How are you feeling about your next social event? Calm, confident, and ready to connect? (Or did that question just stir up a wave of anxiety and second-guessing?) And what about your body? Tense, tight shoulders? Racing heartbeat? (If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.) The reality is that social anxiety can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you're newly sober. The situations that used to feel easier with a drink in hand—work events, family gatherings, even vacations—now seem daunting without that familiar crutch. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to feel stuck or alone in these situations. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how you can manage and overcome social anxiety without alcohol. As someone who used to drink to relax and feel more comfortable around others, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate social situations without alcohol. But trust me when I say, it’s not only possible, it’s empowering. Today, I’ll share 5 proven strategies to help you build confidence, ease anxiety, and enjoy social gatherings without relying on alcohol. By the end of this episode, you’ll have real, actionable tools to help you handle those tricky situations with grace and confidence. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin, no matter the setting.   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   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!

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, ‘Why do I keep spending when I know it’s not helping?’—you’re not alone. Many of us fall into the trap of trying to fill emotional gaps, manage stress, or escape uncomfortable feelings by shopping and buying more than we need. But that momentary buzz from clicking ‘add to cart’ quickly fades, leaving you feeling worse, not better. Today, we’re not just talking about what’s happening on the surface—we’re diving into the real reasons behind overspending and how to break free from that cycle for good. And to help us on this journey, I’m joined by a very special guest: Paige Pritchard. Paige is the inspiring voice behind the Overcoming Overspending movement, which has grown to millions of followers on social media. She’s also the host of the Money Love Podcast, where she empowers women to leave financial self-sabotage behind and unlock their full financial potential. I’ve also created something just for you to support your journey: The Emotional Cost of Overspending: Simple Steps to Regain Your Money & Your Mind. This free resource gives you all of Paige's expert insights and strategies in one place. In this episode, Paige will share her expert insights into what drives those spending impulses and how to develop practical strategies to regain control. Together, we’ll explore: 🚨the emotional roots of overspending 🚨the mindset shifts needed for lasting transformation 🚨and actionable steps you can take today to build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money. So if you’re ready to stop wondering, ‘Why do I keep doing this?’ and start finding your financial freedom—this episode is for you. Links mentioned in this episode:  Free Resource: Simple Steps to Regain Your Money & Your Mind – addictionunlimited.com/overspending Paige Pritchard, Money Love Podcast:  https://overcomingoverspending.com/podcast 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!

Did you know that relapse can actually be a pivotal moment in your recovery journey? It’s a reality that many people face when quitting alcohol, but here’s the good news—it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful opportunities for growth and long-term success. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to view relapse as a stepping stone rather than a setback and why embracing it can actually strengthen your commitment to sobriety.   ✅ How to reframe relapse as a learning opportunity, not a failure. ✅ Recognizing your triggers and stressors that led to relapse, and how to prevent them in the future. ✅ Building resilience after relapse and why it makes you stronger for the next stage of your sobriety. ✅ Developing an actionable plan to bounce back quickly and confidently after relapse. ✅ Tools and strategies for responding to cravings and stressors, so you can keep moving forward.   And SO much more! Relapse doesn’t erase your progress—it’s a sign that you are still committed to change, and you now have an opportunity to improve your tools, awareness, and support systems. So listen in to these valuable insights on how to turn relapse into a growth moment and continue thriving in your sober life.👇   Links mentioned in this episode:  Recovery Roadmap Workbook: addictionunlimited.com/roadmap 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!

Have you ever thought about leveling up your personal development? Growing your emotional intelligence and emotional maturity can open the door to incredible transformations, both personally and professionally. And today, my amazing guest is the perfect example of how expanding your emotional toolkit can be your best move ever. I'm thrilled to welcome my new friend and emotional intelligence guru, Noble Gibbens, to the show. Noble didn’t just improve his emotional intelligence; he went ALL IN on growing his emotional maturity, redefining his relationships, career, and life in the process. And he’s here to share his journey—how understanding and regulating his emotions empowered him to become a better husband, father,  entrepreneur, and mentor. Honestly—can you imagine navigating relationships or your career with the emotional skills you had as a teenager? No way! We all grow emotionally over time, and Noble’s story is a powerful example of how emotional intelligence is a key part of that growth. If I think about the difference between my emotional capacity in my first few years of sobriety compared to today, the transformation is massive! Whether you're just beginning to explore emotional intelligence or have been working on personal growth for years, this conversation is filled with valuable insights on self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the often overlooked power of emotional maturity. Today you’ll hear about: >>  (4:13) Noble talks about his emotional fitness journey >> (6:15) Understanding emotional maturity and how it affects your life >> (11:17) Noble breaks down being over 40, married, and having zero understanding of feelings and emotions >> (20:32) How building your emotional vocabulary is a key factor in growth and healing >> (23:00) The manipulation behind people-pleasing addiction >> (35:34) Taking ownership of your growth and change Listen in if you're feeling ready for the next chapter of your recovery and your life.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Get the Resource Guide for this episode here: https://addictionunlimited.com/eq Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call EQ Gangster Podcast: https://www.eqgangster.com/podcast 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!

There’s only one thing you need to know, to understand you still can’t drink in a healthy way, even after a period of sobriety. It doesn’t  matter if you quit for a week, months, or years. I’m going to tell you how you know with 100% certainty that you still can’t drink. Over all the years of my own sobriety, and helping thousands of people navigate their own sober journey’s, one thing has always stood out that makes it clear to me our relationship with alcohol is different. And it will continue to be different for the rest of my life, no matter how long I go without a drink. I want you to understand why it’s such a mess when you quit drinking for awhile then decide you can probably drink again. I get it! I fell into the same trap the first time I ever took a break from alcohol – which is also something ‘normal’ drinkers don’t do, by the way. So what is the one thing? The thing that makes you and me different from those weirdos who sip on one glass of wine for an hour, or leave half a glass sitting on the table and walk away? Your brain will tell you everything you need to know... grab your earbuds and tune in to save yourself some time and drama. 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 Follow me on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/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!

  What if the little things—traffic jams, work deadlines, or even family gatherings—are quietly sabotaging your sobriety? These everyday stressors could be leading you closer to relapse without you even realizing it. People say, I don’t even know how it happened, or, it was a split second decision, but that is really never the case. The point of this episode is to understand how and why you are compromised and weakened in a daily basis, and how that leads you to relapse without you knowing it's happening. The number one thing I want you to understand in the addiction recovery equation is that it’s all emotion-based. Not to say that’s the only component, because it’s not. At the core of addiction is a desire to change how you feel. Whether it’s making your happy happier, quieting the noise in your head so you can relax, taking the edge off of stress, or numbing what you don’t want to feel at all. Craving isn’t about the substance, it’s about wanting to feel different. You are compromised every day by life’s daily stressors, and if you don’t do anything to feel better, to regulate your nervous system so that you can make better decisions... ...then you will always be prey for alcohol.   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:  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!

If you struggle with alcohol, or marijuana, or any other addiction, chances are you’ve had some thoughts about your relationship with food, too. I’m right there with you, my friend. Many of us find ourselves in the situation of getting sober then find we are relying on food and sugar more than we ever did before. And being a compulsive person, with little understanding of the word ‘moderation’, you can find yourself questioning your habits and not feeling great about them. The good news is, almost everything is fixable, and our guest today is going to shed some much-needed light on food behaviors, the thought processes behind it, and how we are manipulated by the food industry. Ali Shapiro is the host of the Insatiable podcast where she explores and explains the intersection of food, culture, and psychology. Ali brings you insight from her own personal experience, as well as professional experience and this episode is full of lightbulb moments. She tells us about: The 4 Triggers of ‘food noise’ How self-trust plays a role in our food decisions And how food is connected to attachment (and how that drives us) If you feel like you struggle but aren’t sure where you fit, you won’t want to miss this one!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A free Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Ali Shapiro:  https://alishapiro.com/ Are You Being Private or Keeping A Secret:  addictionunlimited.com/128 Stunning Facts That Will Shock You About Food: addictionunlimited.com/189   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!

Are you struggling with trying to figure out what you’re going to do and how you’re going to spend your time when you quit drinking? Drinking takes up a lot of our time and mental energy. When you take that away, it leaves a big void. And if you don’t have a plan to fill the void, it will lead you right back to relapse. If you are on your 100th day one again, or if you’ve been sober for awhile and you’re feeling a little stagnant and need a jumpstart… … this episode is for you! I’m going to let you steal my Daily Plan: ✨ how I structure my day ✨ what to do ✨ when to do it ✨ why it works No need to take notes on this episode because I’ve got the plan laid out and ready for you to download! ⬇️   Links mentioned in this episode:  Get my Daily Plan: addictionunlimited.com/plan Mindset Makeover video series: addictionunlimited.com/mindset 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!

Everyone from World Cup winning skier Lindsey Vonn, to legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, to actors Will Smith and Idris Elba, and musician Jay Z... ...each of them uses this technique to give them a competitive edge, and also to cultivate a sense of belief, build confidence and to help build motivation. Science today estimates that 95 percent of our brains activity is unconscious. It handles everything your body needs to function properly, from eating and breathing to digesting and making memories. It also holds all the “programs” that control the way you think, what you believe, the way you feel, act, react, and pretty much everything else that forms who you are. So how do you work on that subconscious mind and write new stories for yourself so you can get more of what you want in life, and less of what you don’t? In this episode you'll learn the power of this tool, plus: 👉 The neuroscience of WHY it works 👉 The simplicity of HOW it works 👉 And a process you can start TODAY to change your life Get your earbuds out and your green tea in hand, my friend, you're going to love this! Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Join the Facebook Group here: 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!

  Grief shows up in unexpected ways and sometimes at unexpected times. You may lose a family member or friend, or your pet. Grief may be a part of the heartbreak of a divorce or breakup. You may grieve the loss of your youth, the loss of alcohol, or the life you aspired to live that didn’t happen, or the child you thought you would have but didn’t. These curveballs that life loves to throw at you can often create a sense of loss, and grief over something you want that is no longer in your reach. Healing from grief takes time and it’s not an easy process. In my personal search for relief I came across a framework that explains the process of grieving, why it's so difficult, and what you can do to heal. This episode will change how you think about grief and give you a new process for healing in a healthy way that gets you long-term relief.   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 Healing Grief Support Group: https://www.griefshare.org/ Huberman Podcast on Grief: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/the-science-and-process-of-healing-from-grief   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!

  You know you want to change. You know you need to change. Yet, you resist change for some reason you have yet to understand. This episode’s for you. But that old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”,  just isn’t true. Not saying you are old… or a dog… The truth is, old habits are hard to break. And new ones are challenging to create. But if you follow these easy steps, you’ll be a healthy habit champion in no time! I’d love to tell you, “Just believe in yourself!”, but we aren’t always good at that. Especially if you’ve been battling the same ugly habits for years and losing. What I will tell you is… believe in your ability. Because you are able, and capable, of doing anything you want. And I’m happy to show you how. Listen in for these easy and actionable steps you can start TODAY, and one of my super secret keys to success.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Free 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!

  Many aspiring sober people get hung up on the thought of never drinking again. You don’t make a REAL commitment to stopping. You want to be wishy-washy, on the fence, telling yourself you’ll be able to drink again one day… …then you wonder how you end up hungover again feeling like sh*t about yourself. I’ll tell you why; because it all starts with your decision-making. Once you put down the drink, you have to learn the skills to get your decisions in line with your desire to be sober. This week, we’ll talk about the pitfalls of instant gratification and how it will trip you up ALL THE TIME. Instant gratification is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome, and once you see it, you can change it.     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   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!

  If you’ve never attended a 12-step meeting, you likely have fears and anxieties running through your and keeping you from going. Or, maybe you went to a meeting or two and wrote it off as ‘not for you’, but as you’ve continued to struggle with staying sober you’re starting to wonder if it might be the solution. Either way, I want you to have the real real about what it’s like, what we are doing, and why we do it the way we do. Feeling nervous about going to a meeting is totally normal! Every one of us in that room felt nervous walking through the door the first time so we know exactly how you feel and we want to welcome you with love and support. Being connected to successfully sober people is what will allow you to kick start, and build, your sobriety. In fact, the more open-minded and connected you are, the stronger you will be and the faster you will grow. Why not stay closely dialed in to the people who have what you want? That’s the best way to achieve what they have…with your own flavor and style, of course. Let’s start with debunking a few things: No, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. For 18+ years I have said, “Hey everybody, I’m Angela, alcoholic, and I’m just going to listen today.” Yes, you can leave early if you want to. There’s no AA police that will chase you down and, for the most part, no one cares. No, you don’t have to believe in God or go to church just because AA uses the word God. 🤷‍♀️ AA has been around for decades with a sole purpose to help people. And all of us in those rooms want to help you, too. In this episode I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you the lowdown on how things are done and why we do it the way we do. We’ll talk about some of the myths, why suggestions are suggested, and how much power you have in your journey. Your experience is your decision and I hope to see in the rooms one day.   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 What Is This Higher Power Sh*t!?: addictionunlimited.com/41   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!

If you’ve been on the relapse rollercoaster stuck in that cycle of up and down, sober then relapse, over and over feeling like you are getting nowhere...listen up, my friend. I’m going to give you my top 3 pitfalls that will sabotage your sobriety every… single… time. You’re going to see that you may be looking at this thing ALL wrong. You’re also going to get some clear-cut actions you can start taking today to feel better and get farther than you’ve gotten before. Grab those earbuds and put on your running shoes, or walking shoes in my case, and let’s dive in to this solution-focused episode to change your sobriety for good.     Links mentioned in this episode:  Want to work with me? Book A : 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!

  Skills, strategies, and tools for your emotional toolbox… ...any thing or activity that is good for your mental wellness and helps you stay balanced and happy. Coping skills are things we can do in the moment, when we are feeling uncomfortable/anxious/angry/overwhelmed, to help us turn down the volume of our emotions and avoid letting them take control. They help us to get through stressful situations with a little more ease, and without doing something we’ll regret later on. Having healthy coping strategies isn’t going to cure WHY you have the anger, resentment, or general discomfort in life, but what it does, is allow you to create more calm in your life by having healthier responses to emotions. And when you can respond to emotions in a healthier way you have more power in your life and you won't need to turn to alcohol to numb. Different coping skills serve different purposes, too, so let’s dive in to the coping strategies that will change the way you live.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call with her 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!

Do you wish you had more balance and control over your feelings and moods? Tens of millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety, depression, and general overwhelm with life. And, although these feelings are now more common, many find it hard to understand what they’re feeling and how to find the right solutions for them. Rest assured there are solutions to this common discomfort and that’s what we’re talking about in this episode. You need support, emotionally and physically, and with a little guidance anyone can banish the panic that comes with not being able to identify feelings and manage them. Identify, understand, and balance your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress and anxiety, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

If you are sitting in early sobriety, or feeling “stuck” in your recovery, this conversation is for you. In the beginning, motivation is high because there is some event that makes you stop and analyze what you’re doing, ie. you embarrassed yourself at a party, you fell down drunk and hurt yourself, got in a fight with your partner, or got a DUI. There is something that makes you wake up and think, “Holy crap, I’ve got to get it together.” But, as you’ve heard me say before, you can’t depend on motivation because it comes… and it goes. When motivation goes down, staying sober is a challenge. Life strikes, throws you a curveball, emotions are triggered and you find yourself wanting a drink more than ever. There are a few key skills you can start focusing on to set yourself up for success and we are doing a deep dive in this episode. You wouldn't start a road trip without using GPS so why would you start your sober lifestyle without a loose plan of what the heck you're going to do? This is an inside view of what it looks like to start your sobriety with the right mindset and a plan to get farther than you've ever gotten before. Peace of mind and sober freedom are within your grasp, starting now. Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Episode #104:  Sober Day One Episode #178: How I'd Grow My Recovery If I Were Starting From Day One (again) Episode #319: 3 Things I Would Do If I Was Starting Sobriety Today Join the 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!

At the end of my drinking career, it was not fun anymore. I hated it. I felt like its hostage, and I despised it. At the same time, I couldn’t survive without it. At that stage, I didn’t have a choice. Alcohol had me brainwashed, and that bear was fully in control. But here’s the catch- once we have some time without alcohol, the physical withdrawal is over, the mental fog starts to clear, and that bear is starting to lose control. He’s losing his grip on you and you are making your own choices now. Once you get a few weeks, a few months- you have made the choice a million times to not take a drink- so you know you’re capable. You have also made a million other choices like seeking out podcasts, going to meetings, reading books, getting a Coach- you are making choices every day. And this is where I get confused when people say they ‘hope’ they don’t relapse. You don’t ‘hope’, you DECIDE. And this episode will tell you what to do and how to do it so relapse doesn't have to be an ongoing part of your recovery.   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   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 would it feel like to continue NOT having a plan and wake up six months from now in exactly the same place- hungover again, feeling terrible, hating life? I know that moment all too well. My sponsor said to me once, “I want you to think about holding a hula hoop”, “Okay”, I said. “What all fits inside your hula hoop”? And I was like, what the hell is this dude talking about? And I looked at him and said, “Me”. To which he responded, “Exactly. And that’s everything you have control of. So if it doesn’t fit inside your hula hoop, leave it alone”! It was a moment that was equally frustrating and life-changing all at the same time, lol. But if it doesn’t fit in my hula hoop, I can’t control it and I don’t need to expend a lot of time and energy TRYING to control it. Listen in to hear more... Links mentioned in this episode:  Get the Recovery Starter Kit: https://www.myrecoverytoolbox.com/recovery-starter-kit Go to Italy with Me!!:  addictionunlimited.com/italy Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Mindset Makeover: https://www.myrecoverytoolbox.com/mindset-makeover-opt-in

Getting sober is hard and it sometimes feels like you are in the battle alone. You feel like no one understands your struggle, you feel uncomfortable, lonely, and wonder if it will ever get easier. But it only gets easier if you STAY sober. Not going back and forth with one foot in the sober door and one foot in the ‘I still want to drink a little’ door. In a raw moment of heartbreak and anger over a friend's relapse I'm giving it to you straight. I wrote a short letter to relapse to let it know exactly how I feel. And it’s not warm and fuzzy. If you want direct and easy action steps to take, stay tuned. I give you 3 very specific actions to start RIGHT NOW to strengthen your sobriety whether you have 10 hours or 10 years. Start here.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Is Relapse a Choice? Episode #79: https://addictionunlimited.com/is-relapse-a-choice/ 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!

