Addiction Unlimited Podcast

Do you feel like your sobriety gets harder the second a family event hits the calendar? You’re not imagining it—family is one of the most powerful and underestimated sobriety triggers. The roles, the judgment, the pressure to be “fine”—it all adds up to stress, emotional regression, and the urge to escape. In this episode, we break down why family triggers hit so hard (even years into recovery), how your nervous system gets hijacked by old conditioning, and what to do before, during, and after those emotionally loaded moments. You’ll learn how to: Spot mental, emotional, and social triggers early Set boundaries without guilt or people-pleasing Create an exit plan that protects your peace Use real-life tools to reset your energy and stay grounded Plus, I’ll share my own experience with family dysfunction and how I use a simple strategy I call “Don’t poke the bear” to keep my sobriety strong—especially when emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt like the confident, grounded version of yourself di

You’ve probably been here before… You say this time will be different. You make a plan, set your intentions, tell yourself you’re really going to do it. You’ll say no to the wine night. You’ll go to the meeting. You’ll open the journal, start the morning routine, follow through. But then… you don’t. And you tell yourself you’ll start tomorrow. Again. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep sabotaging your own progress — even when you desperately want to succeed — this episode is for you. We’re not just talking about self-sabotage on the surface. We’re going deeper into the hidden emotional pattern underneath it all: broken self-trust. Because self-sabotage isn’t just procrastination or giving in to cravings — it’s what happens when you’ve made so many promises to yourself (and broken them) that you no longer believe your own word. And when you don’t believe yourself, it becomes almost impossible to stay sober, feel confident, or keep showing up. In this episode, we’re breaking down: Why guilt turns in

Here’s what to do when you're trying to stay sober… and everyone around you is still drinking like nothing’s changed. Whether it’s your partner having a glass of wine with dinner, your friends pouring cocktails on the summer trip, or your coworkers heading out for happy hour—being the only one not drinking can feel isolating, awkward, and downright exhausting. And if you’ve quit drinking before (maybe more than once), you might be thinking, “I don’t even want to tell anyone this time.” If that’s where you are, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down how to stay sober in a world that doesn’t always see your struggle—so you can feel strong, clear, and proud of your decision without isolating or explaining yourself to death. I’ll walk you through: How to set boundaries without guilt (even if you’ve “been here before”) What to say when people ask why you’re not drinking Emotional prep and restore strategies to keep your cravings in check before, during, and after events And don’t worry—I’ve put

Early sobriety can feel like emotional whiplash—your brain is loud, your body is anxious, and you’re constantly wondering how to make it through the day without drinking. That’s why creating a daily sobriety routine isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. In this episode, we’re digging into the power of routine and how building just a few small, calming habits into your day can help reduce cravings, lower anxiety, and give you back a sense of control—without overwhelm or perfectionism. Whether you’re a few days in or still thinking about taking the leap, this episode will help you build a structure that supports your recovery, your nervous system, and your peace of mind.

You’ve been sober for a while now. The cravings are manageable. The routines are in place. But something still feels… off. You're no longer who you used to be—but you're not exactly sure who you are now. You’ve done the work of quitting alcohol… but no one prepared you for what comes next: The identity shift. In this episode, we’re talking about what happens after you stop drinking—when the buzz is gone, and you’re left with the question: “Who am I without alcohol?” I’ll walk you through the emotional layers of this transition, why it can feel so lonely, and how to start figuring out what actually feels aligned, fulfilling, and true in your sober life. This is real talk about: Letting go of the identity alcohol gave you Why growth can feel lonely (and how to deal with it) Understanding your energy: introvert vs extrovert How to explore new activities, relationships, and routines that actually fit the real you What it means to evolve—and why that doesn’t always feel graceful Whether you’re 6 mo

You’ve said it before: “I don’t want to do AA,” or “I’ll figure this out on my own.” But if you’re stuck in the cycle—making promises, breaking them, and wondering why nothing sticks—this episode is your wake-up call. In this powerful conversation we break down the real reasons your past attempts to quit drinking haven’t worked… and what it actually takes to get and stay sober—with a program or without one. You’ll learn: Why success rates are low across all recovery paths (and what most people miss) The three conditions addiction needs to thrive (and how you're unknowingly feeding them) What’s really behind the fear of joining a program like AA Why removing alcohol means removing relief—and what you need to replace it with The truth about connection, vulnerability, and being seen Whether you’re trying to quit alcohol without AA, searching for sober coaching, or just starting to question your drinking, this episode will give you the clarity, truth, and motivation you need to stop managing and st

You quit drinking. People congratulated you. Maybe you posted your day count, joined a group, downloaded a tracker, even started journaling… But deep down, it still feels like you’re just barely holding it together. This is white-knuckling—where you’re sober, but not free. Surviving… not thriving. And what no one tells you is: that’s not recovery. That’s emotional burnout. You’ve heard me say this before: sober is quitting the substance. Recovery is healing so you don’t go back to the substance. If you don’t have tools to regulate your stress, manage your emotions, and reset your nervous system… Then every single day will feel like an uphill battle. We're getting into the biological and emotional reasons behind why you still feel overwhelmed after quitting alcohol, including how post-acute withdrawal and anhedonia can hijack your healing. You’ll also get the 7 emotional triggers that sabotage sobriety and simple, powerful tools to help you respond rather than react. This is about more than just staying

If you’ve relapsed recently or had a drink after a solid streak of sobriety, I want you to take a deep breath and hear this: ✨ You are not broken.✨ You have not failed.✨ And you are absolutely not alone. Whether it’s a one-time slip or a full-on spiral, relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s feedback. And it’s fixable. If you're feeling stuck in guilt, shame, or that voice in your head telling you, “You blew it,” this episode is your safe space to breathe, regroup, and move forward.

People often ask me, “How do you stay sober when life gets stressful?” And my answer is always the same: I don’t just work on staying sober—I work on managing stress and anxiety every single day. Because here’s the truth: Your brain doesn’t actually want alcohol—it wants relief. When you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious, your first instinct is to reach for something that changes how you feel. And if alcohol has been your go-to coping mechanism for years, of course your brain still thinks that’s the solution. You might be here because: You still crave alcohol when stress hits, and it frustrates you. You’re white-knuckling your sobriety and it still feels like a constant battle. You’re overwhelmed and just want simple, doable ways to actually feel better. No matter where you are, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m sharing the real strategy that helps you: ✅ Reduce alcohol cravings✅ Build emotional strength✅ Stay sober even when life feels hard✅ Stop using alcohol as your only st

Your sobriety isn’t determined by one big decision—it’s shaped by the small, daily choices you make. If you’re wondering why staying sober feels so hard or why you keep falling into the same patterns, it’s time to take a closer look at your daily decisions for sobriety. In this episode, we’re diving into the subtle habits that either strengthen or sabotage your recovery. Are you prioritizing your sobriety the way you once prioritized drinking? Are you still making excuses instead of real commitments? The truth is, the little choices—whether you attend a meeting, set boundaries, or change your routine—are what truly determine your success. If you’re ready to stop saying you want to be sober and start proving it with your actions, this episode is for you. Tune in as we break down the mindset shifts and simple daily actions that will help you stay committed, consistent, and in control of your sobriety. This episode will challenge you to reflect on where your commitment really lies and help you shift from

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of overeating, promising this time will be different, only to break that promise again? The guilt, the frustration, the feeling that you just can’t trust yourself—it’s exhausting. If you’ve ever wondered why food feels like it has power over you, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sitting down with Tim, who spent decades battling compulsive overeating while working in the high-pressure world of Hollywood. His mind was constantly consumed with food—what to eat, when to eat, and how to stop—but nothing ever seemed to work. Sound familiar? His story is proof that freedom is possible, and recovery from food addiction is just as real as recovery from alcohol. We’re diving into:✔️ The surprising similarities between compulsive eating and alcoholism✔️ How breaking promises to yourself erodes your self-trust✔️ The power of community in overcoming food addiction✔️ Simple mindset shifts to help you take back control If you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to change yo

Have you ever tried to control your drinking with rules like, only on weekends, only two drinks, only on special occasions… only to find yourself breaking them? Have you ever told yourself, "I'm not really an alcoholic," just to justify drinking? Or maybe you've struggled with the fear of labeling yourself but still felt deep down that alcohol had too much control in your life? The truth is, when alcohol is a problem, moderation is just a trap to keep you stuck. We stay stuck in the cycle because we want to believe we’re in control—even when the evidence says otherwise. We convince ourselves we’re "not that bad" because facing the truth is uncomfortable. And by staying stuck in this cycle, we sacrifice the very thing we crave most: freedom. In this episode, we’re uncovering the distorted thinking that keeps you drinking, and I'll unpack the mental gymnastics we go through when trying to rationalize drinking, the fear of acknowledging our struggles, and how embracing sobriety—without needing a perfect l

Why do people flake? Why do they lie in their profiles? Why does it feel like no one is actually looking for a real connection? Dating apps promise endless possibilities, yet so many of us find ourselves endlessly frustrated. You swipe and swipe, hoping for a spark, only to be ghosted, breadcrumbed, or hit with yet another "Hey" that leads nowhere. It’s exhausting, discouraging, and sometimes downright infuriating. It’s easy to blame the apps, the algorithm, or the people on the other end of the screen, and to assume that the other side has it easier, that they’re the ones doing the ghosting or playing games. But in reality, they’re just as fed up with the disappointment, rejection, the feeling of being ignored, the frustration with people not putting in effort... Men and women are equally frustrated with inaccurate or just bad photos, the mixed signals, and the endless cycle of swiping with little reward. So today, we’re diving into the shared struggles of modern dating—the things we all complain abou

You have more power in your dating life than you think. The way we think about dating—our expectations, assumptions, and mindset—shapes our experience before we even meet someone. When we go in with pressure, self-doubt, or fear of rejection, dating feels hard, like a lost cause, and discouraging. But with a few small mindset shifts, dating can become lighter, more fun, and way less stressful. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the life-changing lessons I learned from my sponsor—lessons that helped me break free from destructive dating habits, stop chasing people who weren’t right for me, and start approaching dating with clarity and confidence. And here’s the biggest shift: I realized I was the one holding the power all along, and so are you.

That rush of excitement when you meet or match with someone new—the butterflies, the spark, the hope that maybe this time it’s real. And then… it fizzles. They ghost.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of attracting the wrong people? You keep finding yourself in confusing, frustrating, or downright toxic relationships and you’re left wondering: What is wrong with me? Why do I always attract liars, cheaters, or emotionally unavailable people? Are there even any good ones out there?! If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And in this episode, we’re breaking it all down.

Everyone has compulsions or addictions, and needs relief from the discomforts of life. Whether you’re in a treatment center getting treatment for substance abuse, or the soccer mom who struggles with overeating that doesn’t resonate with typical alcoholic or addict, but can’t stop using food to feel better – to the people-pleaser that is causing major discomfort in their own life, and the lives of everyone around them - they're seeking support and could use the steps without the program because they don’t fit in an AA room. I often say I wish everyone would go to 12 step meetings because there are so many life-changing lessons you learn to just be a better, more balanced human. I also understand it’s both exciting to heal and change and, at the same time, terrifying. It’s like we all have a love hate relationship with personal development because we want the results, but we are scared to death of the discomfort of doing the work. I’m always interested in hearing different ways of how to recover, especial

Have you heard the term dry drunk and wondered, “Is that me?” Can you be sober and be a dry drunk? Or you may think,  what’s the difference between dry drunk vs. sober or in recovery. Today, I’m going to break down the ins and outs of dry drunk. From what does it mean and is it me all the way to how to avoid it and/or change it. This is a jam-packed episode and perfect for the newbie, just getting sober, or the seasoned old-timer who always needs a good reminder of the importance of emotional sobriety. Or, anyone in between who may have been lulled into thinking that alcohol was the only problem. If you feel like: 

Have you ever felt stuck in the shadow of your past, unable to move forward but unsure of how to start healing? In this transformative episode, we dive deep into the power of healing trauma and how it can unlock a life of clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom. Whether you’ve experienced a single event or the ongoing stress of circumstances like the recent California wildfires, or maybe you don't even know you have trauma because you had a great childhood - this conversation is here to remind you: healing begins when we acknowledge the impact of our experiences and choose to face the pain rather than numb it. This episode will help you see that healing isn’t about being “perfect” or “getting over it.” It’s about moving forward, one brave step at a time, toward a life where you feel more connected, more at peace, and more in control of your own story. Healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about transforming. And together, with my guest Kristen Boice who is a marriage and family therapist and psychothe

Happy New Year, my friend! I hope you are waking up today ready to tackle this thing HEAD ON. If this is your day 1... I'm glad you are ready to kick some a** and make big changes starting today. There's no way around it. Holiday season is ex-haust-ing. I'm right there with you.