Addiction Unlimited Podcast

What No One Tells You About Life After Sobriety — Until You’re In It Whether it’s been 10 days or 10 years — if you’ve found yourself stuck in a cycle of blah, you are not alone. You’re not counting days.You’re not struggling to stay sober.But something’s still missing — and you can’t quite put your finger on it. If you've ever thought: “I thought I’d be happier by now…” “What’s wrong with me — shouldn't I be better by now?” “Why do I feel so bored, stuck, or disconnected?” This episode is going to help you breathe a big sigh of relief. Because there’s nothing wrong with you.You’ve just outgrown the survival chapter of your recovery — and now it’s time to build something deeper. This isn’t another episode about early sobriety tips or why alcohol is bad.This is about what comes after — the emotional flatness, the boredom, the floating — and how to get out of it. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why that “off” feeling isn’t a setback — it’s an invitation to rebuild The truth about boredom in recovery (and why it’s not what you think it is) Why ownership starts the minute the pink cloud ends How to shift from just being sober… to living with structure, direction, and personal power 💬 If you’re ready to stop circling and start rebuilding… Book a free call with Angela to talk about what’s next for your recovery journey:👉 addictionunlimited.com/call This is where The Unlimited Life™ begins. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book a Free Coaching Call with Angela👉 https://addictionunlimited.com/call Download the Free Daily Plan to Stay Sober👉 https://addictionunlimited.com/plan Join the Facebook Community👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

Using Sober October to Build Real Change That Goes Beyond Day 31 In this episode, I’m getting honest about what “just taking a break” really means. Whether you’re trying to reset, test your willpower, or prove something to yourself, I want to help you go deeper — and actually get what you came here for. I’ll walk you through the two times I took breaks (30 and 60 days), how I convinced myself I was in control, and why both times led to even worse drinking. You’ll learn how to spot when your relationship with alcohol has gone too far, why 30-day challenges don’t create lasting change, and what to do instead if you want to stop starting over. If you're waking up on Day One of Sober October with mixed feelings — hope, fear, uncertainty — this episode will give you a plan and a path forward. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Taking a break isn’t proof of control. It’s often a sign you’re already negotiating with something that has too much power. 2️⃣ 30 days won’t fix what alcohol was covering up. The real transformation comes after the “break” ends — when you're building a life that works without alcohol. 3️⃣ You need a plan that holds you. Structure, self-trust, and emotional support are the foundation for lasting change — not just willpower or white-knuckling. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: If you’re serious about making this stick — not just in October, but in real life — you need more than good intentions. 📓 90-Day Focus Planner – Built for sobriety, mental clarity, and next-level focus 💬 Book a Free Call for Private Coaching – 6 weeks of strategy, mindset, and full support 🎧 More Podcast Episodes MORE FROM ANGELA Follow me on Instagram → @addictionunlimited Join the Facebook Group Book a Clarity Call if you're ready to stop spinning and start building SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW Love this episode? Take a second to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more high-functioning adults who are ready for real change. 🎙 Thanks for listening to Addiction Unlimited. See you next week!

Ever find yourself pouring a drink thinking, “I don’t even want this…”? In this episode, we’re going deep into the neuroscience of cravings, the patterns behind self-sabotage, and most importantly — how to get back in the driver’s seat of your brain. You’ll learn exactly what it takes to interrupt the pattern, rewire your brain, and take back authority over your decisions — even in the hardest moments. Whether you’re early in sobriety or stuck in “start-over” mode, this is your guide to finally feeling clear, confident, and in control of your recovery — without shame and without starting over. This one is packed with science, strategy, and the real-talk I wish I had in early sobriety. You’ll hear: Why your survival brain overrides logic (and how to interrupt it) How to rewire reward loops and stop white-knuckling every craving 3 coaching tools to break the pattern without breaking yourself How to lead yourself with clarity instead of fear And if you’re ready to stop spinning in start-over cycles and finally feel in control of your sobriety — this is your roadmap.   🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 💬 Book your free clarity call with Angela Ready for real change and fast results? Let’s get clear on what’s keeping you stuck and map out your next steps together. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call 🛏️ Shop Cozy Earth + Get 40% Off Upgrade your recovery routine with the bedding that feels like a full-body exhale. Use code ANGELA for 40% off! 👉 cozyearth.com 🎧 Episode #372 – The Real Reasons You Self-Sabotage Your Sobriety (And How to Stop) This episode pairs perfectly with today’s show if you want to go deeper on the patterns that keep you stuck. 👉 Listen here   💬 Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you loved this episode, leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps other listeners find the show and join us on this journey. Just scroll down in Apple Podcasts, tap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and leave your thoughts! And don’t forget to follow the show — so you never miss a new episode, bonus trainings, or juicy real-talk about recovery.