You may think you just have anxiety, alcoholism or ADD, but wait ’til you hear what’s going on under the surface and how to heal it. My special guest, Dr. Don Wood is an inspired leader in the field of trauma, healing, and how our brain controls us. This isn’t only a field of interest for him, but a personal crusade that began with a desire to support his wife in her healing, and to unravel his daughter’s illness from the inside out. He has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, is a renowned author, and has a special offer for Addiction Unlimited listeners! Dr. Wood reveals how we’ve created codes in our brains that dictate our behaviors, like addiction, AND the way to re-write the code. You won’t want to miss this.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

There are many theories about the causes of addiction and many of us are curious about what our underlying issues are, that lead us to an unhealthy relationship with substances and behaviors. What we know for sure is it’s a combination of factors – biological, psychological, social, and environmental. This is also what makes addiction more challenging to treat because it isn’t an illness that can be approached with a single solution. It’s not a matter of just putting down the drink and moving on with your life. Even if there was a way to fix the genetic piece of addiction, that solution wouldn’t be able to fix the psychological pieces. And when you work on the psychological healing, that won’t fix the biology or change the environmental and social aspects. Many of my clients spend a lot of time searching for why this happened to them. How did I end up like this? Why did this happen to me? But one theory that is super interesting to me, and will offer you some additional insight, is attachment theory. > What is it? > How does it affect substance issues? > What to do about it.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Why is your inner critic so freakin' mean?? We all have that inner monologue - We talk to ourselves all day long. We debate with ourselves about eating another cookie, or drinking another cup of coffee, or how to respond to an email. Regardless of the topic, we hear that inner critic running through our head all day. At times this little voice can actually be helpful and keep you motivated toward reaching goals—like when it reminds you that what you're about to eat isn't healthy or what you're about to do may not be the best decision. But oftentimes, this voice can be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it gets into excessive negativity that can really bring you down. Basically, negative self-talk is any inner dialogue you have with yourself that may be limiting your ability to believe in yourself and your own capabilities. It isn't just stressful; it can also make it difficult to get motivated and achieve the things you want for your life and family. Today we’re talking about that inner voice we all struggle with: why it’s so mean sometimes how it’s holding you back from getting the life and recovery you really want.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Secrets About Self-Esteem That Will Blow Your Mind: addictionunlimited.com/206   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 REAL reason for feeling some depression or symptoms of depression when you quit drinking alcohol. And one of these may be something you’ve never heard of. If you've ever used alcohol to deal with feelings of depression, you may have found that after your buzz wears off, you feel even lower than before. It’s a chicken and egg situation – which came first? Were you struggling because you were drinking, or were you drinking because you were struggling? Well, both can be true. Drinking can increase depression – but depression is also linked to heavier alcohol use. There are a few things to be aware of to make sense of what you may be feeling and, more importantly, help you cope and have the understanding that it is fixable.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!  

If you find yourself in yo-yo sobriety, and you can’t figure out why you keep going back to drinking when you KNOW you don’t drink well – I’m going to give you some solutions. If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I’m all about solutions and I’m a believer in investing the majority of my time and energy into solving a problem rather than obsessing about it. One thing I can tell you with certainty is, I know what works for recovery. Not only from my personal recovery and fighting all the same battles you’re fighting, but also from the thousands of people I’ve worked with over all the years of my career. Addiction, alcoholism, alcohol use disorder… whatever you want to call it – is very predictable. It’s course and progression is the same in everyone, and the core solutions are the same, too. So if you are back at ‘day one again’ or you have been sober for a minute and you’re fighting your head telling you, “maybe it wasn’t that bad”, “maybe you can control it now”, “you can get away with just one drink!” – if you can relate, I want you to listen up, and take action. And if you want my notes from this episode so you don’t have to take notes, then make sure you are signed up for the 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series where I’m not only providing all these bonus episodes, but also some great bonus resources to help you in your process so you can get farther and feel better, faster. addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack If you’re signed up then next week you are going to get access to some bonus videos I put together for you, then we are going to do a LIVE webinar so we can be face-to-face you and me! And it’s all FREE! addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Now let’s get into the magic of solutions and what to do to feel better, and stay sober longer.   Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Does recovery give you a framework to follow to build a happy and fulfilled life? Pete Sousa definitely thinks so, and he’s here to tell you all about it in this week’s episode! In this episode, Pete breaks down his addiction step-by-step and shares all the things he did to get, and stay, sober. Pete is a news anchor in Texas, an ESPN broadcaster, and a powerful recovery advocate on his podcast The Payoff with Pete and today he’s sharing his whole story with you. From backing his car into a ditch at his friend’s party, going to treatment, and working at KFC to strengthen his recovery, Pete’s dedication to sobriety is second to none. This episode is overflowing with moving personal stories, self-acceptance, and real life examples of how to live a recovery lifestyle for years to come. Click here to listen on the web, or go to your favorite podcast app to listen to this incredible conversation with Pete!   Links mentioned in this episode:  The Payoff with Pete:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7eoXPG5Mq3gv9W2GVQxh9d Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Being High-Functioning Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Have a Drinking Problem I understand why you feel that way and how easy it is to separate from the pack when your habits and struggles look different. It does create a sense of being different and not fitting in to traditional methods and programs. And it’s hard to call yourself an alcoholic when your picture of what an alcoholic is, is not good. But let me ask you this – if you are high-functioning, does that mean your problem is different? Or your lifestyle is different? And if you continue to view your problem as different, which is probably what you’ve been doing, then you could continue to stay stuck in yo-yo sobriety, wasting your time and energy for months or years. So what do high-functioning problem drinkers do to be successful at sobriety? Well, we start with facing the real problem, instead of being distracted by the lifestyle and labels. Think about it – there are tens of millions of people with drinking problems across the globe. There is no way all of our details are going to be the same. How we live, education, houses, jobs, cars, money, how much we drink, how often we drink, trauma… all of these details will vary to some degree. But our misuse of alcohol is the same. If you’re like most of my clients, you use alcohol as a way to numb feelings and discomfort. You use it as a way to connect with your friends, to make laundry and kids and chores feel more doable, to escape the stresses of reality and adulting. So, isn’t it more important to focus on the causes and conditions so you can get away from alcohol, get control of your life back, and be present with your family?   Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

The uncomfortable topic no one is talking about. Or, not too many people are talking about because it can be awkward and weird like everything else in life. But it’s so important for women to understand. And, there are some great recovery revelations in this episode that have nothing to do with life stages or being a man or a woman – but have everything to do with getting sober and living the life you really want. You may know today’s guest from the To 50 & Beyond podcast. When she quit drinking at forty-five, she felt like she had been run over by a truck for years. She was doing the back and forth, back and forth thing, and she finally decided to quit drinking after thirty years of a close relationship with alcohol – finally tired of settling for that life. Lori Massicot loves to talk about the disadvantage of just a small amount of alcohol. From sleepless nights, waking up in the morning fuzzy and hungover, to ending the day with another drink even when you promised yourself you weren’t going to drink today. She found herself in mid-life, stressed out, she didn’t like her work, had no confidence, and knew her life had to change. And if you aren’t a 12-step person, you’re definitely going to love the inspiration and motivation that comes with Lori’s story because she had a different path, is respectful of the program, and has amazing and fulfilling sobriety.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Insights Into Addiction and 12-Step Programs Today with Angela Pugh:  https://www.lorimassicot.com/to-50-and-beyond-podcast/283 Lori Massicot:  lorimassicot.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Many of us love to get annoyed with the AA one-liners and all the recovery phrases out there, but the truth is, they work. And if you get them, they can change your whole trajectory. When you understand what they mean, the few simple words take on a whole new meaning and it becomes its own shorthand language where you hear these few words, and you know exactly what to do. It’s a game changer. Especially if you are caught up in future-tripping, thinking about a bunch of possibilities, what if this happens... what if they do this or say this... what will I do if this… Did you know that studies show 85% of the things you worry about, never happen? 85%!! That’s a lot of wasted time and energy. I’m going to go through 6 of my favorite, life-changing phrases, what they mean to me, and how to use them. And, if you’re signed up for the 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series, you’re going to have access to six more, with a little surprise bonus I’m putting together for you. Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

    What does an addictive personality actually look like? People always tell me, “I have a very addictive personality”. Well, I’m right there with you, my friend - if you struggle with substances, it just makes sense we will struggle with behavior addictions, too. Today we’re talking about having an addictive personality and the behavior addictions we can pick up along the way. If I do something and I like it, I want more of it. Food, people, work, exercise, self-improvement and recovery, television, ice cream – it could literally be anything. If I get some gratification from it, I want to do it again, as soon as possible. One common factor underlying nearly every addiction is the feeling of reward. Your brain registers all pleasures in the same way, whether it’s a cold beer after work, a shopping spree, morning sex, or a delicious meal. When you experience that feeling of reward, the brain is flooded with the neurotransmitter dopamine. It’s the feel-good neurotransmitter and it is the thing we are chasing for most of the time. So let’s get into some of the traits of an addictive personality, what they look like in everyday life, and how they manifest in some of the most common behavior addictions.   Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Whether you’re in the early stages of sobriety or have been in recovery for a while, understanding post-acute withdrawal can help you navigate the ups and downs of addiction recovery more effectively. PAWS can be a challenging phase in the addiction recovery journey, and knowing the symptoms and signs can help you create processes and gather tools to get through it without relapse. 🔸What is it 🔸What are the symptoms 🔸What to do If you're feeling a little crazy and need a name for it, this may be it. Don't worry about taking notes with this episode because I've created a whole guide for you as a part of the 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series. Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Quitting Drinking & Post Acute Withdrawal (PAWS):  addictionunlimited.com/73 The Science of Sobriety and How to Feel Better Faster: addictionunlimited.com/200   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!

Recovery fears are the absolute worst, because let's be real: all you want to do is get your life together and be present with your family, but you can’t stop thinking about all the ways your life will change and wondering if you can handle it. This can also come in the form of not wanting to engage so much with friends because you are feeling torn between two lives and totally uncertain about what your future is going to look like. And I get it – I know that life, sober or not, isn’t always rainbows and kittens, but you shouldn’t be stuck in fear and letting it hold you back. You may know Charlie LeVoir from the Way Out Podcast where he talks about powerful sobriety topics and recovery stories to inspire your recovery journey. He was struggling with a drinking problem, but convinced his wife he could quit whenever he wanted to. In his attempt to moderate his drinking he almost lost a hand while carving the Thanksgiving turkey and that’s when it all came crashing down. No more denial, no more convincing the wife, straight to treatment he went. Through working steps and doing trauma therapy Charlie shares how he had to straighten out all the relationships in his life that were confused and not right, including the relationship he had with himself. The major truths he had to face The counselor that set him straight And the realization that got him into recovery full-time   Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Way Out Podcast: wayoutcast.com   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!

Alcoholism, or Alcohol use disorder, is a brain disorder that impairs your ability to stop or control your drinking. Welcome to our first 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series where each week for the next 30 days I’m dropping an extra episode to answer some of the most confusing questions about this crazy alcohol issue we’re dealing with. Today we’re talking about the stages of alcoholism to help you get clarity on yourself, and your habits, so that you can stop screwing around and get the support you want. Alcoholism develops gradually and symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on what stage you’re in. If you’re asking yourself: what the heck is happening to me do I have to quit forever or can I moderate ...you’re in the right place. We’re going to talk about different stages of drinking, how it works, and when you cross the line where attempts to moderate your drinking are going to be a waste of time and energy. It is important to know the signs so that you can accurately gauge where you are in the process and, hopefully, it will help you out of any denial that’s keeping you from getting help and getting in recovery. Don't forget to sign up for the 30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery series and all the resources I'm sharing to help you understand your journey, and what to do to get help.   Links mentioned in this episode:  30 Days to Fast Track Your Recovery: https://addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

You guys know me and how much I love simple strategies that get you exactly the results you're looking for. Creating a life you love doesn’t happen overnight. Most of us are so wired for instant gratification that when we don’t get immediate results we get disappointed and discouraged and you can easily fall into thinking it’s too hard. Or, your brain will start justifying giving up by telling you, 'you don’t have time to focus on this right now', or, 'it isn’t even working so why are you wasting your time??' I am the person who, if I eat well and work my buns off at the gym that day and stay on my food plan, I expect to see results the next morning! And I’ve learned along the way, that’s not how it works. Remember this:   habits are the building blocks of results. If you want a result, focus on the habits, the actions you take, to get you there. And I'm giving you 10 powerful habits that will change your life. And I have a special surprise for Alcohol-Free April! Bonus podcast episodes each week Expert resources Personalized guidance Inspirational stories of other high-functioning people, just like you, who have overcome drinking and are living alcohol-free.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Fast Track Your Recovery Challenge: https://addictionunlimited.com/fasttrack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!  

If you’re listening to the Addiction Unlimited show, I’m guessing you’re a fan of living a sober lifestyle, right? If you’ve ever thought about going to a 12-step meeting or wanted to grow your sober community to have more support and fun, this is the perfect episode to get started. And I’m telling you – this conversation is not just for all of you; I also found so much value in this conversation and it warmed my heart taking me back to my 12-step roots! Enter Arlina Allen, the fabulous founder of Sober Life School, the host of the One Day at a Time podcast & Self-Help Junkie podcast, and massive self-help junkie herself. I’ve recently gotten to know Arlina and I was a guest on her One Day at a Time podcast, and it’s been such a blast! Arlina is another high-functioning alcoholic who left her corporate job to follow her personal development dreams. Now, she’s following her heart and helping others get the life they really want and working with amazing and powerful women every day. We talk about the changes in the recovery world we’ve watched over decades of sobriety, what it feels like to be an old-timer in this space,  and the beauty of simplicity in your recovery plan. She’s absolutely mastered long-term sobriety and is sharing all of her wisdom and humor with you!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Arlina Allen on Instagram: @Arlina Allen Arlina Allen Website:  soberlifeschool.com   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!

If you are trying to stay sober and change your life, I need you to understand this concept of Sponsorship – or Coaching. Do you feel a little weird about getting a sponsor or having a hard time finding a reliable sponsor? Maybe you have no idea what it is and don't know if you actually need one. This episode is all about sponsorship for those in 12-Step programs, and Coaching for those who aren't,  because the concepts are the same. A Coach guides you in a process just like a sponsor guides you in 12 step programs. I also like to highlight the similarities in these concepts because I consider my sponsor my very first Coach. And, for the record, I was weird about a sponsor at first, too. I didn't really understand it or understand it's value and, like a good alcoholic, I thought I could figure it out on my own. Looking back, I wish I would have done it sooner because it was really fun to have someone in my corner and to have that person to ask questions about things I didn't understand. I’m going to cover 6 super smart insights to understand sponsorship from the inside out – the things I learned along the way, over the course of YEARS – and I’m sharing it all here with you so that you have all the answers I had to learn the hard way! We’re going to cover: What a sponsor does Why you need one Where you get one What to look for How it works Things to consider This is your all-in-one cheat sheet for all the questions you didn't even know you had about working with a sponsor, or a Coach. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : 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!

Anna David is the New York Times bestselling author of Party Girl (plus seven more!), she is the founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing and three-time TEDx speaker who has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, The Talk and dozens of other programs. As if that wasn’t enough, her first novel, Party Girl, is in development as a feature film. With a list of successes that impressive, it would be easy to get the impression that her journey has been easy. But, just like you and me, her life, career, and recovery have been a steady stream of surprises, lessons, and victories – and she’s sharing them all on this episode. Anna shares her surprising insight on the world of traditional publishing, how she learned to ride the waves of change life loves to bring, to being a new mom, an old soul, and a badass recovery rockstar. (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2278647/) Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to work with Angela? Book A Call Here : addictionunlimited.com/call Get your copy of Party Girl here: https://amzn.to/3To1mXa   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!

According to research 92% of people give up on their goals or fail to follow through. What happens with traditional goal-setting – set the goal, go after the goal, not hit the goal. Not only not hit the goal, but totally bomb and feel bad about yourself. set a goal, go after the goal, reach the goal, but it happens a month late or three years later so you still feel a little bad about yourself. set the goal, go after the goal, and all of a sudden something shiny and new pops up and it looks better, or sounds like a better idea, so you move over to that thing and you feel like a loser because you bailed on the original goal. Can you relate to these?? Because I feel like I just outlined my life. Goal setting can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. But, are you setting the same goals;  pay off the Visa, go to Hawaii, lose 10 pounds, quit drinking FOR REAL THIS TIME… ...and when you think about those goals you feel completely uninspired with no real direction? You’re about to learn an unconventional way to set and reach those goals. No stress, not fear-based feeling like you’re going to fail before you even start – but a powerful and inspirational way to look at what you truly want, feel good about what you’re going after and the way you are going after it. How do you set sobriety goals, and actually achieve them? Or, any goal, for that matter. If this is something you’ve struggled with, you’re in the right place.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Join the Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call The Desire Map by Danielle La Porte: https://amzn.to/3UXwiyO Core Desired Feelings Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/daniellelaporte/core-desired-feelings-library/ Empowering Words: https://wildsimplejoy.com/the-most-empowering-words/     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’s holding you back from the life you’ve always wanted? When you want to make a big change in your life, you need to face anything and everything holding you back from making that change successfully. Anything that drains your energy, distracts your focus, or clutters your mind. Mental clutter is often what prevents us from moving forward at all or, at the very least, it makes our progress much slower. It’s baggage that has to be unloaded. As an expert in helping people, I can confidently say that, most times, people aren’t even aware of what’s really holding them back. You may think you are doing everything you possibly can but sometimes it takes slowing down and practicing true self-awareness to see your blind spots. If you're trying to figure out what yours are, this episode has nine simple things keeping you from getting the life you've always dreamed of. 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!

