
[00:52:30] Food addiction—myth or reality? Erin’s take

Links:

• Contact Erin at www.rosepsychotherapy.ca
• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia opens up about her personal battle with anxiety, depression, and how quitting drinking ultimately saved her life. As we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, Sonia’s story will resonate with anyone who has struggled in silence. Her message is one of hope, courage, and the vital importance of mental health support. Whether you're on your own sobriety journey or supporting someone else, this episode has something for you.

We dive deep into questions like: What role does alcohol play in our mental health? How can we recognize the signs of burnout and anxiety even when life appears “perfect” on the outside? How do we begin to make changes when we feel stuck? This episode brings valuable insights and answers to these important topics.

Sonia talks about tools for overcoming cravings, understanding the connection between alcohol and mental health, and learning to find joy in life again. Sonia explains how her panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts shifted with medication and quitting alcohol, offering educational takeaways for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking. 

In this deeply personal episode, Sonia shares the highs and lows of her journey, from reaching her breaking point to finding light and strength in sobriety. Her candid storytelling is both raw and inspiring, showing us that recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach. Don't miss this intimate glimpse into her life, which could be just the encouragement you need to take the next step in your own journey.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Sonia introduces the episode and discusses the significance of Suicide Prevention Month.
• [00:01:00] Sonia shares her personal story of struggle, despite outward success.
• [00:02:32] Describing how drinking and work became intertwined in her life.
• [00:03:00] A detailed description of Sonia's anxiety and panic attacks.
• [00:03:43] Sonia discusses the lack of support from her now ex-husband.
• [00:04:27] The emotional toll of chronic hangovers and feeling hopeless.
• [00:04:53] The first steps Sonia took toward getting help for depression and suicidal thoughts.
• [00:05:16] Sonia reflects on her journey to quit drinking and the challenges of sobriety.
• [00:05:39] How quitting alcohol significantly impacted her mental health.
• [00:06:09] Sonia talks about coping with early sobriety and alcohol cravings.
• [00:06:37] The small actions that helped Sonia find joy again.
• [00:07:00] Sonia explains how her life transformed after quitting drinking.
• [00:08:10] Reflecting on the importance of self-compassion in recovery.
• [00:08:45] The role of community and support in her healing journey.
• [00:09:15] Sonia’s advice on getting through the rough days without alcohol.
• [00:09:40] Understanding the connection between alcohol and depression.
• [00:10:12] The importance of mental health awareness in sobriety.
• [00:10:45] How sobriety helped Sonia reconnect with herself and others.
• [00:11:20] Encouraging words for listeners who are feeling stuck or hopeless.
• [00:12:00] The impact of small, sustainable changes on long-term recovery.

Links:

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community.
• Sisters In Sobriety Email.
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram.
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast.
• Kathleen’s Instagram.

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