3am wakeups after quitting drinking? Let’s fix your sober sleep—for good. You jolt awake at 3am.Your heart is racing.Your brain is going 100 miles an hour.You know you’re exhausted—but you’re wired and wide awake. Welcome to the 3AM Club, my friend.It’s not just you. And it’s not just early sobriety. Sleep issues can hit you at any point in recovery—whether you’re 30 days sober or 30 years in. And in this episode, I’m going to show you exactly what’s going on in your brain and body when it happens—and give you real tools to quiet that 3AM mind. Because here’s the truth:This isn’t a “you problem.”It’s a nervous system issue.And you don’t need to panic—you need a plan. In this episode, I walk you through the hidden causes of those middle-of-the-night wakeups (ADHD, anxiety, sugar, trauma, overstimulation… just to name a few), and I hand you my 3AM GET-YOUR-CALM-BACK PLAN—the exact system I use to calm my brain, get grounded, and take my power back. No more shame spirals.No more doom scrolling.Just strategy, structure, and the truth about what’s really happening behind the scenes. 🔊 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:(03:22) Why waking up at 3am isn’t just an early sobriety thing (and why it still happens years later)(08:55) The truth about ADHD, anxiety, sugar, and your overloaded nervous system(16:33) How cortisol, trauma, and hangxiety hijack your brain in the middle of the night(25:40) What your brain needs to finally feel safe enough to rest(29:12) My full “3AM Calm-Back Plan” to stop the spiral and get grounded fast(41:20) The biggest mistakes to stop making when you wake up anxious(46:44) How to rewire your beliefs about sleep—and start trusting your body again This isn’t about chasing 8 perfect hours. It’s about regulating your body, reclaiming your calm, and learning to rest without sedation. 👉🏼 Listen now and start building your 3am strategy—because a regulated brain is a rested brain. 🔗 Links & Resources Related Episode: Guaranteed Ways to Make Sleep Easier for You Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Book A Call With Angela : addictionunlimited.com/call

Numb, Anxious, or Overwhelmed: What the F Is Going On With Your Feelings After You Quit Drinking?* The hardest part of sobriety isn’t cravings… it’s the F-word. No, not that one. (Although you know it’s a personal favorite.) I’m talking about feelings. The ones you spent years numbing. The ones that come flooding in after you stop drinking. Or… the ones you can’t seem to feel at all. Whether you feel numb, anxious, totally overwhelmed, or like your emotions are playing hide-and-seek with your brain—this episode is for you. 💥 In this episode, I’ll walk you through: What’s really going on when the Pink Cloud fades Why your emotional overwhelm (or shutdown) is actually a sign of healing What Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) has to do with it How emotional avoidance becomes emotional disconnection Why this phase is where many people relapse—not because of cravings, but because they don’t have the tools to deal And 3 powerful tools to help you feel again—without drowning in it You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of why your nervous system is acting up, the real reason you can’t explain how you feel (and why that’s perfectly okay), and my favorite strategies for handling emotions without shutting down, blowing up, or reaching for a drink. This is the work I do every day with my coaching clients. We don’t just “talk about feelings.” We build the emotional skill set that alcohol took away. So if you’re done screwing around… and ready to build real sobriety, confidence, and peace— 📲 Book a free coaching call with me. Let’s talk about what support could look like for you.   🔗 Resources + Links 🎧 Quitting Drinking & Post-Acute Withdrawal 🎧 5 Signs You’re Dealing With PAWS 🎧 The Science of Sobriety & How to Feel Better Faster 👩‍💻 Book your free call with Angela Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I should be managing this better…”—this episode is for you. Between work, family, caregiving, and trying to keep your sober routine intact, it’s easy to feel like life is spinning and you’re barely holding it together. You’re showing up, doing the work, and still questioning if it’s enough. That’s not failure—it’s a sign you’re at capacity. And your sobriety doesn’t break in those moments. It’s actually being built in them. In this episode, we’re talking about what emotional sobriety looks like in real life—not the highlight reel. You’ll learn how to stay grounded when everything feels out of control, and how to reset without spiraling, starting over, or white-knuckling your way through it. We’ll unpack: What control really looks like in high-functioning sobriety Why over-functioning isn’t strength—it’s survival mode The 3-step emotional reset to reconnect with yourself (without doing 10 things) How to calm the chaos and stay sober without shame Why these messy moments are proof that you’re growing—not slipping This isn’t about checking every box perfectly.It’s about leading yourself with presence, not pressure. Whether you’re 30 days sober or 3 years in, you’ll walk away with tools to breathe again, anchor into your why, and feel strong—even when life is anything but easy. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🎧 Related episode: What to Do When Sobriety Feels Like a Constant Battle 📞 Free call about coaching (2 spots open): addictionunlimited.com/call

