What causes a relapse? And what are you supposed to do after a relapse, if that's where you find yourself? In this week's episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, we're joined by Patti Clark and Dave Davis, who share their experiences. Patti relapsed after 10 years of sobriety, and shares what she sees now, looking back on that. Dave went through several relapses before finally reaching lasting sobriety, and the lessons he learned from each relapse are what got him to where he is now. Whether you're currently in a relapse cycle, or just want to avoid relapsing in the future, this episode is chock full of everything you need to hear.

In this episode:

• The loss of connection as a cause of relapse
• Finding people you really feel a connection with - not just any support group, but the right one
• Understanding society's influence
• Learn about yourself and your challenges so you can move through them
• Dealing with the shame after relapse
• Sobriety vs. Recovery
• Finding the lesson in a relapse
• Learning to love yourself enough that you can stay sober
• When you're limping along in sobriety, you're likely to relapse

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Patti Clark is the award-winning author of This Way Up: Seven Tools for Unleashing Your Creative Self and Transforming Your Life. Her own experience as a middle-aged woman in recovery is deeply reflected in her new book, Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home.

Patti was born and raised in Northern California, lived in New Zealand for many years, and is now living in Portugal.

Online

https://www.patticlark.org

https://www.facebook.com/PattiClarkAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/patticlarkauthor

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Senior Database Architect by day. Husband, Father, Musician, Photographer, Artist, Internet DJ, Astrologer, Designer and Writer by night. Born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa and later in Cedar Rapids, moved to Illinois in the 80s to go to DeVry. And never left. With many attempts at quitting drinking through the pandemic, it finally worked for me on the 20th of March 2023 and I have not looked back since.

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Facing fear in recovery can feel overwhelming. When you're still using alcohol, it's easy to drink your way through what would be a scary situation. But in sobriety, facing fear means developing resiliency, building confidence and courage, and knowing how to face fear head on.

In this episode, we explore how fear has affected us now that we're in recovery. We talk about what things make us feel afraid or anxious and why. We also share everything we've learned about moving through fear in ways that don't make us want to turn back to alcohol. Join us as we chat with Kenny (Recovery Hill); Corina, and Amber, and share our insights and advice on dealing with fear in recovery.

In this episode:

• Getting sober gives you the confidence to face anything
• Social anxiety and the fear of public speaking
• "Suck it up and just do it."
• Healthy fears vs. unhealthy fears - how to tell the difference
• Fear is about assumption and uncertainty
• The foundation of dysregulation is fear
• Fear can either lead you to worse version of yourself or a better version of yourself - it's up to you.
• Dealing with the fear of major change
• How others influence our fear
• Authenticity decreases the effect that fear has on us
• The more fears you face, the more confident you become
• Fear and excitement are physiologically the same experience
• How to make friends with fear
• Talking about fears helps to release their hold on you
• The process of building resiliency
• Fear has value - and we would be wise to stop avoiding it.

A large number of people who have an alcohol use disorder are using alcohol, at least in part, to self medicate symptoms of anxiety. For many, they don't realize that the alcohol is actually fueling and perpetuating their anxiety, because in the short term, it feels like alcohol is the quickest way to settle racing thoughts and a pounding heart. Removing alcohol from your life will immediately decrease your anxiety levels, but for some people, they're still left with some of the rumination and worry that kept them in a drinking cycle for so long. Learning tools that you can use in place of alcohol is fundamental in sobriety - without these tools, you'll be at risk of relapse.

In this episode, Taylor and Sarah join Julie and Steve to talk about coping with anxiety after quitting alcohol. They offer tips and tools that you can use right now, in addition to some mindset shifts that will be helpful for you to adopt. If you've ever suffered from anxiety - even in small doses - this is an episode you won't want to miss.

For more conversations about anxiety after quitting drinking, check out these previous epsiodes:

How to Cope With Anxiety In Recovery

Social Anxiety and Alcohol

In this episode:

• Panic attacks
• Supplements that help with anxiety after quitting alcohol
• Understanding that drinking actually causes anxiety
• Developing good habits that bring peace (and realizing alcohol counters those habits)
• Mindfulness as an anxiety tool
• Why imagining the worst isn't always a bad thing
• Therapy to increase coping skills
• The subconscious' effect on anxiety
• Why authenticity is at the core of overcoming anxiety

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My name is Taylor! I embarked on my sober journey in January of 2024 after being sober curious for about a year. After years of using alcohol to cope with trauma from abuse, anxiety, OCD & panic attacks, I took the final leap into healing and gave it up.

I am from small town Wisconsin and spend most of my days on the farm with my fiance taking care of our crops, chickens and cows. I am passionate about helping others, traveling, writing, and growing in my faith by participating in Bible study and spending time at our local church. I share my alcohol free journey with others to inspire and build community on TikTok through Tay’s Sober Journey.

