357: The Normalization of Abnormal Drinking

The Holy Grail of anyone with an alcohol use disorder is moderation. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at why moderation (or social drinking) is very rarely achievable. We discuss the energy and effort that people put into trying to achieve it. The reason that we struggle with moderation is because of the perception that alcohol can benefit us when the reality is very different.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

We discuss how the alcohol industry has tricked us into believing alcohol is harmless and beneficial to us. And how they have convinced us that without alcohol we are missing out on something. We challenge the myths and assumptions that have lead to the normalization of abnormal drinking.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

The biggest challenge Veronica faced was dealing with romantic relationships. At 3 years sober she was suicidal again. With nothing left to lose she had to find a way to deal with old demons and stay sober.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, we cover Veronica's story. How she became an alcoholic, what happened, and what led her into sobriety.   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.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli discusses the challenges of staying sober during the summer, a season often associated with fun and drinking. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the summer without alcohol, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between the fantasy of drinking and the reality. Valli encourages listeners to embrace the gifts of sobriety and to focus on the positive aspects of a sober summer. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Suze Silvius, who shares her extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood in Canada to her struggles with alcohol and eventual path to recovery. Suze discusses her early relationship with alcohol, the emotional angst she felt throughout her life, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She reflects on the impact of her environment, including her move to Mexico, and how the drinking culture there influenced her habits. Suze's story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of support in overcoming addiction. In this conversation, Sus S shares her transformative journey from desperation to hope through her work with Veronica Valli. They discuss the importance of self-realization, taking responsibility for one's own life, and the power of shifting perspectives to achieve emotional regulation. Sus reflects on her past struggles and the significant changes she has experienced over the past year, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future and the continuous journey of personal growth. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Ian Young, a long-time friend and colleague in the treatment industry. Ian shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth in North London to a life of addiction, counterculture, and ultimately recovery. He discusses his experiences with drug smuggling, political activism, and the challenges he faced with family dynamics. Ian reflects on his rock bottom moment and the transformative power of seeking help, leading to his current work in addiction treatment. In this conversation, Ian Young shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery, detailing the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety and dedicate his life to helping others. He discusses the importance of finding purpose in recovery, the challenges of maintaining integrity in the treatment industry, and the innovative approaches he has developed in his holistic recovery programs. Ian emphasizes the significance of community, personal growth, and the integration of various therapeutic modalities in fostering lasting recovery. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the SoberFull podcast, Veronica Valli interviews Randy Haverson, who shares his remarkable journey of sobriety spanning over 42 years. Randy discusses his early struggles with addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the profound difference between simply being sober and being in recovery. He emphasizes the importance of emotional sobriety, self-discovery, and the strength found in vulnerability. The conversation highlights the ongoing journey of personal growth and the transformative power of connecting with others who share similar experiences. In this conversation, Randy and Veronica explore the transformative journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of inner dialogue, support systems, and self-discovery. They discuss the significance of play and emotional understanding in recovery, as well as the empowerment that comes from overcoming personal struggles. Randy shares insights from his own experiences, including the role of therapy and journaling, and highlights the continuous nature of personal growth. The conversation concludes with reflections on connection, purpose, and the profound changes that can occur when one commits to recovery. To learn more, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.