Craving Love, Not Wine: Reframing Addiction With Dr. Donna Marks

What if every addiction—whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or even your phone—is actually a substitute for love?In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with the wise and wonderfully candid Dr. Donna Marks. She’s a psychotherapist, addictions counselor, educator, and author with 30+ years of experience helping people find freedom from addiction by turning inward—not outward—for healing. She’s written Exit the Maze and The Healing Moment, and has created an award-winning addiction training program in Florida. Today, she joins us to unpack what addiction really is… and how self-love is the way through.We cover a lot in this episode—everything from the impact of childhood trauma to the sugar-cocaine connection (seriously, it’s wild), to whether things like medical marijuana or Ozempic are helping people heal… or just creating new problems. You’ll hear about the sneaky ways addiction hides in everyday habits, why medication isn't always the magic answer, and how to truly support your brain and body on the road to recovery.Expect real talk, powerful insights, and a whole lot of “ohhh that makes so much sense” moments. We also get personal—Dr. Marks shares her own story of relapse, healing, and radical transformation. Plus, Kathleen opens up about her sugar detox journey and navigating ADHD medication in recovery.Don’t miss Dr. Marks talking about growing up in an addicted household, what led to her own relapse, and how she reclaimed her life through love, not punishment. Her transformation is seriously inspiring.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support space helping women change their relationship with alcohol. Want more tools, prompts, and inspiration? Head over to our Substack for all the extra goodness.Highlights from the Episode:00:02 – How Dr. Marks turned a painful upbringing into her purpose00:06 – What caused her relapse after 23 years sober00:08 – The problem with how doctors still treat pain—especially for people in recovery00:10 – Why she built an addiction training program (spoiler: no one knew what to look for)00:13 – Big Pharma, overprescribing, and how therapy sometimes misses the mark00:17 – Kathleen’s personal update on tapering ADHD meds and cutting sugar00:20 – That time sugar in salad dressing brought back all the cravings00:23 – Why addiction is never really about the substance00:25 – How childhood gaps in care create emotional holes we try to fill00:28 – What true self-love looks like (and how to build it daily)00:33 – Dr. Marks' take on how addiction drives most physical and mental illness00:35 – Screen addiction, food noise, and feeling stuck in a loop00:37 – Are drugs like Ozempic a shortcut—or just another trap?00:39 – How trauma can actually become a doorway to growth00:42 – What forgiveness actually looks like in healing00:44 – The telltale sign you’ve swapped one addiction for another00:46 – “Progress, not perfection”—why this mindset is everything00:47 – Final takeaways on sacred self-care, flexibility, and finding peaceLinks to Connect with Dr. Donna Marks:🌐 Website: drdonnamarks.com📸 Instagram: @drdonnamarksMore from Sisters in Sobriety:💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What really happens when you start dating sober? Sonia sits down with Alida Flannery, a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, founder of Epiphany Recovery, and co-founder of the women’s sober collective SOULBRIETY. Alida opens up about navigating love and relationships without alcohol—and let’s just say, her first sober date included dogs, a hike, and thankfully, no cocktails.Alida shares what it was like re-entering the dating scene after sobriety, how she negotiated her way down from a proposed 100-date challenge.Together, Sonia and Alida talk about what it means to stay true to yourself in the dating world, and why sometimes a second drink at lunch is more telling than it seems. This episode has raw honesty that only two sober women can bring to the table.If you’ve ever wondered how to answer “Why don’t you drink?” on a date, what it means when someone orders six martinis, or how to spot love that feels like home instead of chaos, this one’s for you.Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love—like, comment, and subscribe to catch more from our Truth About Sober Dating, Sex & Relationships series. And if you’ve got your own wild sober date story or green flag moment, drop it in the comments. We want to hear all the juicy details.Links• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community• Sisters In Sobriety Email• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast• Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Chris Janssen—board-certified coach, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want, and all-around powerhouse when it comes to helping high-achieving women let go of shame and perfectionism and finally get free.Chris doesn’t just coach people through sobriety and mindset shifts—she’s lived it. After 14 years of sobriety, she found herself drinking again. She had the perfect life on paper, a thriving coaching practice, and a head full of recovery tools… and still, alcohol crept back in. What happened next? A whole lot of hard truths, humbling lessons, and eventually—freedom. Again.In this chat, we’re getting into: • What to do when you think maybe you can drink again• Why it’s so easy to fall into the “I should be able to moderate” trap• How to tell the difference between fear and vigilance• What to do when you’re stuck in perfectionism and performance pressure• Why community is the non-negotiable (even if you're embarrassed to go back)• The truth about relapsing—and why you are never, ever starting over from zeroChris also shares some incredibly powerful coaching tools for breaking toxic patterns, reframing setbacks, and rewriting your own rules. Spoiler alert: they’re useful whether you’re on Day One or Day 3,000.This is one of those episodes that’ll stick with you—because it’s real, raw, and hopeful as hell.This is Sisters in Sobriety—the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Come hang out on our Substack for tips, community, and the kind of conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Meet Chris Janssen: mindset coach, bestselling author, and secretly-struggling wine mom turned sober sage01:30 – Chris’s first sober journey: high-functioning on the outside, suffering on the inside05:00 – The moment everything changed: one meeting, one sentence, and a huge weight lifted07:15 – Raising three kids in sobriety and why “no one ever saw me drunk” isn’t the whole story09:00 – 14 years later: the move, the pandemic, the identity crisis, and the return of wine11:10 – Trying to “think” your way through moderation (and why it never works)13:30 – The trap of perfectionism: how losing her sober streak messed with her mind15:00 – When sober groups don’t fit—and why it’s okay to admit they’re not for you17:30 – The mindful drinking myth and other lies we tell ourselves19:00 – Fear vs. vigilance: how to fast-forward the tape without spiraling21:00 – Playing it smart, not scared: tools for staying sober without white-knuckling23:00 – Relapse shame, pride in reverse, and why going back can be the bravest move26:00 – Labels, stigma, and what to say when people ask why you don’t drink30:00 – What “grace yourself” really means—and how to stop trying to control your worth33:00 – Releasing perfectionism: write down your made-up rules and start again35:45 – Boredom or serenity? Why stillness freaks us out37:00 – First steps for breaking a cycle when you feel totally stuck39:00 – Peak performance and recovery: choosing your hard and focusing forward41:15 – How Chris wishes she’d handled her relapse43:30 – Do you really have to go back to Day One? (Spoiler: maybe not)45:00 – What’s next for Chris: more coaching, more writing, more realnessLinks & Resources:🌐 Chris Janssen’s Website📘 Grace Yourself (Book)📸 Chris on Instagram📘 Chris on Facebook💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen 📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

She’s back! 🚨 In this bite-sized bonus episode, we welcome newlywed and sober lifestyle expert Hilary Sheinbaum—the brilliant mind behind GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge and Going Dry: A Workbook—for our new series The Truth About Sober Dating, Sex, and Love.We hit her with 10 juicy questions about sober dating, first-time sober sex, red (and green!) flags, her Barry's Bootcamp date strategy, and what love looks like without the booze goggles. 💪💋If you've ever wondered what to say when someone asks, “Why don’t you drink?”, how to survive your first dry date, or what Taylor Swift song sums up your love life—this one’s for you.💡Fun fact: Hilary met her husband because she stopped drinking. Talk about a sober love story.Links• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community• Sisters In Sobriety Email• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast• Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever wish you had a reset button for your habits—and maybe your relationship with alcohol too? On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are chatting with Silvia Subirana, a clinical psychologist and the Head of Content at MyDry30, an app that’s part sober-curious experiment, part life makeover. Silvia is here to share how MyDry30 helps people drink less (or not at all) without guilt—and how it can help you feel better in your body, your mind, and your everyday life.We’re diving into all the good stuff: Why does alcohol feel like such a default in our social lives? What’s the science behind changing habits (especially the sticky ones)? And how can tools like hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement actually help us feel more grounded and in control? If you’ve ever wondered how to quit something without it feeling like a punishment—this one’s for you.Silvia breaks it all down. We talk about how habits are wired into our brains, how our bodies often know what’s up before our minds catch on, and why adding more to your life (not just taking alcohol away) is a key part of feeling fulfilled. Plus, she shares the surprising benefits of gratitude texts, tiny daily rituals, and letting go of perfection when you're trying something new.We also get personal—Silvia opens up about her own story: a gut-health wake-up call, why she stayed alcohol-free even when she technically could go back, and how she found her way to MyDry30. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of starting over, or wondered if moderation is even for you, this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a deep exhale.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-stamped Highlights00:00 – Meet Silvia, psychologist and content lead at MyDry3001:30 – Silvia’s path from psychology to sobriety to building a wellness app03:10 – The health issue that made alcohol a no-go05:00 – Why MyDry30 never uses guilt or shame to promote change06:50 – The app’s daily combo: movement, journaling, hypnosis (yes, really!)08:30 – Demystifying hypnotherapy (no swinging watches here)10:45 – Why “being in a trance” is just super-deep relaxation12:20 – How our brains form habits (even ones we don’t want)14:00 – Why journaling hits different than venting to a friend15:30 – How MyDry30 handles “slip-ups” with kindness17:00 – Shifting from “I can’t drink” to “I don’t want to”18:30 – The power of connection: why gratitude texts matter20:00 – Why alcohol cravings feel different from food cravings21:30 – When your body says “enough already” louder than your mind23:00 – Silvia’s take on healing stress through body awareness25:00 – Breathwork and grounding: not just for yogis26:30 – The 5-4-3-2-1 method to snap out of spirals28:00 – If you keep starting over, you’re not broken—you’re human29:30 – What is gray area drinking… and is it working for you?31:00 – Moderation vs. sobriety: which path is actually harder?32:00 – Be curious! Experimenting is better than perfection33:30 – What’s next for MyDry30: 90-day programs, your way34:45 – Wrapping up: it’s okay to go slow, and you’re not aloneLinksCheck out MyDry30https://mydry30.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mydry30app💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramRead lessOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia sits down with Kaitlin Henry, wellness advocate and host of the Step Zero podcast, to bust the myth that you need to hit rock bottom before making a change. Kaitlin shares her story of choosing sobriety not from crisis but from clarity — and how her decision to quit drinking started with a juice cleanse and a broken foot. From wine-mom culture to the shame-fueled cycles we normalize, this episode is a vulnerable, powerful conversation about reclaiming your life before it falls apart.What is “gray area drinking”? How do societal messages keep women stuck in patterns that don’t serve them? How do you navigate sobriety when everyone around you still drinks? Sonia and Kaitlin dig into these questions and more — discussing sober curiosity, emotional sobriety, and how self-worth plays a central role in long-term recovery. This is an honest, eye-opening episode about the moments before you quit — and why they matter just as much.Kaitlin also shares insight into how programs like AA and Al-Anon supported her healing, the value of community in early sobriety, and how motherhood, identity, and relationships evolve on the other side of alcohol.She shares the deep inner work that came through step nine of AA, and the hard decisions she had to make — including ending her marriage — to protect her sobriety. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t “bad enough” to change your life.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources.Highlights00:00:00 – Sonia introduces the episode and guest Kaitlin Henry, opening the conversation around the myth of "rock bottom."00:02:40 – Kaitlin shares how alcohol was normalized in her childhood and used as an emotional crutch.00:05:20 – She discusses the progression from casual drinking to a pattern of dependency in her adult life.00:08:00 – The story of her personal “rock bottom” begins with a juice cleanse and an unexpected injury.00:10:40 – Kaitlin reflects on how breaking her foot catalyzed her decision to stop drinking for a short time.00:13:20 – She discovers the terms “gray area drinking” and “sober curious” during her research online.00:16:00 – Kaitlin opens up about her father’s alcohol use and how it mirrored her own issues.00:18:41 – Her early experiences in Al-Anon and the growing realization that she, too, had a problem.00:21:21 – Sonia and Kaitlin discuss the power of comparison and denial in identifying a drinking problem.00:24:01 – Kaitlin details her resistance to AA and eventual surrender to deeper