Listen On: You’re not failing—your method is. You’ve already tried harder.You’ve done the dry weeks.You’ve poured bottles down the sink.You’ve promised yourself, “Just weekends. Just one. This time it will stick.” And yet, here you are… back in the same shame spiral, asking yourself: “Why can’t I get it together?” In this episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’re burning down the biggest lie in sobriety: that if you just had more willpower, you’d finally quit drinking for good. 👉 Spoiler alert: willpower is a faulty system. Every. Single. Time. What you actually need is a system—one that gives you structure, support, and solutions so you can stop starting over and finally move forward. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: 🧠 Why willpower fails (and always will) — the science behind anxiety, decision fatigue, and why your brain defaults to alcohol when it’s overwhelmed. ⚙️ The 3 Pillars of Lasting Recovery — my proven framework: Science, Strategy, and Self. 📌 How to design your sober system — calming rituals, accountability, and practical tools that give you relief without a drink. 🚫 The ego trap of “testing yourself” — why it’s total BS and guaranteed to keep you stuck. 💪 Radical personal responsibility — the boundaries you must set with people, places, and yourself to protect your sobriety. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why trying harder has never worked for you—and how to replace the endless loop of Day Ones with a system that actually sticks. 🎧 Hit play now, because you don’t need more motivation. You don’t need another Day One. You need a system. And this is where it starts. 🔑 Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode: Listen to Ep. 275: Relief Not Relapse Book your free call: addictionunlimited.com/call Cozy Earth — Use code ANGELA for 40% off: CozyEarth.com

Loneliness and substance use often go hand in hand. But what most people don’t realize is that loneliness can follow you into sobriety—and if you don’t address it, it can quietly push you toward relapse. Sobriety means growth. It means changing your habits, your identity, and your relationships—and often, that kind of change means losing the people and places that once made you feel connected. And it’s not just about early sobriety. Sometimes it's the next chapter:Maybe your kids are grown and gone, and the house is too quiet.Maybe the marriage didn’t last. Or the friendships didn’t make it.Or maybe… you just don’t feel like you anymore. You’re not drinking. You’re doing the work.But you still feel disconnected—from your people, your purpose, maybe even from yourself. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel so alone in sobriety?”This episode is going to answer that. We’re unpacking the real reasons loneliness shows up in recovery—and exactly what to do about it so you can protect your peace, support your growth, and create a connected, fulfilling life that feels aligned with who you are now. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why loneliness is common in sobriety—even years in✅ How identity shifts, life stages, and personal growth create disconnection✅ 5 powerful ways to rebuild connection in recovery✅ Why waiting to feel better doesn’t work—and what to do instead✅ How to stop relying on old social circles that no longer fit your life✅ The role of community, consistency, and aligned relationships✅ Why being of service is one of the most healing tools you have✅ How to stop living in emotional isolation and start feeling supported again Most people in early sobriety experience loneliness because their life is changing faster than their social circle is. But others feel it later on, when life transitions—like divorce, empty nest, or major growth—create emotional distance from the people they once leaned on. This isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong.It’s a sign you’re evolving.And that’s exactly why you need a new kind of connection to support who you’re becoming. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE 🎧 The Identity Crisis No One Talks About in Sobriety (Podcast Episode) 📞 Book a Free Call with Angela – Let’s talk about where you are, what you need, and how I can support you with coaching or other resources. 💻 Join the Addiction Unlimited Facebook Group – A powerful, free community of people just like you.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “If I could drink in moderation, I would do it all the time,” this episode is going to feel like I’ve been eavesdropping on your thoughts. Maybe you’ve tried switching to beer, only drinking on weekends, skipping alcohol at home, or limiting yourself to “special occasions.” And for a short time, it works—until the rules bend, the “just one more” slips in, and you’re right back where you started. The truth is, you’re not weak. You’re not broken. Your brain is doing exactly what it’s wired to do: protect what feels familiar, even when it’s holding you back. In this powerful episode, I’m breaking down: Why your brain keeps selling you on moderation—even when you know it doesn’t work The hidden mental, emotional, and physical costs of the moderation loop The shift you need to make if you truly want freedom from alcohol We’ll pull apart the survival brain’s “safe compromise” pitch, expose the decision fatigue moderation causes, and talk about how it chips away at your self-trust over time. You’ll see why moderation isn’t about control—it’s about delay—and how it quietly steals your energy, your confidence, and the life you want to live. By the end, you’ll have a new target: freedom, not control. You’ll learn how one clear decision can remove hundreds of tiny exhausting ones, and how to focus on what you’re gaining—not what you’re giving up. If you’re ready to stop starting over and step into real freedom, I can help. Book your free clarity call today at addictionunlimited.com/call. Together, we’ll create a plan that works—without willpower games or endless “rules.” Because you deserve more than managing your drinking. You deserve to be free. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book your free Clarity Call: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the Addiction Unlimited Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Related Episode — Should I Moderate or Quit? addictionunlimited.com/should-i-moderate-or-quit

If your witching hour feels like a daily emotional ambush—when the stress, noise, and cravings all collide—you are not alone. That 4 or 5PM pull toward wine or alcohol isn’t just a bad habit… it’s a wired-in loop your brain has learned over years. And breaking it takes more than willpower. In this episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’re diving deep into why 5PM is such a trigger—and how to interrupt the craving cycle before it takes over. Angela unpacks what’s really happening when that evening craving hits, from decision fatigue to emotional overload to the brain’s need for relief. This isn’t about being broken—it’s about building a new system that supports you when your brain and body are done. What You’ll Learn: Why your brain cues up cravings before you even leave work The truth about decision fatigue and emotional depletion How to use the “Interrupt Ritual” to break autopilot The 5PM Flip: Replacing your reward without punishment How to identify emotions using H.A.L.T. and stop numbing with alcohol What neuroplasticity means—and why small shifts change everything Angela also shares a powerful story from her early sobriety behind the bar, proving that the craving loop can be broken—even when it’s deeply ingrained. This episode is a real-world, neuroscience-backed guide to help you stop surviving your evenings—and start leading them with intention and power. Links Mentioned in This Episode:  👉🏼 Related Episode: Relief Not Relapse – Ep. 376💥 Want Support? Book a call with Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

