Soberful

In this episode, Chip deconstructs the 12-steps into simple, applicable everyday language. If you have read Russell Brand's book 'Recovery' and were looking for further insight into how the 12-steps work then this episode is for you. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Recovery has its own language but what does all of it mean? We deconstruct different recovery terms like 'alcoholic,' 'problem drinker,' 'alcohol use disorder.' We also look at what it the difference is between being 'recovered' and 'recovering.' We also look at what it means to be a 'dry drunk' and how stopping drinking is only a small part of the challenge. The main problem is dealing with our feelings and emotions, particularly resentment and fear. To learn more, visit the show notes.

If you want to stop drinking should you join a recovery group? What kinds of groups are there? Chip and Veronica discuss the pros and cons of recovery support groups. Do you have to believe in God? What if I'm an atheist? What alternatives are there to AA? All these questions answered and more. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of child sexual abuse. In this episode, we answer questions from 'Sarah' in Australia who asks how she can forgive her alcoholic mother. We also answer 'Jasmine's' question on how to overcome the suicide of the family member who sexually abused her. We discuss the process of forgiveness, dealing with resentment and accepting the relationship you have with your parents instead of the one you feel you 'should' have. To learn more, visit the show notes.

One of the biggest fears about quitting alcohol is that we will no longer have fun. In this episode we discuss how having fun in recovery is entirely different from having fun drunk. Sober fun is unplanned it happens naturally and usually has no price tag to it. We also talk about how scary it can be in early recovery just trying to do new things and how you can overcome these feelings so it becomes your new normal. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Chip and Veronica answer questions from listeners on the subjects of going to 12-step recovery meetings, living with someone who drinks and still having cravings at 2-years sober. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. How do you heal from abuse and trauma? Can you overcome childhood abuse and go on to have a happy life and fulfilling relationships? Chip explains exactly how he did that. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of childhood sexual abuse. In this episode, Chip tells his incredible story of recovery. He grew up in an upper-class British family with no love or warmth, was abandoned to a boarding school at age seven where he was bullied. By 18 he was sticking needles in his arms. He spent time in prison and five days on life support. Listen to his amazing story of transformation. In next week's episode, we will discuss how he healed and overcame all of this adversity. To learn more, visit the show notes.

More than anything else loneliness is one of the biggest challenges for people who want to stop drinking. Both hosts describe their loneliest moments and how they overcame them. To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* We will be discussing the relationship between trauma and addiction. The reality of Adverse Childhood Experiences and how Connection is the answer to all trauma. To learn more, visit the show notes.