personal work.00:26:41 – She finds support and connection in her first AA meeting, where she finally feels seen.00:29:21 – Kaitlin shares how emotional release and crying became a huge part of her healing in early sobriety.00:32:01 – A conversation about how media, pop culture, and “wine mom” culture distort what’s normal.00:34:41 – Kaitlin talks about the social stigma of being a mom in recovery and how she shifted her narrative.00:37:22 – Finding new, supportive friendships and making mocktails part of her sober life.00:40:02 – She explains how sobriety gave her space to rediscover identity and purpose beyond motherhood.00:42:42 – A reflection on her time in grad school, realizing she wanted to work with people ready to change.00:45:22 – Kaitlin describes how she began showing her kids what sobriety and purpose can look like.00:48:02 – She shares how her sobriety impacted her marriage and eventually led to a major fork in the road.00:50:42 – The power of step nine, doing deep amends work, and the emotional shift that followed.LinksGet In Touch With Kaitlin 💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s be honest—perimenopause isn’t exactly a hot topic at dinner, and alcohol’s role in our lives (and cultures) is often more complicated than we realize. In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is diving into both with the help of Sukhi Dhillon is a dental educator, mom of two, and the voice behind OneSikhMom on social media, where she uses humor, heart, and reels to talk about everything from Sikhi and parenting to cycle-breaking, menopause, and yes—booze. She is a go-to community voice for honest conversations and cultural connection.So what’s really going on when it comes to menopause in the South Asian community? Why do so many women feel blindsided by symptoms—and alone in dealing with them? Sukhi helps us unpack questions around health literacy, how culture shapes what’s considered “private,” and why it’s so hard to get support. We also dig into alcohol—how it’s celebrated and expected in many South Asian spaces, but stigmatized differently for women. And of course, we get into that tricky question: Why do we feel like fun has to come with a drink in hand?From early onset menopause in South Asian women to the double standards around alcohol use, Sukhi sheds light on topics most people are too shy—or too uncomfortable—to bring up. She talks about the importance of culturally specific care, the role of peer pressure in adult drinking (yes, it’s still a thing), and the value of being “that person” who starts the hard conversations. If you’re curious about cycle-breaking, mental health, or talking to your kids about alcohol in a more honest way than just yelling “don’t do it!”—this is the episode for you.Sukhi also shares her own journey—how years of confusing symptoms led her to research perimenopause herself, why she started speaking out online, and the powerful messages she receives from women every day who finally feel seen.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources—and maybe pass this episode along to a friend who needs to hear it.Episode Highlights00:01 Meet Sukhi: mom, educator, community organizer, content creator01:50 Why she started speaking up about taboo topics in the South Asian community03:30 The perimenopause denial phase—what she wishes she’d known sooner04:30 Sharing symptoms publicly and the surprising response she got06:00 Her DMs are full of important conversations (and ideas for future content)07:00 Organizing mobile health clinics at the Gurdwara08:30 Why reproductive health is still so hush-hush in our families09:30 The impact of being told to “push through it” like our moms did10:30 How menopause symptoms differ for South Asian women11:00 The science behind early menopause—and why doctors often miss it12:00 Traditional remedies, soy, and navigating food myths14:00 Culture vs. religion when it comes to women's health15:30 Alcohol as status, celebration—and coping mechanism16:30 Aunties drinking publicly and the shift in expectations18:00 The peer pressure to drink, even as adults20:00 “You’re not drinking? What’s wrong with you?”21:00 Stigma around sobriety and how it impacts recovery22:00 The very real struggles South Asian women face in getting help23:00 Resources that are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed25:00 Intergenerational trauma, parenting styles, and how it all connects27:00 How to actually talk to your kids about alcohol (without freaking out)29:00 Why our parents didn’t prioritize self-care—and how we can31:00 Teaching kids that emotions are not a weakness32:00 The glamorization of drinking in pop culture and Punjabi music34:00 Where to go for reliable South Asian health info36:00 What Sukhi’s working on next—and how to follow alongGet in touch with SukhiYouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebookLinks💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Kathleen and Sonia sit down with Dr. Erica