Most people are going about dating ALL WRONG. Have you ever felt like you attract all the wrong people in your dating life? I hate to be the one to tell you... but there are reasons you keep ending up in undesirable situations and it's not because of everyone else. I know, it was a hard lesson for me, too. You see the red flags early on, and you ignore them. That person you know isn't a great fit or is a little unhealthy asks for your number, and you give it. Your date lies to you about where they were or why they didn’t call, and you let them get away with it. This is how we end up with people that aren’t good for us. The common denominator in all my failed relationships was ME. It wasn’t everyone else’s fault. I was broken, so I picked broken people, and made all the bad choices to end up in all the bad relationships. Most people are doing it ALL WRONG. You ignore red flags, accept behaviors that really aren’t okay with you, then you find yourself in a situation where you aren’t being respected or valued, and you wonder how you got there. This episode is going to shine some much-needed light on a big topic complete with action steps you can take today, to improve your dating life starting right now.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Want to see if we're a good fit to work together? Explore that here: addictionunlimited.com/call What Unhealthy Boundaries Tell Others About You: addictionunlimited.com/202   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’m willing to bet you have a lot going on in your life right now. It feels like there are dozens of things that have to be done every day and, of course, life loves to throw those curve balls. I just had a huge curve ball of  my own when my father unexpectedly had to have open-heart surgery and our whole world changed in the blink of an eye. He’s okay, btw – he is back home and we are taking his care one day at a time. And that phrase, one day at a time, is exactly the kind of growth principles this episode is about. It’s easy to wonder why things happen and how we'll get through all the curve balls. Why is this happening right now? Why do I have a problem with alcohol? Why do I have a spending problem or a food problem? How do I fix my problems? Why do I feel stuck? Why am I so overwhelmed? If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, that’s okay. And this will be a great episode for you. And if you’re thriving and all the things are going good right now, I still want you to listen up- because this episode is jam-packed with recovery and growth principles that will take your self-help game to a new level. You may know my guest from his own top-ranked pod, The Addicted Mind podcast. And as Duane shared his story with me there were so many growth principles in every step of his journey. From the tried-and-true one day at a time, to perseverance, curiosity, asking for help, being willing to try something different, getting out of his comfort zone and facing fears and insecurity, and the list could go on and on. You’re going to hear a lot of self-help buzzwords in this episode, too, and if you stick around to the end, I’m going to give you some ideas about what you can do with those to get you farther in your self-help, healing and recovery journey.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call The Addicted Mind podcast: https://theaddictedmind.com/podcast/   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!

Have you ever had one of those moments where somebody said something and you feel yourself instantly in anger? Your ears get hot – maybe your ears ring –  you feel your face flush - your heart rate elevates - stomach turns... there are all kinds of indicators. We all know what anger is and we’ve all experienced it – whether it was a quick annoyance or full-blown rage. Anger is a normal, often healthy, human emotion. Feeling angry can be positive when it motivates you to make positive changes, stand up for yourself, or get out of unhealthy situations. But when it gets out of control anger can also motivate unhealthy behaviors like abuse – whether it’s verbal, emotional, or physical — isolation, food issues, depression, and self-harm  - drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs might be ways of coping with anger issues... ...and you know those will just make you feel worse and likely create bigger problems. And all of those behaviors lead to problems at work, in your personal relationships, and have negative effects on your overall quality of your life. You could be angry at a specific person (such as a coworker or supervisor) or event (a traffic jam, a canceled flight), or your anger could be caused by worrying about your personal problems. If you find yourself in some of these unhealthy behaviors, it’s a good sign that it’s time to get some support. So get your earbuds ready, my friend, we're diving into solutions.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call More Episodes: addictionunlimited.com/episodes   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!

If you're listening to the Addiction Unlimited show, I'm guessing you're interested in sobriety and recovery, right? If you’ve struggled to make sense of it all because you are high-functioning, have a great job, a family, and a house in the right zip code... ...but you know deep down that you need to make a change, and make it last, this is the perfect episode to get serious insight on how alcohol doesn't discriminate. It doesn’t care if you have money or come from a prominent family, it doesn’t care how cool your handbag or car is, it just doesn’t discriminate. Enter Elizabeth Chance, the fabulous host of the Busy Living Sober podcast and massive champion in the recovery community. I’ve recently gotten to know Elizabeth better and it has been a blast! Elizabeth is a high-energy mom and wife who came from a country club family and followed the family legacy right into an alcohol-fueled lifestyle. From distinguished galas to exclusive fundraisers with government officials, it took the simple words of a complete stranger to get her attention, and compel her to make a change. We talk about the process of understanding you have a problem despite all the privilege and prestige, how she got sober, and how much the world of recovery has changed over the years. She has absolutely mastered her recovery lifestyle and is sharing all of her challenges, tragedies, and the many sweet sober victories with you! So listen in, my friend, because the opportunities to learn something new are endless.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Busy Living Sober: https://elizabethchance.com/   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!

73% chronically overthink?? You heard that right. 73% of 25- to 35-year-olds chronically overthink, along with 52% of people ages 45 to 55 struggle with chronic overthinking. It might feel like you’re the only one lying awake at night, dwelling on a decision you made earlier that day or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list, but if you’re nodding your head yes right now because you are an overthinker… you’re not alone. We live in a fast-paced and demanding world, and although it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking, it can be detrimental to our mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. While overthinking itself is not a mental illness, it is associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use disorders. Ding, ding, ding... sound familiar?? The great news is – it’s a habit. And with some dedication and practice, the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome this habit and get peace of mind. And in this special episode I'm taking the guesswork off your plate and breaking down the 9 types of overthinking, and how to stop it! In this episode, I’ll help you understand… What overthinking is and how it shows up The 9 types of overthinking so you can identify what to work on Why we do it and HOW it impacts your daily life Effective techniques to stop the overthinking and regain control of your thoughts So click the play button and let's dive in!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Work With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Mental Chatter Episode: https://addictionunlimited.com/292   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!

Accountability is your secret weapon. Quitting alcohol is a powerful decision, and maintaining sobriety requires accountability. It's not just about giving up a habit; it's about creating a new, healthier lifestyle. If you’re serious about stopping the self-destruction and chaos that drinking brings to your life, this is something you want to understand, and get it right. In this episode we talk about some of the major misconceptions about recovery that will trip you up and keep you from getting the results you want. I'll also walk you through: Personal Accountability External Accountability And how to have a plan that will get you the results you actually want. Creating accountability is a process and, if you listen closely, I'll tell you the real reason behind WHY you're not doing it!   Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Renew You Coaching Program: addictionunlimited.com/call Dry January Bootcamp:  addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp Podcast #108: Crafting Your Most Powerful Sober Vision   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!  

Why do you drink? Why do you have this problem? What are the underlying issues?? You've probably asked yourself these questions a million times in your journey to live alcohol-free. When you decide to quit drinking, you might have a sense of hope, relief, and optimism. You can see your new life free from alcohol, where you can finally be your true self and get your life in order. But, the reality is that quitting drinking is not a magic pill that instantly solves all your problems. It’s easy to track all of our problems back to alcohol, and to believe if you remove the alcohol, you remove the problems, but that’s not the truth. Sobriety is quitting drinking, recovery is healing. To truly transform your life and maintain sobriety, you need to do the work. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today -  we’ll explore why quitting drinking is only the first step, what the underlying issues are, and how you can continue your journey to a healthier, happier, alcohol-free life. So, buckle up and let’s dive in.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dry January Bootcamp:  https://www.addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp   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!

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to step into the unknown, and commit to sobriety 100%? In a world where drinking, and over-indulging are often front and center, it's easy to feel that way. You know firsthand how difficult it is to step into this process, make a decision to quit drinking, then figure out how to stick to that decision on a daily basis, figuring out how and where to get help, with the constant anxiety of, what will my family say, how will I ever have fun again, are my friends going to ditch me, am I really never going to drink again??? No one truly understands the pressure of sobriety like you and I because we live it. And if you’re a partner, and a parent, there are added pressures and anxieties that can feel too big to overcome. But, you’ve heard me say this before – if I can do this, I promise you, you can, too. And today, you’re going to spend a lot of time nodding your head in agreement as you hear this story. She’s a wife, she’s smart, was a business owner and always high-functioning, and a super-mom. And, like so many of us, she realized she was using alcohol as a coping mechanism because she didn’t have the necessary coping skills to deal with all the daily life challenges. She struggled to find help and support  - devastated by the thought of leaving her family and kids to go to inpatient treatment, feeling uncomfortable with traditional support groups because of past religion trauma, and she knew she needed a private, personalized solution to help her figure out how to stay sober on a daily basis. You’ll hear Kari C. talk about how she found her perfect program, and also how she came to understand that it’s okay to take pieces from different programs and do your recovery your way. She’ll also tell you how she got through: Feeling selfish, as a mom, taking time away from her family for herself Realizing how important it is to take care of herself Finding the right support for her personal recovery plan And understanding how important it is to manage anxiety on a daily basis So, how did she find the strength to take action, and get help? You’re about to hear every detail with all the ups and downs, in this episode.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dry January Bootcamp:  https://addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp/ Sober Travel: https://addictionunlimited.com/events/   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!

We all know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And, I get it – lemons are sour and difficult to eat on their own – but if you add some water and sugar, all of a sudden you’ve got something sweet and refreshing. Take a challenge and make something good out of it. But sometimes, life hurls lemons at you so hard they splatter when they hit. And no one can make lemonade out of that. So, what do you do when you look at your life and realize you are barely surviving? When you feel like you are in a perpetual state of just putting one foot in front of the other, keeping your head above water, stuck full on in survival mode? Well, I’m not going to pretend to have all the answers, but I am going share with you some of the best tools that have helped me over the years. And, if you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I have literally made almost every mistake there is to make. I have screwed up everything and have had to dig my way out of it all, all by myself. And it is true that profound transformation often comes from difficulties and challenges and pain. It’s also true that profound transformation takes a long time. And, if you’re anything like me, you want everything yesterday. I'm going to share some very specific skills you can start RIGHT  NOW, that will make your life, and your recovery, a thousand times better. If you feel like life is throwing you more than your share of lemons, and you want some relief right the F now, then this episode is for you, my friend.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dry January Bootcamp:  Join the Facebook Group for all the details!   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!

Relapse -  When it comes to recovery, maintaining the effort to avoid a relapse can feel like a lot. Even for someone with a couple of years sober, great kids, friends, and a job he loves. Today, we’re talking about relapse, and specifically, I’m taking you behind the scenes with one of my favorite radio personalities to share his recent experience with relapse. Scott Parks, from Dana & Parks, is sharing all the details from: pre-planning his relapse to the insanity of hiding all the empty bottles… from himself and how his co-host and family came together for an intervention where a few simple words from his daughter gave him the clarity he needed to get help and get back on the sober track And my favorite part of this story is his honesty and openness with his audience – giving us the truth and allowing us to support him as strangers, and providing hope for those still suffering who need to hear that we do recover. Rebuilding his sobriety one day at a time and here to tell you how he’s done it so far.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dry January Bootcamp:  Join the Facebook group to watch for all the details! 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 holidays are right around the corner - along with extra stressors and temptations. But staying sober doesn't have to mean missing out on all the fun. So, how can you navigate the holiday parties and events with less stress and without taking a drink when it feels like everything centers around alcohol?? That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you in this episode. I’m giving you a step-by-step process that you can actually apply. Not more of the same stuff that comes up in a Google search over and over again. I’m here to give you the tools you need to get the results you want. You've worked so hard to get this far in your sobriety - don't let the holidays derail your progress. With some planning and the right support system, you can enjoy all the wonders of the season without compromising your sobriety or wellbeing. I've got a step-by-step plan to keep you sober during this holiday season in a way that is simple and effective. Map it Plan it Do it And you'll get farther in your journey with a lot more happiness if you have a buddy to help you through. So, as you're listening, be thinking about someone you can share this episode with so you can go through the plan (and the events) together. Stay accountable! A quick text helps stay on track when willpower alone won't cut it. You've worked so hard to stay sober - don't let the holidays derail your progress. With some planning and the right support system, you can enjoy all the joy of the season without compromising your sobriety or wellbeing. You've got this - stay strong, remember why you chose recovery, and most of all be proud of how far you've come! Happy holiday season,  my friend!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Other Sober Holidays Episodes: Stay Sober During the Holidays & Social Situations Protect Your Sobriety Through Holiday Stress 6 Tips to Stay Sober During the Holidays   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 Habits -  What if I told you there are a handful of simple actions you can take right now that will definitely improve your life? Would you be willing to try? Even if you "don’t feel like it"? We’re supposed to eat healthy, get 10,000 steps a day, work, sleep, take care of your family, exercise, go to your support group meetings, do self-care… and...seriously?!? Well, I’m here for you, my friend! I found a list of some of the best tools out there and they are free, proven, and at your fingertips. Creating a life you love takes work. But, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to be hard, or miserable, or expensive. Get your ear buds in and be ready to take some notes because this is a list of tools that will change your life... starting now.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Sober Retreat Bali 2024: addictionunlimited.com/bali 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!

Mind Chatter -  Does your brain start chattering and seemingly never stop? Do you feel distracted and unable to focus, like your brain just won’t shut up and it can be so noisy up there it’s overwhelming? I’m right there with you, my friend. The constant mind chatter that analyzes every single thing about you and your life, your circumstances, your fears, and all of your shortcomings. Reflecting on your problems and noodling over solutions is one of the best ways to move forward in life even if it's not the most pleasant way to spend your time. But sometimes all that mind chatter in our heads gets mean. We beat ourselves up for the slightest things, talk ourselves out of doing things we should actually do, or get stuck in a loop of worry or shame. We have brains that have a life of their own, and they have all kinds of thoughts and ideas they want to share with us all day every day. And there’s no question it can be overwhelming. It’s like background noise that never ceases, from the moment you wake up to the moment you lay down to go to sleep. It can even prevent you from falling asleep. Here are some of the questions we’re going to answer in this episode: Figuring out the balance of life and recovery to lessen the mental chatter Understanding healthy boundaries The difference between sobriety and recovery and how it helps you Powerful tools to use to quiet your mind   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Episode with Matt Jerr: The Myth of Rock Bottom When You’re High Functioning   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!    

Sobriety -  When you think about your sober future, what kind of life do you dream of living? What kind of impact will you have on your family? If you don’t think it’s possible to feel crystal clear on how to take your recovery and use it to build your dream life, happiness, and have a powerful impact on your family… you’ve never met Veronica Valli. Veronica is a busy mom and wife who passionately splits her time between her podcast, Soberful, writing books, and being the leader of her coaching business helping people build happy recovery. Veronica is on a mission to change the narrative on sobriety with 23 years of personal experience and a long career of helping people get sober, find happiness, and change their lives. Just like she has.  Relocating from the UK to the US, raising kids, figuring out how to make sobriety fit in the mix, and growing a business is just another day in the life for Veronica. She doesn’t just talk the talk — she walks the walk. And in this episode, Veronica is breaking down how she connected all the pieces over the years to build strong long-term sobriety and purpose in her life. Together, we talk about: How she ‘accidentally’ got sober How 23 years of sobriety started with a commitment to just 30 days The key to lasting sobriety for anyone and everyone and so much more! So grab your headphones and click to listen — just wait ’til you see what’s possible!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Get the Soberful book: https://amzn.to/47zGjFg   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!

Alcoholism and Relationships -   

Rock Bottom -  You’re all familiar with the concept. You see it in movies, all over television, and we read it in books. Someone’s life is spiraling out of control - they are getting DUIs, getting arrested, getting fired, going to prison – and when they are at their all-time low, they land at their rock bottom moment and decide they have to change their lives. The problem with this picture of addiction and rock bottom is – it doesn’t leave space for all of you that haven’t had any of those consequences. It doesn’t give you, the high-functioning person, an opportunity to see yourself and see how you fit in sobriety and what your path might look like. To be clear, not everyone destroys their lives before getting sober. You can be living a life with a nice roof over your head, a job, relationship, kids, drinking a latte and working out regularly and still have a substance problem. You may even relate to my situation where I was a little bit of both – I had some tragic moments that definitely got my attention – but the truth is, I was totally high-functioning. I made plenty of money. I lived in a beautiful home. I had an expensive car and a Louis Vuitton handbag. And none of those things had any impact on my drinking problem. It did allow me to avoid the seriousness of my problem and continue putting off taking action. Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding “rock-bottom,” there’s a lot more misconception than truth. You may know my guest from The Sober Friends Podcast – Matt J is with me to talk about what ‘rock bottom’ looks like, when you’re a high-functioning person.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Sober Vacation: addictionunlimited.com/bali Sober Friends Podcast: https://www.soberfriendspod.com/   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!

