361: Why People Relapse

In this episode of the Soberfall Podcast, Veronica Valli delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and drinking behaviors. She emphasizes that many individuals mistakenly focus on willpower to combat their drinking problems, neglecting the underlying thoughts and feelings that trigger their desire to drink. Valli explains the concept of activating events and how our perceptions of these events, influenced by past beliefs, shape our emotional responses and subsequent actions. She advocates for developing emotional sobriety skills to better navigate life's challenges and make healthier choices instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this conversation, Chip and Veronica delve into the profound themes of mortality, acceptance, and the importance of human connection. Chip shares his personal struggles with health and the reality of aging, reflecting on the wake-up calls that life presents. The discussion highlights the transition from denial to acceptance, the emotional toll of feeling isolated, and the uplifting power of friendship and support from loved ones. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of being present and cherishing connections with others as we navigate life's challenges.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode of The Soberful Podcast, Veronica Valli and Alysse Bryson discuss the complexities of sobriety, particularly in the context of celebrity culture. They delve into Brad Pitt's recent public admission of returning to drinking after years of sobriety, exploring the implications of such a decision on public perception and the sober community. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by those in recovery, the role of wealth and fame in addiction, and the importance of humility in maintaining sobriety. They also examine how media narratives shape our understanding of celebrity struggles with addiction and mental health.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

You may have noticed that when you stop drinking your friendships change in this episode Chip and Veronica talk about how and why friendships change and how to navigate those changes.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

"Resentments are the number one offender." In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the nature of resentments, how they are like drinking poison and wanting the other person to die. How they seduce us into staying stuck and block us from growing. They confess their own resentments and the methods they use to get free of them. To learn more, visit the show notes.

Have you fever felt anxious? Have you ever used alcohol to deal with social anxiety? You are not alone. Anxiety and problems with alcohol go hand in hand. We drink to take the 'edge' off and get through social situations, but the booze just makes everything worse. You may have even experienced a full-blown panic attack. Veronica suffered from extreme anxiety and regular panic attacks throughout her drinking. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at the relationship between alcohol and anxiety, how getting sober will change it and give you their strategies for dealing with anxiety when it strikes.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

Why do people find it so hard to stop drinking? What leads to a relapse? Veronica and Chip answer all these questions and give their opinion on what risky situations to avoid in early recovery.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

When we get sober, the world takes it personally. There are four types of characters you may meet when you stop drinking: 'The overnight addiction expert, 'the drunk persuader, the 'moving the goalposts friend,' and the 'fun police.' Chip and Veronica talk you through how each one will approach you, what they will say, and how you can deal with them.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA). ACOA's have particular characteristics that they carry into adulthood, particularly in their intimate relationships. To learn more, visit the show notes.

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.