Listen On: If life feels messy and sobriety feels like an uphill battle — this episode will give you relief, language, and a path forward. Let me guess…You thought quitting drinking would solve most of your problems. You figured, once the alcohol was gone, things would finally calm down.You’d feel happier, more stable, less overwhelmed.But instead — sobriety hit, and life still feels like one giant mess. Here’s the thing no one really talks about:Life doesn’t stop life-ing just because you quit drinking. There are still bills, breakups, bad days, and unexpected chaos.The difference is, now you’re trying to face it without your old escape button. And that’s not because you’re doing sobriety wrong — it’s because life is still life, and your nervous system is still learning how to handle it. This episode is all about learning how to deal with the hard stuff — curveballs, chaos, and everyday stress — without unraveling.I’m going to show you how to build the kind of emotional endurance that helps you stay calm, grounded, and clear… even when life gets messy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why just not drinking isn’t enough to feel better The real reason you still feel stuck or triggered How to stop getting derailed by every curveball The coping tools that actually work — and how to start using them What it really means to “do the work” in recovery If you’re sober (or trying to be) but life still feels chaotic, overwhelming, and exhausting — this is your episode. It’s not just about not drinking anymore.It’s about learning to live — really live — without running, numbing, or blowing up your life. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: What It Really Means to Be a Dry Drunk (And How to Change)https://addictionunlimited.com/what-it-really-means-to-be-a-dry-drunk-and-how-to-change Book a Call With Angelaaddictionunlimited.com/call Join the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

Listen On: Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself for what I did when I was drinking?” If the shame feels too big, the guilt too heavy, and the past impossible to escape—this episode is your turning point. In this powerful conversation, we’re diving deep into self-forgiveness—what it is, why it’s so hard, and how to actually begin the process of releasing regret and reclaiming your power in sobriety. I’m also walking you through a powerful 3-minute reflection practice from my brand-new Self-Forgiveness Starter Kit—designed to help you stop punishing yourself and start moving forward. Because your past doesn’t get to have the final word. You do. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: Why shame feels necessary—and why that belief is hurting you How rumination blocks your ability to move forward The emotional + physical toll of carrying unresolved guilt The truth about what forgiveness really means (and what it doesn’t) A simple practice to reset your mindset and start healing today This isn’t just mindset work—it’s a full-body reset for anyone stuck in guilt, self-punishment, or emotional paralysis after quitting drinking. If you’re tired of carrying your past like a weight, and you’re ready to build something better… it all starts with one radical act: 👉 Forgive yourself.   🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 🎁 Download the Self-Forgiveness Starter Kit Your free, printable toolkit to start releasing shame and building real inner peace. 👉 https://addictionunlimited.com/forgive 🎧 Related Episodes to Deepen This Work: 👉 How to Forgive Yourself 👉 Forgive Yourself 📞 Is Angela the Right Coach for You? Book a Call Here: 👉 https://addictionunlimited.com/call 💬 Join the Free Facebook Group for Support + Community: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

A step-by-step breakdown of how your body heals after alcohol, from your liver to your heart to your gut. I know the fear you feel when you quit drinking and suddenly start paying attention to every little twinge in your body. You wonder: Did I mess up my liver for good? Is this brain fog normal? What if I’ve already done permanent damage? And if you’re anything like most people in recovery, you might have spent years avoiding the doctor, hiding your drinking, and ignoring the warning signs. That means your health anxiety isn’t just physical — it’s deeply emotional. You’re carrying around shame, guilt, and fear, wondering if your past choices have caught up with you. But here’s the truth: your body is incredibly resilient. And healing is happening — even if you can’t feel it yet. In this episode of the Addiction Unlimited Podcast, I’m walking you through what’s really going on inside your body after you stop drinking. We’ll look at how alcohol impacts your liver, brain, heart, and gut — and what recovery looks like from the inside out. You’ll also learn how to spot the difference between real health issues and the fear-based spirals that come from anxiety. I’ll give you simple, actionable tools to calm your nervous system, trust your body again, and stop Googling symptoms at 2 a.m. Because your recovery deserves more than panic and guesswork — it deserves clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. In this episode, I share: 5:45 — What “health anxiety in sobriety” is and why it hits so hard 10:12 — How your liver, brain, and heart really respond when you stop drinking 14:18 — Why your gut is your “second brain” and how food affects your healing 20:33 — What’s normal (and not) when it comes to stomach issues and recovery 24:10 — Tools to manage fear without spiraling into Google 28:05 — How to stop letting fear run the show and build real coping skills 30:50 — Why you’re not broken — your body is healing If you’ve been living in a constant state of “What if it’s too late?” this episode is going to give you hope, knowledge, and peace of mind.  Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book a free call with me to get serious about your recovery and build a plan that actually works Quitting Drinking & Post-Acute Withdrawal 5 Signs You’re Dealing With PAWS The Science of Sobriety & How to Feel Better Faster

Why do we miss alcohol—even when we know it’s destroying us? In this raw and powerful episode, I’m unpacking the real reason it feels like grief when you quit drinking. We’ll look at how alcohol grooms you like a toxic partner, hijacks your identity like a cult, and lingers in your brain like a sleeping bear that’s always ready to wake up. This isn’t just about quitting a habit—it’s about breaking up with a manipulative force that’s been running your life. And when you understand why it hurts so much to let it go, you’ll finally be able to reclaim your peace, your power, and your self-trust. 💥 In this episode, we’ll cover: What makes alcohol feel like a “best frenemy” The grooming phase: when drinking felt fun, light, and helpful How alcohol rewires your brain and conditions emotional dependency The cult-like takeover of your identity and social life What it really means to “poke the bear” in sobriety 5 actionable ways to rebuild trust and keep the bear asleep Why you’re not crazy for missing it—and how grief is actually a sign of healing   📥 Free Resource: Goodbye, Alcohol Healing Journal Download your free guided journal prompts to help you process the grief of quitting drinking and reconnect with your true self. ✅ Process the emotional layers of letting go✅ Understand what alcohol really gave you—and what it took✅ Start journaling with purpose, power, and peace 🔗 Links + Resources: ✨ Book a FREE coaching call with me → addictionunlimited.com/call 🔥 Another episode:  Grieving the Loss of Alcohol 💛 Join the community → Facebook Group 📱 Follow me on Instagram → @addictionunlimited   ⏱️ Timestamps – Episode #380: Grief in Sobriety: Saying Goodbye to Your ‘Best Frenemy’ 00:00 – Why You Miss Alcohol (Even When It’s Hurting You)Exploring the emotional confusion of quitting drinking and why it feels like grief. 01:30 – What No One Tells You About Early SobrietyAngela shares the emotional chaos of missing alcohol and how it impacts your identity. 03:15 – How Alcohol Slowly Takes Over Your LifeThe grooming phase: how drinking goes from social fun to emotional dependency. 06:10 – The Science of Craving: How Alcohol Hijacks Your BrainLearn how alcohol rewires your reward system and trains your brain to believe you need it. 08:25 – When Alcohol Becomes Your IdentityFrom “fun wine girl” to isolation—how alcohol slowly shapes how you see yourself and your social life. 11:40 – Grieving the Lie: The Emotional Breakup with AlcoholWhy quitting feels like losing a part of yourself—and how to start healing emotionally. 13:00 – The Bear Analogy: Understanding the Addicted BrainAngela’s signature tool to explain relapse triggers and how to protect your progress. 15:45 – 5 Triggers That Wake the Bear (and What to Do Instead)Clear, actionable tools to stay grounded in recovery and stop sabotaging your success. 19:30 – Coaching That Helps You Go DeeperHow personalized support can take you from surviving sobriety to building a life you love. 21:00 – Free Recovery Resource: Goodbye, Alcohol Healing JournalGrab the journal prompts that help you unpack your grief and stay emotionally clear. 💬 If this episode hit home… Please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

You quit drinking to feel better — and you do. But you also feel... a little lost. Your old life doesn’t quite fit, and the new one still feels unfamiliar. Welcome to the identity crisis no one warned you about. In this episode, we’re talking about what really happens after you get sober — the part beyond the cravings and the willpower. Because when alcohol is no longer part of your life, it takes your old routines, confidence, and identity with it. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore…” this episode is for you. You’ll learn: Why feeling disconnected is actually a normal part of early sobriety The 3 phases of the identity shift that every sober woman goes through How to get out of the “in between” phase and build a life that actually feels aligned Plus, I’ll give you practical tools and journal prompts to help you reconnect with who you really are — without alcohol. This isn’t just about staying sober — it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.   🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Episode #29 with Jenn Kautsch (Sober Sis): https://addictionunlimited.com/jenn-kautsch/ 📞 Is Angela the Right Coach for You? Book a Call Here: https://addictionunlimited.com/call 💬 Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited 🛏️ Cozy Earth – Save 40% with Code ANGELA: https://cozyearth.com   🔥 Highlights & Time Stamps [00:00] Why sobriety brings an unexpected identity crisis [03:15] My personal story: Letting go of the bar scene and finding new purpose [09:40] Phase 1 – The Drift: Why everything feels “off” even after you quit [15:22] Phase 2 – The Discomfort: When the old life fades, but the new one isn’t clear yet [21:15] Mid-roll ad: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets — sleep cooler, feel better [23:20] Phase 3 – The Becoming: How to stop surviving and start becoming the woman you want to be [28:40] 4 practical tools to support your identity shift this week

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I don’t think I need to quit completely—maybe I can just cut back…” This episode is for you. I’m sharing a story about a client—let’s call her Sarah—who had all the drinking “rules”: ✅only on weekends ✅never before 5 p.m. ✅only wine And still… every Monday, she felt ashamed. Not because she got blackout drunk—but because she broke yet another promise to herself. That’s when it hit me—what Sarah really wanted wasn’t moderation. She wanted to drink without consequences. And that’s the trap. Because moderation feels like control… but it’s actually just a delay tactic. One that keeps you stuck, confused, and constantly negotiating with something you’ve already lost control of. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on: Why moderation seems safer but quietly steals your progress What’s really happening when you keep trying to “regain control” The emotional truth that no one’s saying out loud And my 3-question Clarity Framework to help you figure out your next step This isn’t just information—it’s a turning point. And if you’ve been white-knuckling the moderation loop, trying to avoid quitting altogether, it’s time for some real relief. You’re not doing anything 'wrong', you’re just tired from trying to fix something that can’t be fixed. 🔗 Links & Resources: 💥 Join the Dry July Coaching Challenge → https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited 🎧 Listen to “Relief, Not Relapse” (Episode 376) → addictionunlimited.com/376  🔥Want private coaching? Book a FREE call for next steps: addictionunlimited.com/call If this episode cracked something open for you, “Relief Not Relapse” is the perfect follow-up—especially if you're caught in the on-again, off-again loop. Go listen when you're done here! ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 0:00 – IntroSarah’s story, the trap of moderation, and why this episode is your turning point. 1:20 – Welcome + What We’re Talking About TodayWhy this conversation matters, what moderation really represents, and what you’ll learn. 2:30 – Segment 1: The Moderation MindsetWhy moderation feels safer, how it keeps you stuck, and the emotional bait-and-switch no one talks about. 7:45 – Segment 2: The Dangerous Truth About ModerationThe real-life costs of trying to moderate, the risks you're inviting, and the moment that could change everything. 11:30 – Segment 3: The Clarity FrameworkThree powerful questions to get honest about your next step (and stop spinning in the maybe). 14:30 – Your Takeaway + InvitationWhat to remember from this episode, where to get your Clarity Questions, and how to take the next step with support.

If wine feels like the only way you can get through dinner, laundry, or one more bedtime meltdown—this episode is for you. In this powerful solo episode, I’m diving deep into the emotional truth behind mommy wine culture and why it’s not about the alcohol—it’s about the overwhelm, burnout, and emotional depletion so many moms are silently carrying. We’re breaking down: Why quantity doesn’t define a drinking problem—intention does The emotional load motherhood places on women (and what alcohol pretends to fix) 3 real-life sober self-care tools that actually work when you're overstimulated and exhausted How to shift from using alcohol as a coping mechanism to building a self-support system that lasts Whether you’re already sober, sober-curious, or just tired of feeling like wine is your only relief—you’ll leave this episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered.   🔗 Resources & Mentions: 🎧 Episode with Michelle Smith on Mommy Wine Culture 🛌 This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth – use code ANGELA at cozyearth.com for 40% off cooling sheets, loungewear, and more. 📓 Learn more about private coaching at addictionunlimited.com/call   🔧 In This Episode: [03:12] Why wine feels like emotional fuel—not just a treat [08:45] “Am I drinking too much?” The real question to ask [13:01] The One-Song Reset: a powerful nervous system hack [16:17] Grounding techniques for overwhelmed moms [20:42] Reclaiming your energy without the glass of wine [26:05] The truth about emotional addiction (and how to break it)   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 to Do When Cravings Hit and Drinking Feels Like the Only Option When a craving hits, it can feel instant and overwhelming. One minute you’re handling your day, and the next, your brain is screaming for a drink. But here's the truth: you don't actually want the drink—you want relief. And in this episode, I'm giving you the tools to get that relief without sabotaging your sobriety. We’re breaking down the C.A.L.M. Method, a 4-step, science-backed process you can use in the exact moment a craving strikes. Whether you're early in sobriety, navigating emotional triggers, or just sick of the cycle, this episode gives you the step-by-step guide to interrupt the urge and come out stronger on the other side. In this episode, you’ll learn: The crucial difference between thinking about drinking and actually craving a drink Why cravings are physical, not just mental—and how to calm your nervous system fast A powerful mantra that will change how you think about relapse How to shift from panic to empowerment in just a few minutes Real tools, real stories, and a repeatable framework that works You don’t need to white-knuckle your way through a craving. You need strategy, support, and a system that works—especially on the hard days. So if you’re ready to take your power back, press play now. 🔗 Resources & Links: Join the free community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Need support? Learn about coaching with Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Follow Angela on Instagram: @AddictionUnlimited