Quit Drinking Alcohol -  You may feel like alcohol helps with feelings of stress, anger, worry and sadness, but it isn't what it seems and can actually have negative effects both in the short-term and long-term. Let’s get into this topic about your mental health -  how you improve when you stop drinking, are the effects of substances permanent or is it fixable, and what that journey looks like. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the surprising effects of substance use on mental health and how it impacts your overall well-being. Unlock effective strategies to improve your mental health and reclaim control of your life. Learn about the fascinating impact of alcohol on neurotransmitters and how it can disrupt your brain's natural balance. Explore practical ways to increase dopamine levels naturally and experience greater happiness and motivation. Gain insights into maintaining sobriety and how it can lead to significant improvements in your mental health. Also listen in to get the 3 most powerful ways your brain changes once you quit drinking alcohol, and eight simple (and mostly free) actions you can take today to improve your mental health and boost your dopamine and serotonin naturally.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Post Acute Withdrawal Episode:  addictionunlimited.com/200   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!   Resources Used in this Episode: https://batonrougebehavioral.com/depression-after-drinking-alcohol/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-the-connection-between-the-gut-and-brain-health https://www.renewallodge.com/5-ways-quitting-drinking-affects-your-brain/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-dopamine#10-strategies

Betrayal Trauma -  If a parent or romantic partner violates your trust, you may experience betrayal trauma. Any betrayal can cause emotional distress and that trauma may affect your self-esteem, emotional health, and relationships with others. Psychologist Jennifer Freyd first introduced betrayal trauma in 1991. She described it as a specific trauma that happens in key social relationships where the betrayed person needs to maintain a relationship with the betrayer for support or protection. Most people with addiction struggles also have trauma and most people, in general, have some traumas. What is interesting in betrayal trauma is that we have it because of our parents and partners, but we also cause it in our active addiction. Lying, deceiving, hiding details about life and addictions, these are all causes of betrayal trauma. Kristin Snowden is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and one of her specialties is addiction recovery. She's going to shed some light on betrayal trauma, what it looks like, and what to do about it. Some interesting facts you'll hear about betrayal trauma are: It can come from a parent or other childhood caregiver it can come from a romantic partner you may be willing to accept the betrayal for your sense of safety and security The struggle is real, my friend! And this topic hits close to home. We also touch on all the fears our partners experience when sobriety comes into our lives and how to change the disruptive stories you tell yourself about what will happen or how things will end. This episode is full of lightbulb moments that will change how you view your relationships, and yourself.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Kristin Snowden YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KristinSnowden Sober Retreat Bali 2024: addictionunlimited.com/bali 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!

Addictive Behavior -  Have you ever felt like you have an addictive personality? Like you don’t have an off switch in anything. When you start something new it becomes your sole focus, you’re 100% in, and if it feels good and you like it, you just want to do more of it. I’m willing to bet, you’re nodding your head yes right now and I’m right there with you. The good news is, there’s nothing wrong with you. And you may be surprised by how many people struggle with addictive behaviors. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: What are the characteristics of addictive behavior? What does it mean? How do you know if a behavior has become addictive? Millions of people worldwide struggle with various forms of addiction, from substance abuse to gambling and even internet addiction. Addictive behavior is more common than you might think. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Sober Retreat Bali 2024: addictionunlimited.com/events   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!  

Moderate Drinking Wherever you may be in your journey, attempts to moderate drinking are a part of (almost) everyone's story. It's a relationship we spend years nurturing. It has your back, it's always there, and it always gives you what you need. Until it doesn't. You may know today's guest as the superstar host of the Hello Someday Podcast. And, believe it or not, she had all the same fears and anxieties that you have when she was facing the thought of quitting drinking. She worked at a Fortune 500 company, had the husband, and the kids and had a hard time wrapping her head around a drinking problem. Like you have probably done over and over again, she first tried to moderate drinking. You know what I'm talking about, all the rules you put in place for yourself to try to force you to not drink too much. I'll only drink on the weekends I won't drink until after 5 I'll only drink beer, NO liquor Only on special occassions! I know, my friend, I did it, too. Lucky for us, Casey started her journey with baby steps. She decided to quit for a little while then built her alcohol-free life from there. Little by little she eased herself into long-term sobriety and you can hear all about what worked for her, and what didn't, and what might work for you in this episode.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Hello Someday Podcast w/ Casey Davidson: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/podcast/ Other Podcast Episodes About Moderation: Moderation, Gray-Area Drinking, and the Stages of Alcoholism Signs You Should Stop Trying to Moderate Your Drinking 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!

Sober Travel -  What do you have planned for your next trip? A family vacation? A family reunion, a work trip, or a camping trip? Days on the beach? Nights on the town? It's hard to imagine doing any of it without a drink in hand, especially if you are new to sobriety or, if you are facing your first ever sober travel. Going on vacation usually means relaxing and being carefree. And for many of us, relaxing meant excessive consumption of alcohol or other substances. I was exactly the same. Every trip I ever took was a drinking trip. Honestly, everything I did was about drinking whether there was a trip or not. One of the greatest things about being sober is that my whole world expanded. I mean that, literally. I’ve gotten to travel the world and see beautiful places and have phenomenal experiences that I couldn’t have done in my drinking life. But as a sober person, traveling is full of triggers, and that can feel a bit daunting. This episode gives you a play-by-play of exactly what to do to keep your sobriety firmly in tact while you travel, and still have the time of your life. Sober travel is empowering - it is a way to establish your independence as a sober person — that you don’t need to be afraid of alcohol or have it limit your life any more. If you do the things you need to do to keep your recovery strong, and if you plan ahead, the only question really is: Where do you want to go?   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Retreat in Bali:  addictionunlimited.com/events 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!  

Ever wonder what’s possible when you change your life? In this episode, we’ll get into the amazing success story of Will Thatcher, a sober guy and published author. Will, the author of Killing Hurt, has taken his recovery to new levels by harnessing a passion that was already inside of him but had been hiding quietly for years. I understand that feeling of wanting to do things, have fun in your life, and be passionate about something – when I got sober, I had no idea who I was or what activities I liked! But let me assure you, it changes the game and can transform your sober life, just like it did for Will. And here’s the thing: You don’t have to be a pro with years of experience with something or have a ton of money to spend to find what lights you up. In this episode, Will shares it all. Including how his life was forever changed in one family vacation and what he did to get it together, to be a better father, husband, and now author. Even if you are on the fence about the power of living sober, Will’s story will empower you to dig deep to see what may be already inside you to make your alcohol-free life even better. A sneak peek: How his private drinking problem all of a sudden became very public  What he did to stop How he fell in love with a new genre of books, Addiction Fiction When he knew he wanted to have more fun in sobriety The process of writing a book for the first time So if you’re eager to unlock the potential of sobriety and have more fun, pop in your earbuds and give this episode your full attention!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Get the book, Killing Hurt: https://amzn.to/44ZyKpG 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!

Long-Term Sobriety Successful recovery has everything to do with how you approach your daily life. Imagine this scenario: Your recovery is going great. You’re staying sober everyday, things are on track, and overall, you’re feeling pretty proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. But let’s b real — you’re also feeling a little bit burnt out from pouring every ounce of your soul into your sobriety, and some things are starting to slip because… well, you’re human, living life. Maybe your days are packed so full you feel like you have absolutely no room to breathe, or you’re losing focus on the actions that got you this far because your mind is constantly occupied with other things. Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and scattered, and have no idea where to even start. Can you relate? I don’t know about you, but if I look to far into the future, I can easily get frazzled. Overthinking everything, trying to think of every possible scenario that I can’t control, and it starts to feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. In this episode I’m sharing my list of 6 habits you can start working on today, to stay on top of your game and move forward with a clear path to long-term recovery and all the other goals you have for your life! It’s time to tighten things up, my friend — are you ready?   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!

How to Forgive:  When someone wrongs you in some way, you may feel certain you’ll never be able to forgive them. Even after your immediate anger calms down, you may continue to think about the betrayal instead of letting it fade into the past. It’s pretty common to feel this way. The problem is, holding onto the negativity will harm you more than anyone else. Forgiveness might seem challenging, but in reality, forgiveness simply means choosing to let go of anger, hurt, and any desire for revenge. Think you may be ready to forgive but you aren’t sure where to start? That’s okay, we’ve got answers on this episode with Forgiveness Coach Brenda Reiss. Brenda shares why forgiveness is all about you, NOT the other person, how it benefits you overall, and how to start the process. Forgiveness helps you heal! It's a part of your emotional recovery that allows you to close wounds and move forward. It’s you deciding to let go of the burden of being stuck with unresolved emotions, let go of some of the pain that holds you back, so you can move forward in your life with a happier and much lighter heart. Forgiveness improves your relationships, has health benefits, and reduces stress! It also leads to a more fulfilling relationship with yourself. If you’ve been wondering how to let go and move forward, to forgive others and yourself, you’ll want to tune in to this one!   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!

Effects of Alcohol on the Body Figuring out your relationship with alcohol can be hard. Especially if you’re looking for all the reasons to convince yourself you’re “not that bad”. And, on top of all the questions flying around in your head, like, am I really that bad? Will I be able to control it after I stop for awhile? Do I really have to quit forever? You may also be wondering what type of damage alcohol is doing to your body. You may even think you don’t drink enough to have physical effects from alcohol. But I’m here to tell you, alcohol is far more damaging than you think. And the surprising thing is, some of the risks are just as high for “normal” drinkers, as they are for chronic alcoholics. So today we’re talking about the effects of alcohol on the body. And not only the post acute withdrawal type of stuff, but really about the real risks that come with drinking alcohol. A sip of alcohol can feel like a your savior. You think it’s rescuing you from your anxieties, insecurities, boredom, and all the things you’re unhappy about in your life. And under that lie, there is so  much more going on and it’s manipulating your body’s landscape. From the first drink to the last, and no matter how many there are in between, alcohol takes a journey through your body, changing things like your brain and heart and it’s creating long-term risks you don’t want.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Quitting Drinking and Post Acute Withdrawal:  https://addictionunlimited.com/73 The Science of Sobriety and How to Feel Better Faster: https://addictionunlimited.com/200 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!

Cope With Cravings For Alcohol   Can you relate to this: You’ve made a commitment to yourself, and maybe even your family, that you aren’t drinking anymore. You remind yourself you’re going to be more committed than ever, you’ve started some morning rituals to keep you on track, and you know this time it has to be different. Maybe you’ve made it a week or a month- maybe you’ve even made it a few months. Then one day, you are minding your own business, and out of nowhere you are hit with a craving for a drink. And it’s powerful. You try to tell yourself to ignore it, distract yourself, it will go away. But it feels like it is getting stronger, and the stronger it gets the more you start to panic. All the thoughts are flying through your head a thousand miles an hour what am I going to do? How am I going to get through this? Is one drink going to kill me? Should I have one? Should I not have one? Should I call somebody? Now your brain is off like a runaway train. Cravings can be one of the most challenging pieces of living a sober lifestyle. Romanticizing the drink, the past, the nostalgia, and the comfort it once provided can all come together and create an emotional whirlwind. We have some incredibly talented people in the recovery/alcohol-free podcast world, and today’s guest is one of your favorites. Gill Tietz, from the Sober Powered podcast, a fan favorite in the sobriety podcast space and an inspiration for countless people on their journey to sobriety. We got together for an episode to talk about cravings. You’re going to hear our personal experiences with cravings and how we got through them- and you’ll probably be pretty surprised when you hear how different it was for the two of us! We'll tell you what was challenging, the importance of feeling safe during this journey, and some of the dangers of experimenting with  non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks might seem harmless, and sometimes they are! But they can also trigger memories, feelings of being left out or different, and all of that together can create cravings. And all of that can derail your progress.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Gill here: https://www.soberpowered.com/listen https://www.instagram.com/sober.powered   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!

Avoid Relapse  You’ve heard it before, right? Relapse is a part of recovery. So how do you actually avoid relapse? The truth is, the vast majority of people relapse in their first year of sobriety. I know through my own experiences and those of my clients that understanding relapse and having a plan in place to overcome it, can dramatically change your life. What does that plan look like? How do you make a plan? We’re going to get into some strategies and specifics today to help you get your head wrapped around where you want to focus in terms of your relapse prevention efforts. This episode is all things relapse prevention. Not just because it’s a huge topic, but because it’s something we need to continually talk about to make sure you're putting your efforts in the right place and moving forward in your sober life. So, I  want to get you fully up to speed on the 3 pillars of relapse prevention and the exact strategies for each of those pillars so that you can focus your time and energy only on what you really want to be working on and you’ll get the confidence you want to feel good in your life and not to feel like you’re constantly looking over your shoulder waiting for a relapse to take you down. Alcohol can’t pour itself down your throat. You have A LOT of power in this situation.  That’s what this episode is all about. By the end of this episode my hope is that you will have a really good understanding as to where you’ve gone wrong in the past and where you need to put a little more effort and focus to make your relapse prevention plan stronger than its ever been. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Relapse Triggers Episode 114: addictionunlimited.com/114 5 Useful Methods to Make Dealing With Triggers Easier: addictionunlimited.com/248 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!

One of the most challenging aspects of breaking the cycle of yo yo sobriety is learning to believe in yourself again. Rebuilding confidence isn't an overnight process, but with the right guidance and mindset, you can rebuild a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. We all understand that facing the relentless cycle of stopping and starting again can be incredibly disheartening. It's a rollercoaster of hope, guilt, and desperation, leaving you feeling trapped and defeated. But remember, you're not alone. You may know today’s guest from the Euphoric AF podcast. Karolina is a powerful alcohol-free Coach and advocate and we are diving into the pain of coexisting with alcohol when you know your relationship has expired. We’ll talk about the isolation, sadness, and shattered self-esteem, and recognizing your own resilience to come out stronger on the other side. Remember, your journey is unique, and healing is a process that takes time. It's okay to stumble along the way – what matters is your commitment to getting back up and moving forward. Karolina’s story will remind you that setbacks are not failures; they're stepping stones towards your ultimate transformation.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Costa Rica:  addictionunlimited.com/costarica Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Euphoric AF Podcast:  https://euphoricaf.com/the-podcast   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!

Overcoming Perfectionism Are you tired of constantly chasing this elusive ideal of how you think you should be, only to end up feeling frustrated and burnt out? Well, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving headfirst into the tumultuous waters of perfectionism and learning how to conquer it. Perfectionism is this sneaky little thing that creeps into our lives, whispering lies in our ears. It convinces you that nothing you do is ever good enough, that the world will fall apart if you make the tiniest mistake or if things don’t go exactly as planned. But let me tell you something: perfectionism is the ultimate party pooper. It drains your energy, takes all the joy out of everything, and turns you into an anxiety-ridden mess. In this episode, we'll explore some pain points that hit close to home. We'll talk about the sleepless nights spent obsessing over that one typo in an email. We'll talk about that paralyzing fear of starting something new because you’re terrified of screwing it up or not being good at it. And we’ll talk about the pressure these unrealistic expectations put on your relationships.   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!

Feel Broken If you know me, you know I live for a good success story. And today is definitely one of those. What you'll love about my guest today is that she shares her real life and real struggles, from sitting in her life pre-pandemic dealing with a break-up, weight gain, and over spending to soothe her broken heart, to how she used the global pandemic to her advantage. You may know Alexa Lowe as a beauty influencer and content creator on YouTube, but let me tell you, she’s so much more than her beauty. When covid shut down the world she was struggling with feeling unattractive, unwanted, and overwhelmed. And not only was she over spending, she also lost her job. This episode gives you all the feels because she is sharing what inspired her to take back control of her life and turn it all around, and how she did it. Alexa will tell you: how she used a bad situation for good when she decided enough is enough, we have to get it together! what she did to get started when she had SO many things to work on This is an episode of inspiration and practical tips on getting yourself in gear when it feels like the odds aren't in your favor.   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!

Have you ever wondered if someday you’ll be able to drink again? Wondering if you quit for a few months, a year, or even multiple years, if you’ll be able to come back around and drink like a “normal” person? First of all, there is nothing normal about those people- they’re terrible alcoholics and they have no idea what they’re doing- but I’m willing to bet, if you’re listening to this podcast right now, you’ve had these thoughts. And today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the absolute truth about the whole situation; we'll talk about the different levels on the spectrum of problematic drinking when you hit the point of no return and WHY it happens no matter who you are or how high-functioning you may be This is Addiction Unlimited and I’m Angela Pugh- your personal life & sobriety Coach to guide you through this journey to transform yourself and your life. And if you’re done screwing around with all the starts and stops, you’re in the right place.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Relapse Triggers episode: 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!

Did you know that 56% of people with bi-polar disorder have a history of drug abuse? And 44% struggle with alcohol issues? I’m so glad you’re here today, because this is something that we, as a community, need to continue talking about more, and that is our mental wellness. And I'm raising my hand right now as someone who struggles with wellness, and I’m curious if you are as well. Here's the truth: if you don't manage your mental health well—addiction and recovery can be difficult and lonely. There’s decision fatigue, you can have recovery burnout, there are tons of external pressures with friends and family, or,  drowning in this drinking culture—and if we're not managing our own wellness, all of that stuff will take over. And because I believe in my core that recovery can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself, I want to bring more awareness to these issues that run rampant in our society and definitely in the world of substance abuse and recovery. Luckily, there are people out there who also take this seriously and are willing to show up, be brave, and help. And one of those people is Bailey Reber. She's the host of Distressed to Joyful; Bailey's Way Podcast where she helps her audience learn to navigate the journey of mental health, family trauma, substance abuse, bi-polar disorder and so much more. Like the greatest leaders, she doesn't only talk the talk, but she walks the walk. Links mentioned in this episode:  Distressed to Joyful; Bailey's Way Podcast: https://whatisheybailsdoing.com/the-podcast/ Juicy Tips on How You Can Combat Recovery Fatigue: https://addictionunlimited.com/juicy-tips-on-how-you-can-combat-recovery-fatigue/ 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!

In general, "be yourself" means be true to your core identity rather than faking a different one because you think it will be attractive to others. (psychologytoday.com) You’ve heard the saying your whole life – Just be yourself! But how do you “just be yourself”, when you don’t have a solid sense of who you are? That’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode. How do you figure out who you are so that you can be authentic in your life and create relationships with people that are fun, exciting, and fulfilling. Because when you don’t know who you are, it’s impossible to show others who you are, to set healthy boundaries for yourself, and to have a life you LOVE. And if you want to live a substance-free lifestyle, you have to LOVE your life. It has to feel rewarding and empowering and fun. And that, my friend, is an inside job. Let's plunge into: some different ways to start figuring out who you are setting boundaries to teach people about you, and how to treat you Get your earbuds situated and let's dig in!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Episode 202: What Unhealthy Boundaries Tell Others About You: https://addictionunlimited.com/what-unhealthy-boundaries-tell-others-about-you/ 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!

Does exercise and movement give us a framework to follow for sobriety and fulfillment? Coach Blu definitely thinks so, and he’s here to tell you all about it in today’s episode! In this episode, Blu breaks down how to align your passion for sobriety with getting moving and healing your wounds… instead of just getting by day in and day out. Blu is a mental health therapist, host of the Addict II Athlete podcast, and founder of the non-profit Addict II Athlete – an action-orientated organization focused on recreating recovery, one healthy activity at a time. His mission is to establish and maintain recovery by erasing negative behaviors and replacing them with positive ones so you can learn how to help yourself, find inspiration, hope and the support you need. And in this episode, he’s bringing the whole story to YOU. When you listen in, you’ll hear Coach Blu break down the importance of healing and the premise of moving from ‘addict’, to athlete… but not in the way you may think. This episode is overflowing with moving stories of trauma and triumph, self-acceptance, and real-life examples so you can walk away with new inspiration and put into a plan of action. So don’t wait – click here to listen on the web, or go to your favorite podcast app to listen to my amazing conversation with Coach Blu!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Addict II Athlete: https://www.addicttoathlete.com/ 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!

Sober Summer Activities Does the thought of doing all the summer things and trying to stay sober at the same time absolutely overwhelm you? If so, I can guarantee you’re not alone. I felt the same way when I thought about the lazy days at the pool with all of my over-drinking friends, or the 4th of July bbq’s where the bbq is really an afterthought and the cocktails are the main attraction. I knew I didn’t want to drink, I just had to figure out how I was going to make it happen. But here’s the good news — it’s totally doable, and doing both things doesn’t have to feel defeating. While going to all the summer events while also keeping your sobriety in tact is definitely a commitment, pulling it off is more possible than you think. It’s true, my friend — and I am living proof. In this episode, I’m going to share with you the 3 things that your summer fun strategy needs if you want to stay sober comfortably and confidently. And here’s the really good news. I also share how some of my clients have used these exact strategies to set themselves up for sober success in any situation, and I promise – it’s simple, completely manageable, and doesn’t require a ton of your time. Sounds pretty great, right? So if you are in the throes of anxiety over all the pool parties, bbq’s, and family vacations coming up, this one is for you. Take a deep breath, clear your  mind, and listen closely — because this episode is sure to set you up for success.     Links mentioned in this episode:  Relapse Triggers episode: 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!

Emotional Abuse   If you come from a dysfunctional upbringing, have failed relationships, and struggle with boundaries, codependence and/or people pleasing.. you’ll want to tune in to this episode, my friend. We’re going to cover all the bases of toxic traits in relationships, emotional abuse, selfishness, and everything in between. And you may be surprised by a few details I share about myself. My guest today is a true Coach. And I say that because he is in the trenches, doing the real life-changing, emotional and difficult work not only with his clients, but he’s doing the work for himself. He’s a regular guy who loves playing guitar, being out in nature, and he went through some major life-changing events, had a breakdown in the desert thousands of miles from home, and that breakdown led him to his breakthrough. He started his own journey of healing and that led him to be the Behavior & Relationship Coach he is today, and he hosts 2 successful podcasts, The Overwhelmed Brain, and the Love and Abuse Podcast. We are going deep in relationship issues and the nuances we all struggle with every day. If you want some super valuable insights into those toxic traits that make you crazy, it’s all in this conversation with Paul. And, I have to tell you, this is one of my favorite episodes of Addiction Unlimited.   Links mentioned in this episode:  The Overwhelmed Brain Podcast:  theoverwhelmedbrain.com Book A Call With Angela: 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!

Thrive in Life Do you ever feel like you’re struggling to feel like you’re making progress in your life, or, you find it challenging to figure out what to do to feel better despite all the changes you’re trying to make? Don’t worry you are not alone. And as your personal Life Coach I am here to help you turn your life into a success story. And, I know first hand how frustrating it can be when you feel like you aren’t gaining traction, or, when your efforts don’t seem to be paying off. But imagine, for a moment, if you could make a couple of simple tweaks to have a life that is thriving, creating the relationships and social life you really want, and yes, to feel like you are in control of your life and future. Well that’s my mission today. I’m going to share with you the 4 things that I have found thriving people do differently than people who are going through the motions everyday with no growth or real joy. I'll show you how you have all the power you need, to have the life you want. --> A powerful (and often overlooked) way to break down guilt and shame. --> An awesome checklist of actions you can take RIGHT NOW to feel better! --> My favorite quote that changed my life... and can change yours. Fire up your earbuds, my friend, because this is a short list to create big results and I can't wait to share it with you.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Join the 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!

When it comes to facing your recovery head on, breaking down your approach can be simple as 1-2-3: > Who can you open up to > Where can you get support > What lifestyle changes do you need to make Today's guest is a podcast host, sober warrior, and the author of several books about addiction and recovery and we're breaking down the most important pieces of any recovery journey. You can apply these lessons, trials & tribulations to your own program or process and use them to your advantage. Dirk Foster spent 30+ years drinking and realized his life was passing him by. Wasted time, energy, money, and happiness in an endless loop of drinking, hangovers, regret and shame. It wasn't until he got sober that his life truly began. Today he's sober more than 15 years and couldn't be happier. He's married, healthy, has financial security, and enjoys every aspect of life. He went from dreaming about all the great things he wanted to do, and fantasizing about the big life he wanted to live, to actually doing the things and living the life! From travel, to writing, to running his own business, he gratefully owes it all to his sobriety and the support he had along the way. So tune in and give it a listen for all those golden sobriety nuggets, and maybe give it a second listen if you really want the goodness to sink in!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited If you're ready to turn your life around and get the relief you've been looking for, I'm happy to help. Book A Free Call here: 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!

Life Stressors:  When life feels like a big struggle, it can be difficult to move forward. You can choose to embrace it and enjoy the ride, learning from your experiences along the way, or you can choose to avoid it, pretend it's not happening, or be bitter and resentful over every thing that doesn't go your way. The thing is, overcoming your struggles is what helps you get strong and feel happiness in your life. In fact, it's the most effective way to create real change in your life and motivate you to take action on the things you truly want. No matter where you find yourself, there is always room for improvement. Even a monk strives daily to improve himself, and you and I can do the same. Let's dig in to the top 10 struggles of life that most people will encounter throughout the journey. Focus on the solutions, not the problems. Challenges in life are a given, and they can be used to your advantage. Each one is an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Ultimately, the goal is to use what you learn as you grow to become the best version of yourself. Links mentioned in this episode:  Top 5 Most Impactful People: addictionunlimited.com/top5 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!

If you are tired of diet culture and obsessing about what to eat, how you look, and how to change it… know, you’re not alone. The negative thoughts you have about your body are not your fault. The diet culture has us obsessing about “fixing” ourselves and it’s draining our time and energy. My guest today, Summer Innanen is also a Coach and she specializes in body image, self-worth, and confidence. And these are all things we need to talk about! She is also a best-selling author and the host of the Eat the Rules podcast where she features interviews with leading experts in body image, the anti-diet movement, self-help, and feminism.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Bodies Are Cool (book for kids):  https://a.co/d/aJCSASj   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!

How to Deal With FOMO Imagine this... you’re crawling in your bed – you love it there – you’ve got your book in your hand and you are so ready to shut the world out, and relax. You’ve had a long week – work, errands, activities – and you can’t wait to get under the covers and sink in to the warmth and comfort of your bed. And right when you get the pillows situated just right, you’re about to open your book, or, if you’re like me, hit the power button on the remote – your phone dings at you, begging for your attention. You pick up your phone to see what’s up and it’s a picture of your friends; They're out, dressed up, looking amazing, everyone is smiling and having the time of their lives- and instantly you’re overcome with a wave of FOMO. Just 3 seconds before you were ecstatic to be comfy and cozy in your bed! But now… you feel inadequate.  In bed at 9pm on a Saturday night… in your pajamas. The good news is, you’re not alone in this. And the point of this episode is to get some clarity on FOMO so that you can make choices that serve you in your life, rather than being impulsive and deciding to do something on a whim just to appease our ego or your social media feed. FOMO will lead you to make decisions you regret because you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. I’ve done it, too! I’ve been the person saying ‘yes’ to going somewhere I don’t really want to go or staying out way later than I like to because of all those thoughts that run through your head – I should be going out and doing things, I should be meeting people and having fun! Then I end up doing things I don’t like or going places I don’t like and then I’m tired and mad and full of regret cussing myself for not knowing better. FOMO steals your attention away from what’s important and from being connected to what’s actually happening in the moment. It contributes to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and making bad choices! I want you to ask yourself what you are saying “yes” to, that you should be turning down in your life.   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!

Hypnosis for Addiction I'll be the first to admit that the thoughts in my head, aka the committee, have knocked me off track more times than I want to admit. There is always the 'fear' voice in the committee telling me, "You might really screw this up!", and the 'insecure' voice in there saying, "You can't do this," and "You're not good enough". And, although those messages aren't true, I know they are deep-rooted in my past experiences. So what do you do when the committee is chattering away and all you want is to feel better? My guest today is going to give you a great option! And because I like to stick to tools with a solid reputation, here's a statistic that will blow your mind: In a review article, Dr. Alfred Barrio pointed out that the average success rate for hypnotherapy was 93% after an average of 6 sessions. This was compared to a 38% success rate after an average of 600 sessions for psychoanalysis and 72% after 22 sessions for behavior therapy. Mark Tyrrell joins me to talk about psychology, dopamine, addiction, and trauma and how working in a locked-down psyschiatric unit changed his outlook, and his path. Tune in to hear: What is hypnosis and what does it do? How you can use it at home Some common myths about what happens during hypnosis And all the different ways we can use it to improve our lives If you're looking for another proven method to feel better then pop in your ear buds and hit play because you won't want to miss this one.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Mark here: https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/   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!

Addiction Unlimited just turned 5! And to celebrate this journey that has been fulfilling and rewarding beyond my wildest dreams, I thought we would go back to day 1. At least once a week I get messages from people who are looking for episode zero, About Me. Keep in mind as you listen, my editing skills have come a long way, lol. This is Episode 0, About Me. I wanted to share some information about myself so you know who you are listening to and why I do what I do. In a nutshell, I got sober on January 7, 2006 after crashing my car at 70mph and hitting another car. That was my rock bottom moment. And, don't get things confused. My rock bottom moment was low, but I was high-functioning. Like many of you out there struggling, I could rationalize all the reasons I didn't need to quit drinking. I had a good job, I made a lot of money, I lived in a beautiful place with a super expensive car in the garage, and, from the outside, it looked like I had it all together. But that's the funny thing about 'rock bottom', people think rock bottom is an event, but it's really a feeling. So, I quit drinking and focused all my energy on building a new life. When I started to see all the changes happening to me and saw myself growing into an amazing sober, honest, upstanding person, I knew that all I wanted to do was help others get that same feeling of loving themselves, trusting themselves, and feeling proud of who they are becoming. I got certified as a Life Coach, I did a 2 year Addiction Counseling program, started building a practice as a Professional Interventionist, went to social work school, and worked full-time to achieve 6000 supervised hours for my counseling credentials in a neighboring state. My journey has taken a lot of twists and turns. I've struggled with self-esteem, relationships, money, food and weight issues on top of anxiety, workaholism, and a plethora of other things! I want to share with you all the things I've tried and all the mistakes I've made so I can tell you what works, and what doesn't. This episode is a brief insight into me, my quirks, and my love of f-bombs.   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!

Inner Critic Ongoing thoughts that are negative and critical create feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Did you get chills when you read that!? I definitely did, because I know that pain firsthand. Like most psychological things, that constant chatter in your head stems from early experiences with your primary caregivers. The good news is, you don't need to dig in to the nitty gritty right now to start making friends with that inner critic that always has so much to say. The committee, as I call it, plays a significant role in how you live your life, the choices you make, and how you feel about yourself. And that means, we have to coexist in a positive way! My guest today spent many years feeling lost and fulfilled. She thought she was living the dream with the husband, the kids, the job... but on the inside she was sinking. A high-stress lifestyle of work and diapers made her life unrecognizable and she slowly started to shut down. Feeling unfulfilled and listening to the inner critic telling her her husband didn't love her, she would dive deeper into work where she felt seen and successful, and straight into the arms of another man. Jill's rock bottom moment came crashing down and she had to make some tough choices. She got the happy ending, but it was at the end of a long and bumpy road. I know you can relate to that. Listen in to Jill's story of harsh realities, facing the consequences of her decisions, dealing with alcohol having front-row seat in her marriage, and taming that inner critic to get to the happy ending.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela for private Coaching: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Jill here: https://www.jilloboyle.com/   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!

stages of relapse What if I told you that you could statistically increase your chances of living an alcohol-free life, even if you’re just getting started, or you’ve been struggling with staying sober? Well, today I have 3 proven steps to help you do exactly that, and these are the same steps you’ll use to get through each of the stages of relapse. If you're like me, and most of my clients, you know the struggle of trying to get and stay sober. And sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we fall back into our old patterns. So today, we're going to explore the three stages of relapse and how to fight against them. We'll take a look at how to recognize the signs, how to move through them, and how to come out on top. Things that may surprise you in this episode are: In stage one, you aren't actually even thinking about drinking High-risk situations can be hard to identify, but you'll have a clearer picture after this Bargaining! (I thought this was just one of the stages of grief!) So when you start to feel frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed, it's important to understand where you are and take steps to manage your emotions and stress level. You might start to doubt yourself or feel like you can't handle the situation but I'm here to tell you, you absolutely can. And with the steps we talk about in this episode, you'll know exactly what you need to do to protect yourself and nourish your recovery.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Episode #79:  https://addictionunlimited.com/is-relapse-a-choice/ 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!

finances I want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart, and if you aren’t already thinking about this in your life and finding solutions, you’ll want to start after this conversation. This is a huge issue, not only in recovery, but for everyone. 63% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. And, most of us don’t have the know-how, the skills, or the confidence to not only get out of debt, but to properly manage the money we do have! From total avoidance, trying to pretend it’s not happening, to just plain irresponsibility and overspending – it will affect every area of your life.  Jobs, how you live, your dating and relationship life, keeping secrets, never letting friends too close because you don’t want them to know too much, how you keep family at a distance because you don’t want them to know yet another way you are falling short - it is a lot. So, when I came across my guest today, she got my attention immediately.  She is a financial Coach and she really gets that emotional attachment to money and how powerful it is in both negative and positive ways.  We’re going to talk about some practical money management strategies, and some emotional connections to money. Understanding your relationship to money, what motivates you and what makes you anxious- and how to start fixing it when your finances are out of control.    Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Sarah here:  https://www.facebook.com/SarahRollerFinancial   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!  

Emotional Intelligence Today we're talking about some limitations. You know those habits you have that turn a conversation into a fight, or, make you avoid a conversation altogether because you know it won’t go well – the kind of traits that you absolutely need to develop and strengthen to improve every area of your life, but that aren’t so fun to talk about. When I think about fun in my life, I think about travel, and friends, my family, and my businesses and all the amazing and cool things. I don’t necessarily think about these traits, although these traits I’m going to lay out for you today are absolutely essential in your personal growth and the growth of your relationships. Both at home, and at work. I have grown so much in my emotional intelligence over the years and these skills have made my life so much better and easier! Now, let’s dig into emotional intelligence so you can make your feelings more manageable, and continue building yourself into a person you love and respect. Just to give you an idea of how important this topic is, check this out- A 40-year study at UC Berkeley reported that emotional intelligence is nearly 4 times more powerful than IQ at predicting success. So, what exactly is emotional intelligence, or EQ? What does it mean to be emotionally mature? Emotional maturity means having the self-control to manage your emotions and work to understand them. As an emotionally mature individual, you don't view emotions as a weakness. Instead, you value them and don't try to hide them. There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. We're going break them down one by one.   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!