Matluck, a holistic doctor, mother, and the creator of Seven Senses, a holistic framework for healing and transformation. Trained as a naturopathic doctor, family nurse practitioner, Reiki Master, and multidisciplinary yoga instructor, Dr. Matluck brings over two decades of experience in both conventional and alternative medicine to her work. She integrates Eastern philosophy and ancient wisdom into her approach to wellbeing, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Vogue, and Women’s Health.This episode dives into the mind-body connection, exploring how chakras can be a framework for healing. Dr. Matluck shares her personal journey from conventional medicine to holistic healing and explains why compartmentalization in healthcare limits our ability to thrive. How does alcohol fit into the equation? The discussion covers emotional bypassing, the root cause of disease, and how to decompartmentalize health for a more integrative approach.Listeners will learn about the chakras as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms, the role of emotional bypassing in addiction and numbing behaviors, how to recognize energetic imbalances in the body and start self-healing practices, why conventional medicine focuses on survival but true healing goes beyond functionality, and how to reconnect with yourself after quitting alcohol.Dr. Matluck opens up about how losing her mother to cancer at a young age sparked her curiosity about alternative healing. She shares how witnessing both conventional and holistic treatments shaped her philosophy of care. From her early introduction to Reiki to working in mainstream medical institutions, she reveals how her approach evolved—ultimately leading her back to the wisdom she first discovered decades ago.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Highlights:[00:00:00] Welcome to Sisters in Sobriety – introducing Dr. Erica Matluck[00:01:08] Erica’s background in naturopathy, nursing, Reiki, and yoga[00:01:39] Why she transitioned from conventional medicine to holistic healing[00:02:13] How losing her mother to cancer shaped her approach to healing[00:04:37] Discovering Reiki and energy work as a teenager[00:06:14] What are chakras? Erica’s unique perspective on this ancient framework[00:08:15] The chakras as bridges between the conscious and unconscious mind[00:10:41] Why compartmentalized healthcare leaves us feeling disconnected[00:14:50] How to identify energetic imbalances and blocked chakras[00:18:09] The power of breathwork in balancing your energy[00:20:00] Why modern medicine separates survival from true wellbeing[00:26:39] Alcohol and emotional bypassing: how numbing prevents true healing[00:28:49] The importance of intention in alcohol consumption[00:30:15] What happens when we remove numbing agents? Preparing for discomfort[00:32:16] Meditation and movement: tools for processing emotions without alcohol[00:34:34] Post-alcohol healing: daily strategies to reconnect with yourself[00:36:07] Common misconceptions about holistic medicine and integrative health[00:40:00] How defining “holistic” for yourself helps you find the right practitioner[00:41:15] Upcoming projects: Erica’s Substack, retreats, and courses on root cause healing[00:42:07] Closing thoughts and where to find Erica onlineLinks & Resources:How to Connect with Erica:Dr. Erica Matluck’s Substack - https://drericamatluck.substack.com/Seven Senses Retreat: Gnosis Mallorca - https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/gnosis-mallorca💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever feel like you need to hit rock bottom before making a change? Think again! This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Andrea Seydel, a happiness and resilience expert who’s here to challenge the outdated recovery narrative. Andrea is the author of Recovery Without Rock Bottom and the creator of Ready for Recovery Magazine, a fresh take on healing that’s all about building yourself up—not tearing yourself down. With a background in happiness studies and positive psychology, she’s got the science-backed tools to help you rethink recovery and reclaim your life.So, what’s on the table today?Do you really need to hit rock bottom, or is that just a myth?What are some early signs that your relationship with alcohol (or other habits) might need a reset?Why do so many recovery programs focus on what you need to quit instead of what you need to build?How can we rewire our brains to make lasting, positive changes?What’s the best way to support someone struggling with addiction without losing yourself in the process?Takeaways from this episode:Recovery isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about rediscovering yourself.You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to make a change.Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace.Your brain is wired for change, and small shifts can make a huge difference.Community and support matter more than willpower alone.Andrea also shares her personal story—how loving someone with addiction led her to a breaking point, and how she turned that pain into a mission to help others. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a little extra motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.This is Sisters in Sobriety—the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Find extra tips, resources, and support on our Substack!Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Seydel and her take on recovery[00:02:09] When loving someone with addiction starts to break you[00:05:00] The myth of rock bottom (and why it’s holding people back)[00:08:10] “In-betweeners” who don’t fit the traditional recovery mold[00:12:48] Red flags: When to check in with yourself (or someone else)[00:14:42] Why values matter more than willpower[00:16:42] The science of addiction: Rewiring your brain for good[00:19:00] Tiny habits that make a huge impact[00:25:47] Playing the tape forward: Using fear vs. motivation[00:27:05] Sobriety changes everything—including what you value most[00:29:00] Setting boundaries vs. making “rules to live by”[00:35:34] Why support groups work (even if you’re not into group stuff)[00:38:40] Preventing relapse before it starts[00:41:19] Forgiveness: What it really means and who it’s for[00:44:41] Andrea’s new project, Ready for Recovery Magazine[00:46:00] Final thoughts: Recovery isn’t about being broken—it’s about taking your power backLinks & Resources:Connect with Andrea:Andrea's WebsiteReady for RecoverySaving You Is Killing MeSisters in Sobriety Substack – More tips, tricks, and supportSisters in Sobriety EmailSisters in Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website (Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast)Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever felt like drinking just wasn’t working for you anymore, even if nothing looked "wrong" from the outside? That’s exactly where Hadley Sorenson found herself. This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen sit down with Hadley—writer, speaker, and sobriety advocate—who is on a mission to help women change their relationship with alcohol without shame, stigma, or outdated labels.Hadley gets real about her journey—how she ignored red flags for years, the pressure to keep drinking because “everyone else was,” and why she finally decided to call it quits. The conversation dives into all the big questions: How do you know when it’s time to stop? What if your drinking looks normal to everyone else? How do you navigate sobriety when your partner still drinks? And how do you shake off the idea that quitting means missing out?If you’ve ever questioned your drinking but felt like you weren’t “bad enough” to quit, this episode is for you. Hadley breaks down why “rock bottom” is a myth, shares how alcohol was messing with her mental health way more than she realized, and gives honest insight into what sobriety has actually done for her life, relationships, and running game. Spoiler alert: It’s all way better than she expected.She also talks about why she doesn’t use the label “alcoholic,” how marketing and pop culture keep women stuck in the drinking cycle, and how quitting drinking led her to write a novel (yep, it’s coming soon!).This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Episode Highlights• [00:01:00] Meet Hadley—writer, speaker, and a sobriety advocate with a fresh take.• [00:02:10] The slow realization that alcohol wasn’t adding anything good to her life.• [00:04:12] Ignoring red flags: blackouts, anxiety, and shame—but still drinking anyway.• [00:08:27] The myth of rock bottom—why you don’t have to wait until things fall apart.• [00:10:15] “If your pan caught fire, you wouldn’t wait for the whole house to burn down.”• [00:12:19] How alcohol becomes part of our identity (and why that’s so hard to untangle).• [00:16:03] Why Hadley doesn’t call herself an alcoholic—and why that’s totally okay.• [00:19:27] The role of alcohol marketing and why it's basically the new "big tobacco."• [00:22:16] How to stop seeing quitting as deprivation and start seeing it as freedom.• [00:27:07] Hadley’s thoughts on the “gray area” of drinking and why more voices matter.• [00:30:00] Why drinking is marketed differently to men and women—and why it matters.• [00:32:07] What happens when you quit, but your partner still drinks? (Hint: boundaries!)• [00:36:26] The surprising ways sobriety actually made Hadley’s marriage stronger.• [00:43:00] All the unexpected physical benefits of quitting alcohol.• [00:46:52] “Wait… was alcohol making my health issues worse all along?”• [00:50:06] The power of movement—why running and walking helped Hadley so much.• [00:54:08] Hadley’s next big project: a novel exploring different relationships with alcohol.LinksGet in touch with Hadley:• Hadley’s Instagram• Hadley’s Website💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast📸 Kathleen’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy