Rewiring the Addicted Brain: Dopamine, Healing, and Hope with Kate Vitela, RN

In this powerful episode of the Sober is Dope Podcast, host POP Buchanan sits down with Kate Vitela, RN, Certified Addiction and Mental Health Nurse, founder of Rewired Sober, and a passionate sobriety coach helping people rebuild their lives from the inside out.Kate shares her deep medical knowledge and lived experience to break down how alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, how to heal dopamine pathways, and how neuroplasticity can be your greatest ally in long-term recovery.You will learn:How dopamine dysfunction plays a role in addiction and recoveryWhat alcohol really does to the brain and nervous systemWhy your brain can heal — and how neuroplasticity worksTools for rewiring the brain in early recoveryThe story and mission behind Rewired Sober, Kate's transformative podcast and coaching practice🎧 Listen to Kate’s Podcast: Rewired SoberApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewired-sober/id1781739552📲 Follow Kate on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/katevitela

In this profound episode of the Sober is Dope podcast, we welcome nationally recognized grief and trauma expert Dr. Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT to explore the complex emotional terrain of sudden and unexpected loss. Whether it’s a suicide, overdose, accident, or sudden medical event, the aftermath of traumatic death can derail even the strongest among us.Dr. Levin is a Fellow in Thanatology, the highest distinction in the field of death, dying, and bereavement brings over 30 years of clinical expertise to this critical conversation. Together, we unpack the distinctions between traumatic grief, PTSD, and post-traumatic growth (PTG), and how these challenges intersect with sobriety and addiction recovery.From coping with “grief attacks” to rebuilding a sense of emotional safety, Dr. Levin shares actionable strategies for those navigating overwhelming grief, as well as for those supporting them.🆕 About the Book:Dr. Levin’s new book, The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death, drops on July 1, 2025 (New Harbinger Publications).This compassionate and practical guide offers tools based on CBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy, and is an essential resource for those facing grief, as well as the professionals who serve them.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How sudden or traumatic loss differs from "normal" griefWhat to say (and avoid) when someone dies suddenlyThe unique challenges of grief in sobriety and recoveryHow trauma shows up in the body and brain after lossTools to stabilize, find meaning, and move forward after traumaStrategies for dealing with grief in the workplaceWhy we often feel “unsafe in the world” after sudden death — and how to reclaim that safetyUnderstanding “grief attacks” and how to cope in the momentInsights into Dr. Levin’s proprietary workplace grief response modelThe concept of being “untethered” — and how to reconnect with life after loss📘 Grab the Book:The Traumatic Loss WorkbookAvailable July 1, 2025, wherever books are sold.Publisher: New Harbinger PublicationsGrab Book Here: ( https://traumaticgriefsolutions.com/the-traumatic-loss-workbook )📞 Connect with Dr. Jennifer Levin:💻 Website: https://www.TraumaticGriefSolutions.com🎙 Podcast: Untethered: Healing the Pain From a Sudden Death💬 Book 1-on-1 sessions or speaking engagements:https://DrJenniferRLevin.OnlinePressKit247.com📧 Media Inquiries: Michelle Tennant, Publicist – [email protected]

In this groundbreaking episode of Sober is Dope, we sit down with Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), to uncover how unresolved trauma and deep stress can literally rewire the brain to create chronic pain, illness, and suffering.Dr. Clarke shares how Neuroplastic Recovery Therapy (NRT) is helping thousands find relief — outperforming Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in clinical studies — and offers hope for people in recovery who are still battling invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, and more.If you or someone you love is sober, but still suffering from chronic pain or fatigue with no clear diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen.⸻🔥 What You’ll Learn: • What neuroplastic symptoms are and why the brain is often the root of chronic pain • How adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to lifelong illness • Why traditional medicine is failing millions • How NRT works — and why it’s changing lives • The powerful mind-body connection in addiction recovery⸻🧠 Learn More + Resources:Dr. David ClarkePresident, Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS)🌐 Website: Symptomatic.Me📢 Media Kit: davidclarke.onlinepresskit247.com📧 Media Contact: Michelle Tennant — [email protected] | 828-749-3200📚 Therapy Resources + Annual Conference Info Available on Website⸻💬 Connect With Us:🔗 Sober is Dope | Hosted by POP Buchanan📱 IG: @soberisdope📧 [email protected]🎤 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