Some of you may be aware of another program we talk about in recovery, or, another struggle many of us have, and that’s being the adult child of an alcoholic/addict or being an adult child from a dysfunctional family. And for those of you who aren’t familiar… growing up with these circumstances leaves wounds and scars and trauma. And we carry all of that into our adult life, it shapes how we interact in the world, how we choose partners, and the patterns we repeat over and over again. My guest today, Andrea Ashley, talks about these topics in such a simple and refreshing way I couldn’t wait to get her on the show! She is the host of the Adult Child Podcast, and some of the topics I want to get into today is the ‘convincing’ she talks about, as well as how being an adult child affects our dating and mating lives. Picking and dating emotionally unavailable people, You know this topic hits close to home for me, my friend, so buckle up and get ready for some TMI. I also want to cover some of the common characteristics of growing up in this type of environment, what that looks like, and how we can heal. Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Andrea here:  IG:  @adultchildpod ACA Laundry List: https://adultchildren.org/literature/laundry-list/   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!

self care routine If you are a human being with a beating heart, you’re going to want to take notes with this episode because this topic is a game-changer! And you know how I love to come at things from a different angle so we are talking about this in a way that no one else is talking about it. We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves, you hear it everywhere, the buzzwords… self-care. You hear the catch phrase, ‘you have to put your oxygen mask on first’, but how many of you are actually taking the time to put this into your daily life practice? Are you really taking care of yourself? Because, if you’re anything like me, and most of my clients, your life is busy. You have a big job, a family, a partner, a house- and all the responsibilities that come with it. And, usually, we get so caught up in all the things and getting the to-do list done and keeping the kids alive another day that everything gets prioritized over your self. I hear you saying it, “I should start exercising” “I should spend more time with my friends or build new friendships” “I really want to travel more” … you are saying all the things… but when do you make it a priority to take care of you? I want you to feel happier in your daily life and be more present with your family and feel more confident in yourself and your abilities. So today, we’re talking to Dr. Melissa Durfey , aka The Self-Care Doc, all about taking everyday things and making them self-care rituals. This is essential to your overall health and quality of life - it affects how you think, feel, how you act and respond to situations. AND, when it comes to mental health, self-care can help people manage stress, lower their risk of illness and increase energy levels. What I’m saying is… it’s kind of a big deal. Get in your favorite podcast-listening position, my friend, and let it alllll sink in! Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Dr. Melissa Durfey: https://www.myselfcaredoc.com/   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!

quitting sugar If you’re looking for inspiration to get more energy, lose some extra pounds, get rid of your achy joints, improve your skin and digestion… you’ve come to the right place! If you're anything like me, you want to live a healthier lifestyle and make good choices for yourself and your family. And being a bit of a perfectionist leaves you feeling overwhelmed and totally confused by all the conflicting information in the diet culture.  You want the health benefits of intermittent fasting, you love the idea of being sugar-free and eating clean, but you struggle to actually give up your favorite comfort foods and, let’s face it, who wants to give up sugar?!? No matter how strong, smart, and educated you are… this stuff is HARD.  With all the eat this, don’t eat that, intermittent fast, drink a gallon of water a day, no carbs, no sugar, go vegan, eat paleo, exercise, high-protein, high-fat… it’s so hard to know where to start and what’s right for you.  And when you reach a breaking point, much like I did, you are humble enough to know you need some support and guidance to change your habits, make healthier choices, and feel better.  My guest today is Netta Gorman. And her passion is to inspire you to live a happy and healthy sugar-free life that you love! On this episode, Netta is going to share with you how making these changes brought her a life of freedom: freedom from cravings energy crashes from that love-hate relationship with sugar from all the health issues she had Buckle up, my friend! We’re getting down and dirty about clean eating!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Netta Gorman: https://www.instagram.com/mylifeaftersugar/   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!

coping mechanisms If you know that picking up a drink, or joint, or whatever is no longer an option, there’s no more Wine Wednesday or day drinking at brunch on the weekend, and you are ready to feel better and more in control of your life, you’re in the right place. Stress can sometimes get the better of us and understanding coping skills for everyday stress, for big stressful life changes or negative situations can help you maintain some equilibrium and continue to grow your self-esteem and belief in yourself. Coping skills are things we can do in-the-moment to turn down the volume of our emotions and allow the opportunity to relax so that you can respond in a more appropriate way and protect yourself from getting too overwhelmed where you make choices you aren’t proud of. If you’re looking in on me and my life, you’ll see a regular exercise routine, rituals for dealing with stress, and the dedication to take control of my life and be super intentional about how I live. You may even be working on some of those same things. This is about learning how to cope with things differently and not just drinking to numb everything. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable and learning how to sit with feelings and situations and handle them better.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Vacation October 2023:  addictionunlimited.com/costarica 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!

relapse When you make a BIG mistake, pull up your bootstraps, get scrappy, and use it as a learning experience. Have you ever made a hasty mistake in your personal development journey that had the potential to be a disaster? I definitely have. In fact, I think back to the night I realized I had no control over my drinking. I had to see my probation officer the next morning and decided I would have just one drink while I took my dog for a walk after work. Next thing I know, it’s 5 in the morning, I’m drunk, and my appointment was at 10. I was angry at myself, in shock that I really couldn’t stop drinking once I started, and I didn’t know what to do about it. But here’s the thing that I couldn’t see at that time: Making those kind of mistakes, like the one I made years ago, are necessary -- no matter how much you think you know and how careful you think you’re being. You have to muster some strength, channel your inner bad*ss, and use the experience as an opportunity to learn. That’s what my guest on this episode (and 6 week course alumni!), Debbie McKillop, did when she had that moment of clarity that she had to stop drinking once and for all. Some people fall apart under the pressure of a sober future, but Debbie did the exact opposite. Instead of beating herself up and falling to pieces, she immediately got into action and figured out how to use this frightening momentum to her advantage. And guess what? She went on to rebuild a sober life that is happier than ever before... Yes, you heard me right. In this episode, Debbie shares her story of how she used the experience of relapse, to better herself as a mom, wife, and daughter, plus exactly what she did to get the fun and supportive sobriety we all want. She also shares: Her major a-ha moment when she realized she couldn’t moderate her drinking and needed to quit 100%. The things about recovery she wished she would have known from the beginning. What she plans to do next to take her sober life to the next level. This is a great listen for anyone, no matter where you are in your sobriety – and I know you’ll find Debbie as inspiring as I do.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Sober Vacation: https://addictionunlimited.com/earlybird Join the 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!

addiction cravings When it comes to dealing with urges and cravings, check your thoughts, first. What is your real struggle? If you’re like most of my clients, especially in my 6 week program, you’re a very high-functioning, successful person. You have achieved things, you have a good job and family, and this makes it even more challenging trying to troubleshoot what the heck is going on with. Sound familiar? It’s like, "Wow, I’ve done all these great things and I’ve built this life, so whey the heck can’t I figure this one thing out? How do I not have control in this one area??" It’s super frustrating, it’s totally normal, and we can work through all of it. And I do this, too! I will eat healthy and exercise and I want to see pounds fall off my body. The problem is, I’ll do it for like 3 days then get mad that I haven’t lost 10 pounds. Then I start ruminating about how hard it is and how hard it’s going to be to keep it up long enough to get the results I want, and how much sacrifice it’s going to take... and BAM! All of a sudden I want a cheeseburger. You see what I’m saying here? Underneath the craving is my fear of how hard it’s going to be and my fear that I’m not strong enough to do it. That fear is what's driving the craving. If you're ready to get answers, you're ready for REAL solutions that no one else is telling you about, then you're in the right place! This is an action-packed checklist for you to get to the bottom of what really fuels your cravings so that you can kick them to the curb and get more of what you want in your recovery and life. 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!

Marijuana Addiction Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Well, that was the story when it was still an unregulated, illegal and illicit market. Now, the market is shifting, legalization is spreading, and THC is bringing on a whole new range of issues and causing more people to be addicted. Although marijuana is just as addictive as alcohol, opioids, or stimulants, it looks different on the surface and may make you question if you have an addiction at all. It doesn't usually come with the classic 'rock bottom' moment you hear others talk about in their addiction stories, and the signs and symptoms aren't so easily identified. But that doesn't change the fact that people are suffering, they need resources, and they need support. In, A Doctor's Opinion About Marijuana Addiction, it says: "The unfortunate truth is that the lack of serious, early consequences to marijuana addiction allow for a long, slow decline, often without recognition, resulting in later-­stage addiction before the problem is confronted. An individual may wake up years into this chronic illness, without a reasonable understanding of how their life got so far off track. Often one has no major medical or legal problems, no sudden tragedy that drives the search for an answer. However, isolation from friends and family, loss of interest and lack of participation in those activities that used to bring joy, and the crushing weight of missed opportunities add up." If any of this sounds familiar to you, you won't want to miss this episode, my friend.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Marijuana Anonymous: https://marijuana-anonymous.org/ Find Jacob on IG:  @naturalhighsrecovery 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!

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!

I don't fit in anywhere Not all success stories are created equal. There are easy stories, hard stories, and everything in between. All are different and unique in their own way and all of them can have a happy ending. In this episode, I share an enlightening conversation with Nate Kelly about his quest of growing up, figuring himself out, and ending up in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. He talks about... How he used alcohol to make him more social and to fit in more. The successes, and struggles, he went through trying to figure out where he fit and what his life would look like. Plus, we delve into trying to find yourself in a world that doesn't support those of us who don't fit in anywhere. If you've ever just felt different, and unsure about how you fit or where you fit, this episode is for you! Links mentioned in this episode:  Join Me On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Sobriety Diaries Podcast: https://www.thesobrietydiaries.com/ Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Coming Out Colton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYu82eFgDhE   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!

Mental Wellness I wholeheartedly believe that mental wellness in recovery can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It gives you the freedom to design your life the way you want to and gives you the energy to do the things you love. But as you have probably figured out, if you don't have the right plan in place, the stress of social and family events can really take a toll on you. Every day, recovering people are dealing with things like anxiety, loneliness, and burnout. The statistics on relapse are alarming, and if I'll be straight with you... the numbers are far too high and hit a little close to home. It's a goal of mine to bring more awareness and solutions to this issue that affects so many people. And that's why we're talking all about the actions, solutions, and tools you need to protect your recovery and continue to build on that happiness and comfort you're striving for in sobriety. Especially when you are going into social and family situations that can push ALL your buttons and triggers. You want fast and easy solutions and I've got them for you! > No time commitment! >> It's totally FREE! >> And you can do it in your jammies! In this episode I'll tell you exactly how to navigate every party, gathering, and anything else that makes your anxiety shoot through the roof. AND some science-backed actions that will change your life. Find balance between feeling vulnerable and being able to lean on your own instincts and plans when in stressful situations. Tap into your ability to feel joy, confidence, and acceptance when things don't go your way, versus fear and anger.  And how to navigate FOMO and loneliness and so much more! I’m going to make the call -- this episode is going to be a fan-fave. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Links mentioned in this episode:  Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: 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!

take control of your life When it comes to creating the life you want, most people think they are at the mercy of outside forces.  But what if I told you… you have the power to create what you speak? 🤔😯  It may sound like a cliché, but it’s 💯 true. The thoughts we entertain and the words we speak create our reality.  One of the most important things you can do to take control of your life is to be mindful of your thoughts and words. I’m telling you my friend, everything you think and say has an impact. So be deliberate in what you put out in the universe. → pay attention to the language you use when speaking about yourself and your life       Are you using positive, empowering language, or are you putting yourself down?  → get clear on what you want and focus on creating that reality      When you know what you want, you can begin to take steps towards making it a reality. Your thoughts are powerful and today’s guest, Sloane Freemont, is giving us the lowdown on how to create what you speak. Which is also the name of her podcast!  She speaks from personal experience of hitting an all-time low in her life, knowing she had to make major changes, and how she started digging her way out.  I know, I know…we can all relate to this!  She’s a podcast host, a brilliant mind, and new friend and she walks us through the power we have in our lives: 👉 If you focus on the negative, you'll get more negative. 👉 If you focus on the positive, you’ll attract more positive.  So choose your thoughts wisely and create the life you want! With a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating the life you deserve — simply by speaking it into existence!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Learn more about Sloane here: https://sloanefreemont.com/ Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: 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!

Finding Passion If you find yourself doing busy work because you don’t know what else to do, or feel like you are at a total loss when it comes to knowing yourself and your hobbies, it’s time to start finding passion in your life. Imagine this: You get out of bed early feeling refreshed and ready for your weekend. You love to spend time with your kids and make their favorite pancakes for breakfast, and you can’t wait to get some time for yourself to do the things you love. You know your happy place, you love your hobbies, and you feel excited to get there! Having activities you enjoy in your life is important! And, as much as we enjoy being workaholics, parents and partners, there has to be more to your life than just work and family. Studies show that taking part in fun and leisure activities improves your overall health, but when you get lost in addiction you often lose sight of yourself and the things you once loved. What are you passionate about? What activities do you enjoy on your day off? If you don’t take action to find what you love to do then you will always look for substances or food or shopping to fill that void. And none of those things will serve you well. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or confused, let’s talk about some actionable steps you can take to find your self again. In this episode you’ll get: 💥 Easy actions to find the self you’ve lost 💥 A gameplan to curb the overwhelm and get clarity on what makes you happy 💥 And a quick note on all the ways your life is going to improve!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call  Research Article:  https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby   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!

mommy wine culture You feel embarrassed and humiliated because you know you are hiding this secret, and you feel like you should know better. Unfortunately, way too many moms fall victim to the mommy wine culture and as a result, get completely lost in the comfort of the drink. If this sounds familiar to you, then keep reading, my friend, because today’s guest, Michelle Smith, has a powerful story about losing yourself in alcohol and hiding it from the world, all while trying to work and be a great mom. Michelle is a speaker, influencer, and educator with a digital community for women exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle Her recovery is thriving -- but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, it took a lot of soul searching, exploration, and life struggles for Michelle to land in a safe sober place in her life and how it truly lit her up. And by staying on track and pushing through some really difficult situations, she was able to create the sober life of her dreams Today, Michelle shows women all across the country actionable steps for creating a successful sober lifestyle while also building a solid foundation for motherhood -- and she doesn’t need a drink to get through the day. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her story and how living a double life was taking a toll, and how getting honest with herself ended up being her way out. So if you’re ready to move from the wine mommy culture and the darkness of a double life into sweet sober freedom, get your ear buds ready for this one!   Links mentioned in this episode:  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Find Michelle here: https://www.recoveryisthenewblack.com/   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!

When life throws you a curveball, sometimes you have to get back to basics until you feel better. When you are going through something really heavy, at some point you have to make a decision to get into action. Otherwise, you’re going to sink. I was sinking. And I knew I would continue to sink if I didn’t make a conscious choice to do some things, to take action to counteract all the negativity and sadness. I had to feel better. And my first thought was, just get back to basics. Just do the most basic things that you know are good for you and if you do those things consistently, and let time heal you, you will get better. There will be times in our lives that we will cry. There will be curve balls that make you feel like your soul is dying. Those days that are a struggle, that you don’t want to do it, you want to give up -  those are the days that define who you are. Don’t quit. Hard times come for everyone, and they are what make you strong but only when you make the decision to keep moving forward. Giving up, or wanting to give up is human nature. It’s just fear of the ‘what ifs’. What if I can’t do it, what if I’m bad at it, what if it’s a mistake, what if I fail? It feels easier to just quit. But here’s the problem, you’ve heard me say it before, if you shrink to accommodate your fear, you are sentencing yourself to a lifetime of shrinking, and failing. You lose faith in yourself and the world around you. Instead, get back to basics. What are your basics? What do you need to do to take care of yourself? How do you push through to nurture your mental wellness? Links mentioned in this episode:  Mental resistance episode: How to Conquer Mental Resistance & Energize Your Life 6 Week Signature Program: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: 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!

Sober Motivation It may sound crazy to think about getting geared up for holiday season, but I want you to be prepared so we are starting with some warm and fuzzy motivation. In the midst of all the weight of getting sober, having jobs, raising kids, and being high-functioning... it can be exhausting to stay excited about this self-help journey. And knowing there is plenty of stress for everyone, I want you to take a minute to breathe, and think about all the rewards for the hard work you are doing. It's so easy to look at the road ahead and get focused on how far we have to go. It is a road with no end, by the way, our work is never finished. At the same time, focus also on how far you've come. I went back in the archives of Addiction Unlimited and pulled some clips from some of my favorite guests to put together an episode that is laser focused on the beauty of transformation and all the rewards that come with having a clear mind and a vision for the future. Allyson Kane, Russ Perry, Omar Pinto, Mark Crandall, Emily Paulson, Chris Hill, and our very own 6 week program alum, Amorie. They all shared their stories with us on the podcast and I want you to hear the blessings and gratitude that recovery brings. These are all high-functioning, educated, entrepreneurs and self-starters, just like all my clients, and they have taken full advantage of the gifts of sobriety. As we move into the most demanding season of the year, I want you to have a fresh perspective and renewed energy moving forward. We'll do a series of episodes on getting through the holidays and, as you know, mindset is where it all starts. So get your ear buds ready, start your workout or curl up in your quiet space, and let's energize your mindset with the gifts of transformation. Links mentioned in this episode:  If you want to listen to the last episode I did like this, you can find it here: addictionunlimited.com/133 Join us in the Facebook group for more support, conversation, and ❤️, click here.  When you're ready for max support, to get happy and confident in your sober journey, book a call with me here. 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!

family support in sobriety If you’ve ever made a big change in your life then you know firsthand how lonely it can feel to be on the road less traveled. And it’s not because the change you are making is bad or wrong (trust me, I’m a huge fan of changing and growing), you most likely feel lonely because the people around you are staying the same. Having a strategy is the surefire way to stick to your change. It’s the driving force that will keep you going when it gets difficult or feels overwhelming – when you’re exhausted, and think you want to give up, isolate in your room with the door locked and watch the latest episode of Love Is Blind. I’ve been there before, and I know you have, too. And that’s why, in this episode, I am giving you 4 easy actions you can take to ease the anxiety of feeling like you don’t have family support in sobriety and you begin to doubt whether it’s worth your time and energy to keep going. Grab a pen & paper… or open an app… and get ready to jot down these steps so that those big beautiful sober goals you set for yourself are closer than ever before.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Finding your mentors episode: How To Find The Right Mentor & Why It’s A Game Changer Book A Call With Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the FB Group: 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!

