In this solo episode Ray looks at three issues he has experienced in his sobriety journey. He discusses the fact that very few celebrities of color speak about sobriety and applauds those who do. He highlights that the portrayal of sobriety online and in the media is different to the reality but emphasizes that despite this difference, sobriety is one of the most rewarding and beneficial things you can do for yourself. He also talks about sobriety fatigue and offers advice on how to get through it. 

Empowering Representation

Ray begins by highlighting the significance of celebrities of color sharing their journeys of sobriety. He points to Tiffany Haddish as a powerful example of representation in the media. "You don't really hear a lot of folks of color, specifically black people, celebrities, that is, talking about some of these darker aspects," Ray reflects, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in the narrative of recovery.

The Misleading Portrayal on Social Media

Ray dives into the misleading portrayal of sobriety on social media. He critiques the trend of "influencer sobriety," where addiction seems like a distant memory, painting an overly simplistic picture. "Influencer sobriety is a world where alcohol addiction is history, but it's all too neat," Ray remarks, stressing the need for honesty and realism about the challenges of recovery.

Facing Sobriety Fatigue

Ray shares his own experiences  of sobriety fatigue. "I feel as though that there is a, oftentimes, at least for me, there was a honeymoon, right? In early sobriety, you're really trying to stack those days and maintain a degree of clarity." He discusses the exhaustion that can accompany long-term recovery and the importance of staying engaged in the journey despite the challenges.

Ray emphasizes the value of finding tools and support that work for each individual's recovery journey. Whether it's therapy, support groups, or creative outlets, he encourages listeners to explore what resonates with them personally. 

Links to media mentioned

Podcast with Tiffany Haddish: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conversation-with-amanda-de-cadenet/id1514866495?i=1000650119199
Article by Ashe Davenport: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/30/giving-up-drinking-alcohol-tips-advice

Connect with the show

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

Apply to be a guest:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays 

YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ⁠⁠⁠

Resources

⁠⁠⁠https://www.samhsa.gov/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinreframeapp.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theluckiestclub.com/⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.aa.org/⁠⁠⁠ 

Add Stack’n’days to your calendar: 

⁠https://id.podcal.app/1668847465.ics⁠

Instructions:

Apple Calendar (iOS): Click “Calendars” > “Add Calendar” > “Add Subscription Calendar,” then provide the URL above Apple Calendar (macOS): File > “New Calendar Subscription,” then provide the URL above. 

Google Calendar: Go to ⁠calendar.google.com⁠ > “Other calendars” > “+” > “From URL,” then provide the URL above