You don’t drink because you’re weak. You drink because you’ve been stuck in patterns no one ever taught you how to recognize. In this powerful solo episode, I’m walking you through five emotional patterns that quietly sabotage your sobriety—even if you’ve quit drinking before, even if you think you “should have this figured out by now.” These patterns are subtle, but they run deep… and they’re often the very reason women end up back at Day One. So if you’ve ever asked yourself: “Why do I keep doing this when I know better?” “Why does it feel impossible to stop?” “Why do I start strong and then fall right back into old habits?” This episode is for you. Here’s what we’re covering: ✅ The “Peacekeeper Pattern” (a.k.a. people-pleasing and emotional burnout)✅ Why escape isn’t about alcohol—it’s about unprocessed pain✅ How perfectionism, control, and identity confusion are fueling the cycle✅ The exact thoughts these patterns whisper to keep you stuck✅ Journal prompts to help you break the loop and move forward for good 💬 I’ll walk you through each pattern, what it sounds like, how it hijacks your thinking—and how to start taking your power back, one decision at a time. 🎧 Tune in if: You’re tired of starting over and want real tools to make this stick You feel like you’re doing “okay” on the outside but still struggling in secret You’re ready to stop half-assing sobriety and start healing for real   ✨ Ready to stop spinning your wheels? If you’re done screwing around with the same tired cycle—and you’re ready for deep, lasting change—book a free call with me. We’ll get honest about what’s keeping you stuck and map out exactly what working together could look like. 🖱️ Click here to schedule your call → addictionunlimited.com/call 📣 Don’t forget: If this episode hit home, share it with a friend, post it on IG and tag me @addictionunlimited, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other women find this life-changing work. 💛

You don’t actually want the drink.You want relief.You want to quiet your mind, slow your breath, and feel just a little more okay. But here’s what you may not realize:You don’t need alcohol to get there.You need tools—tools that work with your brain and your body, not against them. In this episode, I’m giving you 5 powerful, science-backed things you can do instead of drinking tonight—things that soothe your nervous system, break the craving loop, and help you feel proud of yourself when your head hits the pillow. Whether you're fresh on your sober journey, struggling with nightly cravings, or just need a plan that actually works when the witching hour starts whispering, this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why movement interrupts cravings and resets your nervous system The surprising reason eating something nourishing can make cravings disappear How to rewire your habit loop (without overhauling your whole life) The power of casual connection and why it regulates your brain instantly One simple mindset shift that builds your self-respect and makes drinking less appealing You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through tonight.You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan. Let’s build it together. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🎁 Download the FREE Daily Plan Worksheet + Video WalkthroughYour craving survival plan in one simple tool 📺 Episode 333: The Science Behind Making and Breaking HabitsDive deeper into how habits form—and how to break the cycle 🛏️ Cozy Earth – Use code ANGELA for [discount]% off their ridiculously soft bedding and loungewear 🤝 Schedule a Free Call with AngelaIf you’re ready for structure, support, and real transformation