In this powerful episode of the Sober is Dope podcast, host POP Buchanan dives deep into one of the most overlooked threats to recovery, stress. Stress isn't just uncomfortable; it’s a silent killer that can derail your sobriety, disrupt your mental health, and cloud your spiritual vision. But the good news? You have the tools to fight back and win.POP shares game-changing insights on how managing stress is the key to long-term clean and sober success. From embracing a higher power to reclaiming your inner peace through meditation, prayer, and smart supplementation, this episode is your blueprint for holistic healing.Key highlights include:Why prioritizing self-love and self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survival.The power of cutting toxic people out of your life to protect your peace.How pampering yourself and finding joy in creativity can help soothe the soul.The importance of patience on the healing journey and knowing when to seek help from a mental health professional.POP's tips for smart nutrition and using your diet as a weapon against anxiety and depression.This episode isn’t just motivation, it’s a movement. Tune in to learn how to build a sober lifestyle that’s not just about avoiding relapse, but about thriving with peace, power, and purpose.

📘 Transform Your Life with Sober is Dope🌟 Begin your journey to healing, freedom, and lasting sobriety with two powerful guides from Sober is Dope:Sober is Dope Book — A daily companion filled with over 365 affirmations and prayers to help you stay motivated, grounded, and spiritually strong in your recovery journey. https://www.amazon.com/Sober-Dope-Affirmations-Attracting-Happiness-ebook/dp/B0BTHWDLYRSober New Year's Book — 100 powerful resolutions to kickstart a clean slate, stay focused, and take control of your life—any time of year. https://www.amazon.com/Sober-New-Years-Resolutions-Clean/dp/1734679867🎙️ Tune into the Sober is Dope Podcast on Spotify — featuring recovery stories, motivation, spiritual empowerment, and practical tools for anyone battling addiction or maintaining sobriety. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/soberisdope/✨ Whether you're starting over or staying strong, these resources are your daily dose of faith, focus, and empowerment.Start today. Stay sober. Stay dope.

Let 2025 be the year you embrace your truth and honor your recovery journey. POP Buchanan tackles how to avoid falling into the traps of FOMO and social media comparisons while offering heartfelt advice for staying loyal to yourself. A fun and inspiring message to kick off the New Year with clarity and confidence.

In this Thanksgiving episode of Sober is Dope, host POP Buchanan dives into the power of gratitude and self-care during the holiday season. With heartfelt reflections and practical advice, POP speaks directly to the recovery community, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in gratitude and practicing self-love to protect your sobriety. This episode also offers essential tips for navigating a sober Thanksgiving, whether managing family dynamics, handling triggers, or finding joy in the holiday spirit without alcohol. Plus, POP shares exclusive insights from his new book, Sober New Year's, to inspire you to embrace the season with clarity, resilience, and hope. Tune in for a meaningful conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, supported, and ready to celebrate Thanksgiving the sober way.

🎉 In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Sober is Dope, host POP Buchanan welcomes special guest Jana Jack as she celebrates her 1st Sobriety Anniversary (11/23/2024). Jana opens up about her inspiring journey of healing and transformation after facing life-altering grief, divorce, and mental health struggles. She shares how she rebuilt her life by embracing community, therapy, AA, yoga, journaling, saunas, weightlifting, and podcasts like Sober is Dope. Jana’s story is a testament to the power of choosing yourself, trusting God, and leaving the past behind to embrace a fresh, purpose-driven beginning. This episode is dedicated to her late father, whose love inspires her. 🌟 Tune in for a raw, honest, and uplifting conversation that will motivate you to thrive in recovery, no matter where you are on your journey.

Are you struggling to maintain sobriety? You’re not alone. In this episode, POP Buchanan dives deep into what it takes to reinforce your commitment to sobriety. Learn how prioritizing self-love and self-care can be the foundation you need to overcome challenges and find peace in your sober journey. Packed with practical advice and encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels that their sobriety is being tested.

Holiday Survival Guide: Staying Sober + Unboxing Pop Buchanan’s The holidays can be tough for staying sober, but Sober is Dope is here to help! Pop Buchanan shares valuable insights on how to enjoy the season without compromising sobriety. Plus, we’re unboxing his inspiring new release, Sober New Year’s—perfect for anyone committed to a fresh start. Sober New Year’s Paperback Book Amazon https://a.co/d/bCDt0xX#sober #soberbook #quitlit