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Sarah Siegel-Kolodziejski, originally from a small town in England, relocated to the United States around 30 years ago. With a background in fashion, real estate, and clean beauty, she started her passion project, Pure Clarity, under the motto “mindful drinking, mindful living.” Drawing from her personal journey with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol to an alcohol- free lifestyle 3 years ago, her goal was to create a platform for inspiring leaders, wellness and consumers in the zero-proof movement to come together. Through retreats, classes, and collaboration with alcohol-free brands, she hosts events in southern California for a community dedicated to celebrating an alcohol-free lifestyle fueled by mindful living. Whether for a lifetime, a day, a month or......

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

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In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that so many of us face on our sobriety journey: the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Julie and Steve sit down with Gina (Modern Day Monk), art therapist Heather, and their long time friend Raul, for a great conversation, sharing personal experiences and insights on navigating social events, friendships, and lifestyle changes while staying alcohol-free. Together, they unpack the emotional challenges, offer practical tips, and explore how to create a fulfilling life without the need to "keep up" with the drinking culture. Whether you’re new to sobriety or years into your journey, this conversation is sure to resonate and inspire. Tune in, and let’s tackle FOMO together!

In this episode:

• You'll have to grieve your past life - and that's okay
• We tend to romanticize drinking... but romanticizing is not reality
• Learning to socialize without alcohol
• Fear of missing out on real life instead of fear of missing out on drinking
• Learn how to have fun without alcohol
• Create a recovery where fomo doesn't exist
• Find new ways to celebrate
• True joy only happens without alcohol
• Addressing the parts of you that make you want to avoid being present
• Finding "JOMO"
• Find people who make you want to do better

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Hello my people!

My name is Gina Murillo also known as Modern Day Monk. I'm a strong woman in long term sustained recovery and I live a wonderful life as a result of that. I consider myself a vibe influencer, a recovery rapper, and recovery speaker. I teach Muay Thai kickboxing and train Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the best gym in Grand Junction called Grand Valley Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I'm also a full time student at Colorado State University and spend my free time helping others in all kinds of ways. My intention is to share my experience, strength, and hope with the world to help empower those around me. You can find some of the life lessons that I have learned on my social media, as I share them to inspire others. Thank you for taking the time to check out my journey. All love.

https://moderndaymonkmusic.com

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

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In this episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, we take a look into the ripple effects sobriety can have on personal relationships. Often, the road to recovery isn't just about changing your habits—it's about transforming the way you interact with the people closest to you. Whether it's mending broken trust, fostering deeper connections, or navigating difficult conversations, sobriety will profoundly impact your connections. In this episode, you'll hear real-life stories from author Patti Clark and Kerryann, finance professional and student of psychology, who have experienced these shifts firsthand, sharing their insights, struggles, and successes in rebuilding bonds and fostering healthier relationships in their journey to sobriety.

In this episode:

• The painful reality of letting certain relationships go
• Choosing relationships carefully
• How your spouse can support you
• Different people will react to your sobriety in different ways
• How to respond when people think you're boring
• Dealing with the friction when you stand up for yourself
• Removing expectations from relationships
• Relationships with teen children
• Codependency, and how to disconnect with love
• Connected relationships shine a light on the empty ones

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Patti Clark is the award-winning author of This Way Up: Seven Tools for Unleashing Your Creative Self and Transforming Your Life. Her own experience as a middle-aged woman in recovery is deeply reflected in her new book, Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home.

Patti was born and raised in Northern California, lived in New Zealand for many years, and is now living in Portugal.

https://www.patticlark.org

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

You can also find Julie and Steve on:

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In this episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, we focus on one of the most crucial phases of recovery: your first 30 days sober. Five people share what they experienced during this transformative period, offering an honest look at the challenges, triumphs, and lessons they’ve learned. If you're in the early stages of your own sober journey and are wondering what to expect, these stories provide powerful insights, encouragement, and practical advice. Tune in for raw, real-life reflections on navigating sobriety’s beginning steps and learn how to thrive, not just survive these first 30 days.

In this episode:

• Setting small goals
• Finding support in a community
• How your partner can support you
• Overcoming the shame that comes with addiction
• The benefits of therapy
• Doing it for you - instead of for someone else
• Making it your only job - no matter what, all that matters is that you don't drink
• Dealing with emotions in early sobriety
• Withdrawals
• Giving yourself grace and patience
• Permission to be selfish for awhile

If you're making your way through early sobriety, or are ready to quit drinking, make sure you check out these episodes also:

What to Expect In Early Sobriety

What We Wish We Knew About the First 30 Days of Sobriety

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

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In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the hidden challenges of cross addiction and transfer addiction. You've worked hard to get sober, but now a new struggle may arise—swapping one addiction for another. Transfer addictions often sneak into our lives without us even realizing it. Stay tuned for a conversation with Daniel, Robbie, and Nadine, where we uncover some cross addictions and talk about how to tackle those, now that alcohol is out of the picture. We’ll help you recognize the signs of cross addiction, understand why it happens, and explore proven strategies for overcoming it.

In this episode:

• What it means to have an "addictive personality"
• Recognizing the patterns when addictive behaviors show up
• Why society tries to tell you that "healthy addiction" is okay
• Facing what's under the addiction
• Temporary fixes and why they don't work
• The implications and dangers of social media addiction
• Finding a balance with behavioral addiction
• Escaping by helping others so you don't have to face your own problems
• Shedding unhealthy behaviors and continuing to grow
• Recognizing when something is no longer serving you

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Daniel Tate, Akron Ohio, married with 2 children that are active supports of journey, was computer engineer and now patent attorney writing computer/electrical patents for large companies (self driving autonomous cars, all the electronics in your phone, etc.). October 4th sobriety day. Created Slay Slay the Poison Dragon ~ IWNDPWYT we have 2.7k members and focus on a safe and non-judgement space where we authentically share as friends (sober group, but more focused on life group since life causes us to drink), have everyone from sober curious to years of sobriety.

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After 20 years of heavy drinking, I finally found the courage to stop in the fall of 2020. At 38 years old, I am chipping away at bettering myself and finding out who I truly am. I work at a resort in Olympic Valley. While I'm not currently in the field, I am passionate about farming and sustainable food systems. I love attending and helping out with live music events. I'm currently attempting to play the ukulele, but for now will leave the live performing up to the professionals. I enjoy swimming and cold river plunges. I love anything I can do with the husky dog Mulligan including: hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, and reading. I so enjoy coffee, bubble water, and chatting with anyone who will listen/engage about sobriety. Connection truly does beat addiction. @dinaplaysoutside

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Robbie: I started my sobriety journey due to being sick of the same old story I would put myself though. I found my cannabis and alcohol use getting worse as the years went on. I used them to cope with everything and anything. I'm now nine months sober, I couldn't be happier with my decision to take on this new journey

https://www.podbean.com/pa/pbblog-ua75n-e24517

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

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Are you tired of getting in your own way on the path to sobriety? It’s often said that we’re our own worst enemy, and that rings especially true when it comes to problematic alcohol use. If you’ve ever found yourself making progress, only to suddenly stumble and fall back into old patterns, self-sabotage could be the culprit. Understanding how self sabotage and addiction recovery are related is the key to overcoming these self destructive behaviors.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the many faces of self-sabotage—because it comes in more forms than you might think. We’re joined by Sean, Rick, and Leah, who open up about their own struggles with self-sabotage during recovery. Together, we’ll not only share our personal stories but also offer insights and strategies to help you recognize your own self-destructive tendencies and break free from them.

Ready to stop tripping yourself up? Tune in and take the first step toward reclaiming your recovery journey.

In this episode:

• Admitting and accepting that you have a problem with alcohol
• Learning to be honest with yourself
• Uncovering and processing childhood trauma
• Masking, self abandonment, people pleasing and perfectionism
• How to find a community so you can stop trying to overcome addiction alone
• Understanding why we self sabotage
• Lack of vulnerability as self sabotage
• Calling out procrastination and seeing it for what it really is
• The myth of the "high functioning alcoholic"
• Avoiding discomfort as a symptom of self sabotage
• Allowing space for grace and patience in the process of recovery

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Leah lives in Corona Del Mar, CA with her husband “Cheese” and mini labradoodle Coral. She has been alcohol free since 1/1/24 and independent of cannabis since 4/4/24. Leah retired from teaching elementary music and has stepped into the healing world to discover yoga, reiki, meditation and breathwork. Sobriety is her superpower and she is grateful for communities like Through the Glass and I am Sober to provide support in recovery.

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Rick - M.A. and Ph.D. in History and History Education, college and staff advisor for Alcohol Use Disorder. He leads sobriety support meetings for the Luckiest Club, an online group. He has been active in the I am Sober app community for almost five years. Sober date 27 July 2019.

Rick teaches History at Wabash, a small college in Indiana and writes mostly about food in history. His first career was in the kitchen as a professional chef in Vermont and California, and he continues to cook for special events and teaches cooking in his history classes. Hence, he is often seen on The Luckiest Club sobriety meetings meets as "Chef Prof Rick" and his handle on the I Am Sober app is Chef56.

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Sean has been in sustained recovery since the day he blew zeroes in detox on 12-3-21. He has been living in an Oxford House since 12-16-21, began his recovery service work in Chapter and State level officer roles with them, and was hired as an Outreach Worker for Oxford House, Inc. in July of 2023. He currently lives at Oxford House Ashrise in Rifle, CO. He enjoys gaming (both digital and analog), being outdoors in the Colorado mountains, exploring new cities by scooter when he travels, zen Buddhist studies, lounging at home with his murder muffins, and especially cherishes spending time with his daughters.

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Visit our website at throughtheglassrecovery.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter, and to gain access to our FREE weekly recovery meetings.

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