If you’re a human being on this planet then I’m willing to bet there have been a million times that you have said, “If only I knew then what I know now, I would have ____________.” Yes, my friend. Hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s so much easier to see the truth of your situation when you’re looking back on it in the past rather than standing in it in the present moment. It’s also easy to look back and blame yourself for the “mistakes” you made. But here’s the thing, you were doing the best you could with what you knew at the time. And when you know better, you do better I mean, I thought it was a great idea to overpluck my eyebrows in the early 2000s, and here we are now spending a small fortune to restore those beautiful brows back to the thicker life they once had. But all jokes aside, in this episode you’ll meet Bob, one of my star clients with an incredible success story. He’s going to share his own bumpy ride to recovery, how relapse helped him stay sober, the things that have given him a ton of momentum in his sober life and how he pieced it all together one step at a time. Bob will also share a couple of things he did that really moved the needle. And, I hope you’ll consider doing them, too. As you know, it’s my goal to share powerful experiences with you -- both good and bad -- so you can learn from them and create the sober life of your dreams. So if you’re ready, get out your earbuds and listen in! Links mentioned in this episode:  Post Acute Withdrawal (PAWS) episode: The Science of Sobriety and How To Feel Better Faster 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!

Relationships in recovery It scares you and excites you all at the same time. You are making lifestyle changes and want, more than anything, to regain control of your life. You can see this sober future full of friends and laughter, having a clear mind, and achieving more than ever to build your dream life. But where does romance fall into the equation? Maybe the thought of leaving the booze behind to pursue an alcohol-free life gives you butterflies, but every time you think about how it will affect your marriage or your dating life you think, "Oh man, this could change everything." Something I've learned over the last 16+ years of recovery and personal development is that nothing is more important than communication. Those butterflies in your stomach are a loud and clear message that it's time to shake things up and take some action. It isn't always comfortable- I mean, let's keep it 100 - you have to get out of your comfort zone to do anything amazing and rewarding. But I can promise you this, the biggest moments of growth are the ones where I stepped out of my comfort zone. My life, my business, my recovery... none of it would be where it is today without being willing to take a leap of faith- whether big or small. In this episode, I share with you some strategies to navigate your relationship when you get sober and your partner doesn't. This is a major topic that comes up over and over again and I want you to have some simple pointers to get you started in dealing with this journey. Then, we take a turn and talk about dating in recovery and how to deal with some of the common difficulties in that situation. As a single person myself, I've tried dating all the different ways over the years and it is one of my favorite topics. And, as usual, if you have more questions and want to talk more about this topic, join us in the Facebook group where you can find me every single day interacting, answering questions, and cheering you on. If you are ready for more support and guidance to take your recovery to the next level, you can book a call with me here.

Addiction in the family Any difficulty can be resolved when people are willing to own their emotional issues and to get the process of communication healthy. You can have the kind relationships you have always wanted, but it takes becoming the kind of person who treats others the way you want to be treated regardless of how they treat you. This is a story of a father and son’s journey to healing through substance abuse, depression, anger and family conflict. It is a story of redemption and growth through the emotional anguish that many families experience in the teen years and shares a message of hope that shows a path to maturity for struggling teens and for their parents. These stories are told both through a father’s eyes as a family therapist and through the teen’s perspective and shares the profound heartache and deep love between a father and son. The lessons learned and the growth for parents and teens are clearly described so everyone who reads this can use these lessons in their own lives. Healing is a journey and this is a family dedicated to doing the work and sharing the journey. The book, workshops, and a commitment to continued growth, there is something for everyone here. Join us in the Facebook group here. If you're ready to feel better faster, book a call with Angela here. Learn more about the Fishers here: https://www.fishertransformation.com/

"I don't know where to start! I feel so overwhelmed by sobriety!" Sound familiar? No worries! I've got you covered. Most people know it's important to take action and do certain things to get, and stay, sober. But there's a big problem. They aren't sure how to do the right things at the right time to be consistently building their recovery and feeling better. They get super busy with a giant TO DO list filled with books to read and podcasts to listen to, and that's only part of the equation. There is a HUGE piece of this that starts right between your ears, with your beliefs and thoughts about sobriety. As parents and spouses and business owners we don't want to waste any more time on feeble attempts to get sober, to relapse again, and have zero understanding what happened and even less understanding of what to do next. Am I right? There's a better way to think about recovery and there are certain truths you HAVE TO get clear on to create your sober life without more overwhelm and failed attempts. I'm going to save you a lot of time. These are some of the most common misconceptions and missteps I see people make over and over again. It all starts in your head and you don't even realize how you set yourself up for failure, before you even start. I did it, too. You don't have to do this by yourself without a roadmap. You have support and resources, motivation and inspiration at your fingertips: Join the Facebook group here:  www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Schedule Coaching with Angela here: addictionunlimited.com/call

ADHD Symptoms Do you have ADHD symptoms? Have you ever struggled to complete the most basic life tasks? Being on time, keeping up on the housework, and never knowing what day it is? Does this scenario sound familiar? You sit down at your computer, you open a tab to get started on your first task. You know you have a few important things to complete today and you are ready to get it done. Then something else catches your eye and you think, "I'll just do this real quick", and next thing you know two hours have flown by, you've got 20 tabs open on your computer and you never completed the original task you sat down to do. I think most of us can relate to a scene like this at one point or another. But there is hope, my friends! And that hope comes in understanding what's happening for you, why, and how to deal with it. And this episode is FULL of all of that information! With some simple tweaks in the way you approach your day, and your life, you'll find much more success in the small things that may drive you crazy. Excited about showing up to things and being on time, feeling confident that you are good in conversations because you aren't constantly interrupting, and having a new sense of calm without major over-reactions to small things. And this is where Kristen Carder comes in. Kristen, founder of Focused membership community, shows you how to recognize ADHD symptoms and how to manage them with support and education. A few common symptoms of ADHD: 👉 Impulsivity 👉 Time Blind 👉 Difficult to Identify, Regulate, and Soothe Emotions I wasn't familiar with the term 'time blind' until recently and this was a major aha for me! Are you ready to listen and get solutions? After the episode, join us in the Facebook group for more conversation and support! And if you want more support to get farther faster in your journey, you can book a call with me here.

Change how you feel You use substances and behaviors to change how you feel, because you don’t feel good. For all my listeners who have dreams of a wonderful life and maybe struggle with a little self-doubt, fear of failure, or have an inner critic that tends to be a little harsh, this episode is for you. My guess is that most of you just thought, “Yes. Angela, that is me 100%.” And I get it because it's me too. I deal with those same struggles. In fact, as humans, I think we all do, which is why it's something that needs to be worked on day in and day out. In this episode I'm going to break down the truth about change, and it may surprise you. Join us in the Facebook group for support and community.  Book a call with Angela here. 

Credit Repair If you've lost hope, or you're looking for some, you're not alone and today's episode is all about taking some small simple steps to find hope in the midst of the overwhelm of credit stress and credit repair. I've worked with a lot of clients through financial stress - job loss, divorce, over spending, and (like me!) just being irresponsible and immature with money. When we are facing big life changes it's not uncommon for finances to be one of those stressors, which is why I thought it was time to have some conversation about this here on the podcast. It's a perfect time, post-Covid, when people are facing challenges they've never faced before. Our world has been turned upside down and now it's time to start the clean-up process. The relief you get from taking the smallest step is unbelievable, and I want that for you, too! If you are anything like me, when you have financial stress or fear of money problems, it is overwhelming. It took such a toll on my self-esteem, it consumed my thoughts all day every day, dodging phone calls from bill collectors, crying every day, and feeling like I had no idea what to do to fix it all. I have ruined my credit multiple times in my adult life, and I've rebuilt it from the ground up. In today's episode, Deryk Faber is going to walk us through some common misconceptions about finances, credit, and how to face the problems we've created. I want you to have solutions so that you can make progress and feel better. And that's what this episode is all about. How can you start to make changes? How do you figure out where to start? What do you do? We've got all that and more, so tune in! And if you want more information and education on financial healing and wellness, join us in the Sober Society Membership Community where Deryk will share tips, tricks, and strategies on credit repair and money 101 on a monthly basis! Join us in the Facebook group for more support. It's totally private, and free. Get your free credit report: annualcreditreport.com Subscribe to the podcast here.

Sleep Hygiene I’ve been at this Life Coaching thing for a long time and sleep hygiene is a problem for a lot of people. I’ve worked with thousands of people and I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing patterns. Specifically, patterns that cause challenges and often stop capable people in their tracks. One common struggle I’ve seen countless times over the years is the struggle to get good sleep when you’re trying so hard to make positive changes in your life. Here’s the thing. Sleep can be tough, especially for people with anxiety, and it can definitely be frustrating. One of my clients asked, “Angela, this is one of the reasons I drank, to quiet my mind. How do you learn to sleep when the chatter in your head is so loud?” Another client asked, “It’s so hard just to fall asleep in the beginning stage of my sobriety. No matter how many calming exercises I do before bed, I just can’t go to sleep easily. What do you do when it feels like nothing is working?” Have you ever felt like this? Have you ever wondered how you will survive with nights of tossing and turning, waking up frustrated and still tired, and feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Well, you’re not alone, my friend. It’s all valid. And that’s why I wanted to have this conversation with you today because I want you to have solutions! You're going to get a super easy checklist to start creating your very own sleep routine, building your sleep hygiene, and these are actions you can take TODAY! your winding-down routine set your sleep and wake up time get your environment in order We are taking a deep dive into how you can set yourself up for sweet sleepy success, my friend, and how to keep it super simple so you'll have no problem following through so you can feel better and be better. Join us in the Facebook Group here. Book a call with Angela here. 

Food Habits Food habits is a topic that comes up frequently in my professional, and personal, life. We see people in the Facebook group posting about eating too much sugar in early sobriety, or that they are eating out of control now that they aren't drinking. Some wonder if they will lose weight, others are scared to quit drinking because they think they'll gain weight. I was there, too. I want to talk to you about food, lifestyle, and being health-minded.  Not necessarily about what to eat and what not to eat, although we will talk about some of that because I know what it's like to want to lose weight so badly, and when someone is making good food choices the first thing I want to do is ask, "What are you eating? What diet are you doing? Are you cutting out carbs?" All of these are normal questions, but what I've learned on my lifestyle journey is those are the least important questions to get stuck on. The conversation I want to have is about how to create positive change in your life that you feel good about. Change that is sustainable and that empowers you, builds your self-esteem, and changes your mindset about your life. And that didn't happen for me when all I focused on was the number on the scale and the increasing size of my love handles. As a part of my membership community, the Sober Society, I am bringing in a new focus on lifestyle. Relationships, feelings, finances, and food. Nutrition & Health Coach, Ellie Stewart, is going to share her knowledge and experience about food myths, how recovery can affect food habits, and she's going to give you a few key activities and choices to focus on if you are ready to start treating your body better. It's not about cleaning out all your cabinets and replacing all the junk food with broccoli. Or, wishing you were the person you thought you were when you bought all those fruits and vegetables at the store only to throw them away when they went bad in the refrigerator. Been there, done that. Many times. This episode is to focus on understanding and making small shifts to feel good about yourself and change your life in positive ways and you're going to get some great tips on how to get that party started without turning your life upside down and stressing yourself out. I really hope as you listen to this episode and hear how I approach this that you decide enough is enough and you are going to figure this out in your own way so this doesn't become something that is holding you back from living the life you want to live. My food habits, eating habits, and weight gain were holding me back from that in a dramatic way until I finally hit my breaking point. Ellie offers some great starting tips, a lot of knowledge and personal experience with food habits, and you can get more of her in the Sober Society membership soon! Links from the episode: Facebook group Sober Society Membership Book:  Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?  

Wine O'Clock A successful recovery has everything to do with how you plan your day and approach your challenges. Imagine this scenario: You've been alcohol-free for a minute, and you really want to continue waking up without a hangover and having a clear head. You're getting through the days, you're on track, and overall, you're feeling pretty proud of your accomplishment. But let’s be real -- you’re also feeling a little bit burnt out from pouring every ounce of your energy into fighting cravings, and some things are starting to slip because… you’re human. Maybe you’re packing your days so tight that you have absolutely no room to think about wine, or you’re struggling to focus on the day in front of you because your mind is constantly going into future things and stressing about upcoming events. Or maybe, you're just feeling overwhelmed and lost, and have no idea what the heck to do. Sound familiar? I don’t know about you, but I definitely had a 'witching hour' when I would get a little frazzled and start to lose focus on the goals and intentions I set for myself and my new life. And if you’ve been a listener for some time, you probably know that having a plan in place sets the tone for my entire life -- and if I want to be successful in my intentions,  I keep my plans front and center. Even if they just stare at me blankly as I daydream about a nap. In this episode, I’m sharing powerful strategies you can do to avoid getting sucked down the rabbit hole of wine o'clock so that you can stay on top of your game and move forward with a clear mind and a grateful heart that you didn't give in to the craving and wreck all the good progress you've made. It’s time to tighten up, my friend -- are you ready? Book a call with me here. Join the Facebook group here. 

How to stay engaged in life Get ready to tackle the uninspired daily grind and uncover this not-so-secret framework that I use in my life (and with my clients!) to stay engaged in your life and feel inspired. Let's be real: kids, jobs, sobriety, households, yoga, and everything else you try to do to have a happy life can take a lot of time out of an already busy day. Just when you think you're on top of everything, you feel a nagging reminder in the back of your head that you aren't feeling super happy. Sometimes it can feel like you're just running from one thing to the next thing and you can't even catch your breath. You're in good company, my friend - many power players just like you are in the same boat. That's why in this podcast episode, I'm tackling that underlying feeling of discontent so you can start ramping up the inspiration in your life and start living the life you want. Not only will you get some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks on how I stay engaged, feel inspired and fulfilled but you'll also get the inside scoop on the framework I use to stay balanced. Here's what you'll get: How to use this framework to create an engaged life so it's exciting and creates a sense of clarity and happiness Ways you might be missing huge pieces of your life and a simple solution to help across the board Getting past the dreaded excuses you'll  make to talk yourself out of taking action so you can build the life you want Get ready to break through that irritable, restless, and discontent barrier and get into an action-based state of mind - this episode is ready for you. If you are struggling with solutions and want some pointers on what to do, join us in the Facebook group where you'll have a whole community of people to support you, share their experiences, and offer solutions to all the problems. And for all my goal-getter action takers out there, if you're thinking about working with me as your Coach, you can book a call with me to get all the info and start working with me ASAP. Book here: addictionunlimited.com/call

Mental Resistance Stop getting trapped in mental resistance.  And right now, you may be saying, "But Angela, you don't know my life and how hard things are. I don't have support, I have kids and activities and work...." Oh boy. Do I hear you. I've had the same thoughts a thousand times. But I also want to challenge you on how that resistance is working against you…and that's exactly what I'm doing on this episode. In this episode, I want to talk to you about recognizing resistance, even when it is totally logical and real, and starting to change that thought process to better serve you. Mental resistance comes up in many different ways. It’s laziness, procrastination, telling yourself you can’t do something, you can’t afford it, you don’t have time, now isn’t the right time, you aren’t strong enough, you don’t have enough support. Or, it’s overwhelm, or fear. I want you to lean into what might feel uncomfortable, but also actually may create more strength underneath all that discomfort. And I want to challenge you in an area that you’re probably doing yourself a great disservice and staying stuck. My friend, I am happy to help you gain as much courage as you need — and you'll find some in this episode — overcome mental resistance and put it to bed for good in your life so that you can step fully into this version of you that you are today, and continue to grow into the amazing human you are destined to be. You can start to overcome mental resistance right now by joining me in the Facebook group! And sign up for my Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness by clicking here. If you've been thinking about doing a private coaching package with me and want to book a call, click here.    

Self-Sabotage Meaning The title says it all. Let's start with self-sabotage meaning: Self-sabotage occurs when we destroy ourselves physically, mentally, or emotionally or deliberately hinder our own success and wellbeing by undermining personal goals and values- But why do we do it, and what does it mean? I think the best explanation I’ve ever gotten for this was from my friend, Adam Gilbert, from My Body Tutor. He said: usually, people self-sabotage because the thought of maintaining the thing they are trying to achieve is more overwhelming than staying the same. So let’s dig into some self-sabotaging behaviors so that you can recognize it and start breaking it down. Remember, when you want to break something down you have to directly counteract it with an opposite behavior. In this episode you'll learn: the most common self-sabotaging behaviors they 'why' behind your own self-sabotage how to start changing TODAY Self-sabotage isn’t an inherent part of your character, nor does it define who you are as a human being. Why do we self-sabotage? Self-sabotage is typically fear based.  And that fear plays into toxic perfectionism or habitual procrastination. And that, increases anxiety and takes you into future tripping with all the what-ifs.. what if this thing happens... or what if that thing happens. Or, you catastrophize and go straight to worst-case scenarios. These are distorted beliefs and they are exactly the thing that perpetuates the fear and causes you to self-sabotage. Self-sabotage isn’t a character flaw; it is nothing more than a set of behaviors, usually arising out of fear-based negative beliefs, that are preventing you from achieving your goals. Be patient with yourself and reach out for help if you feel stuck. These are all the things we work on in Coaching and, if you’re thinking about working with me as your Coach, you can book a call with me to ask questions and get more information. Book A Call here. Join my Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness here.  Join us in the Facebook Group!

Whether you are getting sober, going through a breakup, or just look at yourself in the mirror one day and recognize it’s time to make some changes because you aren’t feeling great about who you are or how you’re treating people. You have to have stellar coping skills, the ability to adapt, and the ability to change when you’ve gotten stuck in some habits that don’t serve you. In this episode, we'll get into some of the specifics about what it takes to be successful in sobriety. I know you want to have a lifestyle you enjoy. You want to be engaged in your life, have less anxiety, and have confidence in yourself. So how the heck do you pull that off? If you want to feel better you have to take action. And one of the easiest and best ways to start taking action is working on that inner dialogue you are having with the committee in your head all day long. Here's what we are covering in this episode: You are your own CEO, responsible for the good and the bad How to manage your mindset and not beat yourself up Recognizing limitations and learning to work around them The key in all of this is to be successful in the changes you want to make. No one is perfect! It takes practice to build these skills and that's why it's important to be an action-taker! The greatest thing you can do today is to GET STARTED! If you want support and fun in a no-pressure zone, join us for the Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness. This is an excellent way to get a jumpstart on yourself and have fun while you do it! When you are in full-tilt action-taker mode and you want to do private Coaching with me, you can book a call here.

Powerful Sobriety One of my Addiction Unlimited besties is the textbook definition of a recovery warrior. He's in his second year sober, has been a valuable member of our Facebook group and Sober Society Membership community, and is an incredible example of how to get through sobriety, know yourself, and learn how to set boundaries to protect your recovery. I respect and admire Michael so much because he's all about supporting other goal-getters to understand the activities needed to go from having multiple 'day one again' to powerful, fun recovery. And what I find most impressive about him is his willingness to look at his life and habits and recognize where and how he needs to protect his recovery and make it his number one priority. In this episode, Michael shares his best tools and advice for creating a life and sobriety that lights you up -- and you know this is so important as a recovering person. You'll learn: How to be resourceful and find the tools that work for you Tools to manage social situations and put your recovery and comfort FIRST How to get involved in online communities  (like Sober Society!) to build relationships and have fun Ways to look at yourself, be resilient, and stick with recovery even when it takes multiple tries Not only will you get some powerful insights on how to become the best sober version of yourself possible, but I know you'll walk away feeling super empowered by Michaels's recovery and honesty about his journey. Get more here: Join Addiction Unlimited Facebook group here.  Sign up for my Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness here!  Interested in having your very own recovery community and safe place to learn about yourself and sobriety? Check out my Sober Society membership community :-)

Surprise! Enjoy a free gift from me! I've planned a free Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness so that you are confident in your sober journey and... can I even say it.... FUN?! You'll love this event and the super easy plan I've mapped out for you because all you have to do is show up and follow along with the fun and simple prompts I have for you to make your Dry July feel easy breezy. Click here to get your spot for this free 30 day event to spice up your sober life.  There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who have routines, and those who don't. Especially when dealing with addiction because we tend to only have two modes... 100% enthralled... or completely uninterested. I definitely have routines in every area of my life and it's a good mix of wellness, Henry, and family. #auntielife I'm not here to tell you how to create your routine or what it *should* be. On today's podcast, I'm going to share with you how challenging it can be when our routines get totally disrupted and what you can do to get back on track. What you should know is, everyone has their own routine and no two are the same. And did I mention that you can have successful routines even when you are super busy, like we all are, with a lot on your plate? You get to design your own life and you get to call the shots with what routines are important to you and how you recalibrate when you get thrown off  because, we all know, life is going to get in the way and throw you a curve ball. Whether it's travel, work, getting sick, moving, or an unexpected death in the family I hope this episode inspires you to look at your routines a little differently and know that getting off balance is normal, and perfectly okay.   Join me in the Facebook group here so I can answer your questions and support you in your journey. Sign up for the Dry July Event: 30 Days to Wellness here.    

"Machines are built to work 24/7, but not human beings." This is a fantastic quote from Marie Forleo that has always stood out to me because most humans aren't very good at balancing all the areas of life to be sane and healthy. And that goes for our mental wellness, too. We have to be aware of how we set boundaries around our time and energy, but also our mental wellness. In this episode with Ashley Sperber-Hirsch, we take a deep dive into the connection between our emotional and physical well-being. If you don't take care of your emotional struggles and resolve those things that are unresolved that angst and dis-ease will manifest with physical symptoms. If I'm honest, I haven't always been great at setting boundaries, or sticking to them. In fact, I had to learn the hard way when I wore myself down to a point of almost being hospitalized. Over the years, I've definitely come to understand the importance of being aware of my mental wellness, just as much as I'm aware of my need for exercise, dog kisses, and time with my family. It's required, not optional. But before you can make strides to nourish your beautiful emotional mind, there's one thing I know for sure... you have to understand how important it is in your daily life that you take care of yourself. You have to know the WHY. Take a moment and answer these questions for yourself. Why do you want to make a commitment to better mental wellness? Why do you want to stay with it day in and day out? Why is it important to you? (and your family) Getting crystal clear on why you are doing this is imperative if you want to make your mental health and self-care a priority and make it work for you. Join me in the Facebook group for more conversation, support, and healthy living. ❤️

Stalled Social Life It's Friday night and you're home, alone, zero invitations to go anywhere, it's just you, your seltzer, and Netflix. Again. You feel like your social life is stalled, you're stuck in a rut of boring, and your regular activities just aren't doing it for you right now. But what do you do? How do you "have more fun"? And what about the crippling social anxiety you get when you go places where other people are?? Well, you're in the right place, my friend, because in this episode we aren't only talking about how to find more things to do, but I'm also giving you the lowdown on how to get your anxiety in check once you get there. If that little voice in your head is saying: What the heck do I do now? Everything I do involves drinking. Everyone I know, drinks. How do I have fun, if I’m not drinking? Then you'll want to listen up, because I'm giving you all the answers. Not only are we taking a deep dive in some powerful ways to find fun things to do, but I'm giving you a step-by-step checklist on how to start breaking down your anxiety so that you can start planning fun events without that feeling of sheer panic. I'm the master of faking a headache to leave early because my anxiety has all the power. But with a few simple actions, I put my anxiety on the back burner and I'm going to teach you how to do the same. When you want to get out in the world, have fun and meet people it's important to make sure you are doing things you love and not getting stuck in people-pleasing mode. As a bonus, I'm going to give you a couple of quick questions to ask yourself to make sure you are doing things for yourself and not for others. Then we'll talk about strategies to break down your anxiety on a daily basis so that you feel confident going out in the world, and then we dig into some super simple strategies to get you out of your pajama pants and surrounded by two-legged friends who actually speak your language. And then there's a special bonus for you in the Facebook group, if you're not a member you can join here.   

Sex Addiction What kind of life do you dream of living? What type of impact do you want to have on your family and the people you love? If you don't think it's possible to get crystal clear on how to take your sex addiction, or any addiction, and leverage it into massive purpose, recovery and impact after just one podcast episode... you've never met Jace Downey. Jace is a busy lady who passionately splits her time between sharing her journey with sex addiction, practicing multiple modalities of healing and nurturing her life, and working toward creating a rural healing community for people to live and find peace. Jace is on a mission to help passionate recovering souls to shed that shame-filled view on sex addiction and trauma, find inspiration, and change their lives. Just like she has. And let me give you fair warning... Jace is a force to be reckoned with. She's a loving dog mom, loves dance and somatic healing, and learning how to work a farm and live off-the-grid... that's just an average day for Jace. And in this episode, Jace is breaking down how healing and exploration guides her in life, and in business. And we have some great book recommendations for you if you are struggling with sex addiction and trauma healing! If you want more support and tools, join us in the Facebook group by clicking here. Find all the free videos Jace was talking about here: www.youtube.com/jacedowney

Judgmental Person Being a judgmental person is usually a defense mechanism people use to try to boost their own sense of self-worth. Being judgy and gossipy is a way to get an ego boost, although it has quite the opposite effect. You know the people who are at the office or the gym or the pool party with something negative to say about everyone and creating an air of superiority in their own lives and choices? Yes, we all know those people. And because I used to be that person, and I have worked with so many for so long... I recognize the signs and the underlying discomfort that can put the brakes on the self-improvement journey for so many people that just want to feel better and be better. There are questions that arise when we think about dealing with a judgmental person. Questions like: What does it mean to be judgmental? Why are people judgmental? How do I deal with judgmental people?? And all these questions are exactly why I did this episode! Because these questions creep up everywhere, especially as we are trying to heal and get control of our lives back. Which means, we need answers so we can continue to heal ourselves and understand how to better deal with the people around us who push our buttons. So, in this episode, I want to help you push through the negative thoughts and personalizing other people's judgmental nature so you can move forward, make bold decisions, and show up to regain control and build the life you know you deserve. In fact, I share a few real-life examples of what being judgmental looks like so you can see if you have some work to do on yourself in this area, we talk about the underlying issues and what drives someone to this behavior (and how it's not your fault!), and some powerful strategies on how to deal with judgmental people without letting them drain your energy and ruin your day. And, just a friendly reminder... 16 years into my recovery and self-improvement journey and I still have to watch myself on this one. But it gets so much better and easier! Being judgmental doesn't have to continue to hold you down and keep you from being the person you want to be. In fact, sometimes it 's recognizing the thoughts and counteracting them for the first time that allows you to have a major breakthrough moment. There is a lot of power in these small shifts in our thoughts and behaviors that bring HUGE results in your life. So settle in and get comfortable and let's figure out how to flip the script on judgment and negativity. And here are the links I promised you in the episode: Join the FB group here.  Join the Sober Society member community with 3 online meetings per week, tons of support and content each week, and no commitments. Thinking Errors post and infographic here.   

Alcoholic Spouse Choosing to get sober can be one of the scariest, wildest, and most beautiful decisions you ever make. But what about the people you share your life with and, possibly, shared drinks with? Those that held your hair while you were sick, forgave you for the awful things you said and did, who babysat you, tucked you in, and lied to your family and friends to protect you. Addiction doesn't only affect the alcoholic, for better or worse. It also profoundly affects the lives of the people closest to you. In this episode, Amorie and Steven talk about how alcoholism and sobriety has both challenged and strengthened their relationship. We talk about the before and after, how their relationship has changed, how they've grown, and how alcoholism really affected their lives. And, you are invited to the conversation. I'm sitting down with one of my favorite guests ever, Amorie, to talk about what has changed in her marriage thanks to alcohol, and how you can support, protect, and grow your relationship while you build your recovery support that helps you be a better partner. We talk about: How she struggled and what roadblocks her husband saw early on What was the hardest part for her husband as the spouse of someone getting sober And the connection recovery has brought to their marriage I hope this episode gives you the encouragement to tackle the difficult and awkward parts head on with the people you love. My alcoholism affected everyone around me, and I make sure my recovery does, too. For more support and conversation, join us in the Facebook group! Thinking about working with me as your Coach? Check out the options here.  

High Functioning Alcoholic Many people deny a drinking problem because they are a high functioning alcoholic. You haven't had a tragic rock bottom moment yet, so you can continue to tell yourself, "I'm not that bad".  But, rock bottom isn't about tragedy or an event that happens to you. Rock bottom is that feeling you have when your mind is screaming for help, screaming to make it stop, begging for some force to take the desire to drink from you because you can’t bear to live this way anymore. For me it was so sad, how I felt. My thoughts were dark I hated myself and hated my life, I lied to everyone, every thought I had was full of negativity, judgment, and disdain. Disdain for everything. My body hurt, my heart hurt. That’s rock bottom. It’s not DUIs and car crashes and getting kicked out of the house and losing everything. Rock bottom isn’t what happens to you, it’s how you feel when you get to that place that you just can’t go on living the same way for another moment. And it doesn’t matter what the thing is- alcohol, divorce, weight, illness- we will all have many rock bottoms in many different areas of our lives over the years. Other researchers and specialists estimate that as much as 50 to 75% of those with AUDs are able to function at a high level in many areas of their life.* The first piece of this conversation I want to talk about is the infamous rock bottom. I am a believer that you tend to connect these two concepts- rock bottom and high-functioning. Because it seems as though the people who have a tragic rock bottom used to be considered low-bottom or low-functioning I had a low-bottom moment, but was very high-functioning in my life and alcoholism. And, as I spoke about in that prior episode- we tend to connect the rock bottom moment to an event or tragedy. But, the truth is, rock bottom is a feeling, not an event. Want to join us for more conversation after the episode? Join me in the Facebook Group!   *Benton, S.A. (2009). Understanding the high-functioning alcoholic: Professional views and personal insights. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.

Porn Addiction One of the fastest growing addictions is sex and porn addiction. Just because something is uncomfortable to talk about, doesn’t mean we can ignore it and sweep it under the rug because it’s awkward. Addictions of every kind are on the rise- food, drugs, sex, alcohol, shopping...all of them. And today's guest teaches his most successful strategies for living a healthy lifestyle, abstinent from sex and porn addiction. Get ready for all the hidden secrets: What are the signs and symptoms? Is there porn addiction withdrawal? I'm so excited to welcome Matt Sinkovitz to Addiction Unlimited Podcast to give us some insider info and how this addiction affects people, their lives, and relationships. This episode is a must-listen, especially if you are wondering how sex and porn addiction may be affecting you or someone you love, and your goal is to get control of your life back, have freedom, personal fulfillment... and more. As a practitioner and teacher of personal & spiritual development for over a decade, he sets the stage to build a successful foundation for abstinence and recovery. He is an avid student of mindfulness and meditation, and Matt graduated from the Blue Mountain School of Mindfulness Arts seminary program with a Masters in Buddhist Ministry. And now, he serves as a spiritual guide and interfaith chaplain in prisons and hospitals. Overcoming his 20+ year compulsive relationship with porn he's here to share his journey and talk about: How to get help What recovery looks like Long-term effects of porn addiction Plus, Matt reveals his abstinence success tips and how thinking outside-the-box when it comes to getting help can ease the shame and stigma. Learn more about Matt's program, Porn to Purpose, by clicking here. Join me in the Addiction Unlimited Facebook group here.  It's free, and private!

People often ask me their most challenging life questions and want to know how I manage the day-to-day struggles we all go through. And I will always tell you I live and die by knowing myself, my strengths, and my weaknesses. Without that strong sense of self I wouldn't be able to set myself up for success in all areas of my life, recognize when something needs removed from my life, when I need to get help, and when it's time to refuel. And that's why today's episode is so important. I want you to imagine feeling clarity, getting control of your life back and not feeling like you are constantly chasing your tail with more questions than answers. Instead, I want you to feel cool as a cucumber as you build the life of your dreams. We'll talk about: Dating as a sober person and how I navigate that conversation to work for all parties involved How long it took to get to a place where NOT drinking became a way of life The necessities you need to work on to deal with stress, anxiety, and angst like an old sober pro Pulling back the curtain on this whole higher power convo and how to not stress out about it If you want to know how I've made it through years of personal development to go from a hot mess express to sober and powerful with a beautiful life, a ton of incredible and fun friends, and an inner confidence I never knew possible... you're in the right place. And.. if you want to get answers to your questions and sober support, join us in the Facebook group- it's free and private! 

You want to set healthy boundaries, but you feel guilty. A people-pleaser in a family that didn’t talk about feelings, sweep everything under the rug, and maybe you were labeled as 'too emotional'. Then, you grew up believing you don't have the right to say no to things or stand up for yourself. Our guest today, Amanda E. White,  knows that journey, too. Amanda struggled with her own high expectations of herself  and the shame that comes when you don’t meet those expectations- and all that shame manifested through drinking, an eating disorder, unhealthy relationships, and so much more. Growing up, you create a picture of yourself as a 'nice' person, and being a nice person means you do things for others, you help people, you say yes to things because you're nice. And, unfortunately, that doesn't set you up for success in healthy boundaries and protecting yourself, your time, and well-being. If you want to start working on setting some healthy boundaries, Amanda is going to give you a couple of key one-liners to get you started with healthy boundaries and lessening some of that guilt you feel when you think about it. As helping professionals it's your own journey of healing your wounds that leads you to do this work to help others. It is heart-centered and passion-based. I know for me, I have such a desire to support people in their journey because I know, firsthand, how difficult this deep personal work is. I know what it feels like to look at your life and feel disgusted and defeated. I know what it feels like to think you will never get your life together and be a good person because so many areas of your life are messed up and you can’t even figure out where to start. That’s where I was. And our guest, knows that journey, too. Learn more about Amanda by clicking here.  For more support and recovery conversation, join us in the Facebook group by clicking here. If you want to get access to the Free Resource Library on codependence, boundaries, and self esteem, click here. 

You may equate self-discipline and self-control to be virtually the same thing, and according to Webster’s Dictionary they pretty much are. But when it comes to the world of psychology, they are defined as two different processes. Having strong self-control can help you keep your debit card on lockdown and save you from impulse shopping on Amazon. It can help you refrain from having another cookie when they are calling your name. Or, it can help you refrain from giving your number to that person you have no business giving your number to. This is a struggle so many of my clients have, and it can make you feel bad about yourself. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I stop doing this? I’m shopping too much and it’s causing problems in my marriage, or, I’m working too much and it’s causing problems in my marriage. I’m over-eating and I feel like crap! I can’t figure out this sugar thing! I quit drinking and now I’m eating sugar like crazy! Lacking self-control can cause a host of problems from your temper getting the best of you, to deciding in a split second to go down the liquor aisle at the grocery store and put booze in your cart. It’s that instant gratification thing we talk about in so many episodes. I want it right now, I don’t want to wait, I want to feel better now! And,  this is a damaging way to live. You will get much farther in every way if you have the ability to regulate yourself, and love delayed gratification. You will naturally make better decisions if you aren’t clouded by the need for instant gratification. Think about it like this: self-discipline is the gas pedal, and self-control is the brake. Join us in the Facebook group by clicking here.

There's a feeling I get when I connect with other people with addiction. It's a deep sense of connection, friendship, acceptance, love, and understanding. We connect on a soul level because we are the only ones that understand what it's like, what it means, to have this illness. We know one another in a different way than we know other people and we care for and protect each other automatically. Jarrod makes vulnerability look easy. And we all know it isn't! But he has this way of sharing his thoughts and experiences that give you this, almost forbidden, insight to the struggles of addiction and recovery, how to thrive, and rebuild yourself from the ground up. Jarrod isn't afraid to put himself out there and share his recovery as the superpower it is. He shares his journey and insights in videos on his Instagram, and today, sharing it all with you and I. Find Jarrod on Insta: @strengthintime Join us in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited