Recovering Out Loud

Is alcohol the problem, or is the person holding the glass? Anthony breaks down the science, the shame, and the honest answer most people in recovery won't say out loud.Full description:Is alcohol the problem — or is the person drinking it? It's one of the most argued questions in addiction recovery, and how you answer it changes everything about how you get sober and stay sober.In this solo episode of Recovering Out Loud, host Anthony — alcoholic, addict, and addiction counselor in training — pushes back on the growing "alcohol is the villain" movement on social media and asks the harder question: if alcohol were really the problem, why do most drinkers never develop alcohol use disorder? And why did rehab alone never keep him sober?Anthony walks through the neuroscience (GABA, dopamine, why alcohol withdrawal can kill you), the genetics (50–60% heritability, AMA's 1956 disease classification), the 12-step "allergy" model, and the critical difference between guilt and shame in recovery. Then he lands on the answer most camps refuse to hold: both are true. Alcohol is genuinely addictive AND the person has the capacity to change.If you've ever wondered whether you're "broken," whether you can ever drink normally again, or why the just-drink-like-a-normal-person advice feels so damaging — this one's for you.Topics covered:Why "alcohol is the problem" is the wrong frame for people in recoveryThe neuroscience of alcohol addiction (GABA, dopamine, the reward pathway)Why alcohol and benzo withdrawal can be fatalDSM-5 alcohol use disorder criteria and WHO global statsHeritability, co-occurring mental health disorders, and the 14% who develop AUDThe 12-step allergy metaphor and its criticsDisease model vs. agency model — and why both matterGuilt vs. shame in addiction recoveryWhy the anti-alcohol movement misses the pointAnthony's relapse at 7.5 years sober and what he learnedMentioned in this episode:DSM-5 alcohol use disorder criteriaAMA 1956 disease classificationDr. Nick Heather's "complex learning disorder" modelWHO data on alcohol-related deaths (5.3% globally)Previous episode: Is Alcoholism a Disease or a Choice?Previous episode on peptidesConnect:Instagram: @recoveringoutloudpodRecovery is simple, not easy.

Emily returns to Recovering Out Loud mid-relapse to announce she's ending her own sobriety podcast. This is by far The most raw and vunerable conversation we've had on chronic relapse, identity in recovery, and what happens when "sober Sally" disappears.Emily came on the first season of Recovering Out Loud almost two years sober, running her own recovery podcast Talks on the Rocks. She's back — and she's fighting addiction demons every day.In this episode, Emily opens up about chronically relapsing on cocaine and alcohol, why she's putting her sobriety podcast on pause, and what it feels like to be the "sober girl" online while crying in the bathroom rolling up a bill she doesn't want to use. We talk about the Mother's Day relapse, the overdose from fentanyl-laced cocaine that nearly killed her, the hole in her septum, dating apps as a relapse trigger, isolation, and the identity crisis of taking a new sales job that puts her in clubs and at open bars for a living.Anthony shares his own seven-and-a-half-year relapse and why "the obsession of every addict is that one day they'll control it again." If you've ever relapsed after long-term sobriety, struggled with chronic relapse, or felt like a fraud in your own recovery — this one is for you.Topics covered:Why she's ending her sobriety podcastChronic relapse after almost 2 years soberCocaine addiction, septum damage, and using aloneThe Mother's Day relapseThe fentanyl overdose at workDating apps and addictionIdentity in recovery: who are you when you're not "the sober one"?Why we don't pick up the phone even when we have hundreds of numbersSelf-pity, shame, and starting overIf you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out to a local recovery resource. In the US: SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357. In Canada: Wellness Together 1-866-585-0445.Recovering Out Loud is hosted by Anthony. New episodes weekly.

Struggling to move forward in recovery — even when you're "doing everything right"? That might be resistance. And it probably doesn't look the way you think it does.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down 5 forms of resistance that hide in plain sight in addiction recovery — the ones that feel like growth, look like progress, and get socially rewarded, but are quietly keeping you stuck.Whether you're newly sober, years into recovery, or struggling to get back after a relapse — this episode is for you.Topics covered:Why staying busy might be your new drugThe difference between research mode and recovery modeHow self-sabotage shows up when life starts going wellWhy chaos feels comfortable and stability feels wrongPerforming recovery vs. actually doing itPain × Resistance = Suffering — and how to reduce itIf you've ever felt stuck in sobriety, struggled with self-sabotage, or wondered why you can't seem to follow through — this one hits different.Recovering Out Loud is peer-led recovery media built on lived experience. No clinical voice. No guru energy. Real stories of addiction and sobriety from someone still in it.🎙 Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. New episodes weekly.In this episode:The 5 forms of resistance hiding in plain sightWhy busy is the most socially rewarded skip button availableResearch mode vs. recovery mode — and why you're probably in the wrong oneWhy chaos feels like home and calm feels like a warning signThe difference between performing recovery and doing itPain × Resistance = Suffering — and what to do with thatNotes:The equation pain × resistance = suffering is rooted in Buddhist philosophy and popularized in modern mindfulness by teacher Shinzen Young — it's one of the most useful frames I've come across in recovery.The concept of Resistance as a force that blocks creative and personal work was written about extensively by Steven Pressfield in The War of Art — worth a read if this episode hit you.The idea of research mode vs. recovery mode — consuming content instead of taking action — is something I see constantly working in the addiction space. It's real, it's common, and it's not your fault. But awareness is the first step through it.The unsexy work: sleep, food, water, one human contact a day. The research on sleep alone as a factor in addiction recovery and relapse prevention is significant — [general reference: NIDA, sleep and substance use disorder literature].

People in recovery are being deliberately targeted by the peptide industry — and most of us don't even realize it.In this episode, Anthony breaks down how the influencer ecosystem profits from the exact vulnerability that early recovery creates: the desperate need to feel better, faster. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is real, the brain genuinely takes time to heal, and predatory actors are filling that gap with products instead of solutions.He covers what most peptide promoters won't tell you — the regulatory status, the evidence gap, the relapse risk hidden in the behaviors around self-injection and secrecy, and the questions you should be asking before anyone sells you anything in recovery.This isn't anti-peptide. It's pro-honesty.Three questions to ask before you try anything being sold in recovery spaces — and what actually worked for Anthony when nothing external did.---Topics covered:• Why people in early recovery are the easiest people to sell to• How the influencer affiliate model works — and who profits from your discount code• The regulatory and evidence reality behind the most-promoted peptide compounds• The relapse risk nobody in the wellness space is talking about• What peer-reviewed evidence actually requires vs. what's being passed off as proof• Three questions to ask before anything in recovery gets sold to you---If this episode resonated, share it with someone in recovery who's exploring this space. Like, follow, and subscribe — and recovery is simple, not easy.Mentioned Studies: BPC-157 — FDA status (unapproved drug, Category 2)Operation Supplement Safety (US Dept. of Defense): https://www.opss.org/article/bpc-157-prohibited-peptide-and-unapproved-drug-found-health-and-wellness-productsFDA Warning Letter — Summit Research Peptides (Dec 2024): https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/summit-research-peptides-695607-12102024FDA Warning Letters search page: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/compliance-actions-and-activities/warning-lettersBPC-157 — WADA prohibited substanceUSADA: https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/bpc-157-peptide-prohibited/The human trials problem — only 1 human study out of 544 articles reviewedAmerican Journal of Sports Medicine systematic review (Vasireddi et al., 2025 — 544 articles screened, 35 preclinical, 1 clinical): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15563316251355551Arnold's Pump Club plain-language summary of that review: https://arnoldspumpclub.com/blogs/newsletter/bpc-157-the-miracle-peptide-that-s-been-tested-in-only-1-human-trialThe single research group problemSTAT News / Undark investigation (Feb 2026 — "nearly all data comes from a single research group"): https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/bpc-157-peptide-science-safety-regulatory-questions/NAD therapy — not approved for addiction, evidence is small studies onlyWebMD: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/nad-therapy-addictionAddiction Center: https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/nad-therapy/PAWS — Post-Acute Withdrawal SyndromeHazelden Betty Ford: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome

Everyone expects sobriety to reveal the real you — calmer, freer, finally yourself. What nobody warns you about is that the first thing sobriety does is introduce you to a version of yourself you don't recognize. And you might not like what you see.In this episode, Anthony gets into the personality change that happens when you get sober — not the inspirational version, the actual version. Why early recovery can feel like becoming a worse, more uncomfortable, harder-to-be-around person. Why that disorientation is the process, not a problem. And how the agreeableness you're losing wasn't your personality — it was your armor.This one is for two groups: the newly sober who are noticing their real personality emerging and don't like what they're seeing, and the long-term sober — especially the dry drunks — who white-knuckled past this step and never did the identity work.In this episode:Why substances gave Anthony a personality — and what they were actually doing to his nervous systemEmotional development and why so many people in early recovery feel like childrenThe fawn response, people pleasing, and the codependency piece (Melody Beattie, Codependent No More)"Sobriety without identity work is just white knuckling and better skin"The grief of losing the version of you that people actually likedWhy you don't find yourself in sobriety — you build yourself, slowly, with a lot of awkward trial runsThe social fallout: which friendships survive and which don'tWhat Anthony actually does now: pausing before agreeing, using silence as a tool, recognizing the automatic yesRecovery is personal. Take what helps and leave the rest.

Predatory behavior in recovery spaces is real, and most people refuse to name it. In this solo episode, I share what 13th stepping is, why it puts newcomers — especially women — at serious risk, the manipulation tactics to watch for (love bombing, trauma bonding, isolation, fake "I can keep you sober" dependency), and what people with more time owe the people walking in scared.This isn't clinical advice. It's what I've seen, what I do in my own groups, and what helped me stay safe and stay sober.Chapters: 00:00 — Cold open 01:34 — What 13th stepping actually is 02:45 — Why newcomers are vulnerable 04:27 — Why rehab makes it worse 06:28 — Manipulation tactics (love bombing, trauma bonding) 08:01 — Red flags 09:11 — The consequences nobody talks about 11:56 — How to protect yourself 13:24 — Practical boundaries 14:40 — If you have time: your responsibility 17:09 — If you're new: you deserve safety 19:39 — CloseIf this hit, follow Recovering Out Loud so the next one finds you.

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony introduces a framework he calls Member, Attender, Pretender — the three roles people cycle through in recovery — and makes the case that knowing which one you're in right now could be the most important question you ask yourself this week.This isn't about shame. It's about awareness.The Three Roles:The Pretender The Pretender isn't lying about drinking — they're lying about how they're doing. They might have years of sobriety on paper. They might chair meetings. They might be the person everyone else looks up to. But internally, they've stopped surrendering. They've stopped telling the truth. They're managing an image, not an addiction.Anthony shares what this looked like in his own life: the ADHD medication he didn't fully disclose, the secrets he was keeping while standing in recovery spaces, the chest-weight of maintaining a sober identity when the reality was far messier. The pretender's environment, he says, is exactly where relapse grows and thrives.The Attender The Attender isn't lying. They're just... not in it. They're showing up, checking the box, sitting at the back. No sponsor calls, stalled step work, surface-level conversation. Nothing is actively going wrong — which is what makes this role a trap. When you're attending, you're not building. And when you're not building, you're eroding.Anthony explains why the Attender is the softest, most comfortable, and most dangerous place to be in recovery — because nobody pulls you out except you.The Member The Member isn't someone who has it figured out. It's a current state of action. Small, boring, unsexy choices. Calling someone when you don't feel like it. Staying after the meeting. Getting a newcomer's number. Doing the step work nobody claps for. Anthony's three markers of membership: reachability, honesty with one person, and contribution.The Self-Checklist (5 Questions):Anthony walks through five honest questions to figure out which role you're in right now:When did you last tell someone in recovery the actual truth about how you're doing?When did you last move forward on your step work or internal recovery work?When did you last do something for someone else in recovery that cost you time and effort?If you disappeared from your meeting for a month — would anybody call?When it's quiet — in the car, in the shower, at 2 a.m. — do you feel like a person in recovery, or a person performing recovery?Anthony has been all three. He drifted from Member to Attender to Pretender across the final years of his first recovery, and he didn't break out in time. Today, he says, he can't promise he'll be a member tomorrow — he just knows what it takes to stay in the middle.Because you only fall off the sides of recovery. You can't fall off the middle.Anthony is a person in recovery sharing lived experience. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out to a qualified professional or call SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).Subscribe to Recovering Out Loud on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this hit you, send it to someone who needs to hear it.

Is addiction a disease… or a choice?For decades, psychologists, doctors, and people in recovery have debated this question.Some experts argue addiction is a chronic brain disease.Others believe addiction develops through learned behavior, trauma, or environment.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down the major psychological models used to explain addiction and how they influence recovery.We explore:• The Disease Model of addiction• The Learning / Behavioral Model• The Trauma & Self-Medication Model• The Biopsychosocial Model used in modern science• Why different recovery programs emphasize different approaches• Why addiction treatment looks different depending on the model you believeAnthony also shares personal insights from his own recovery journey and explains why many experts now believe addiction is multilayered, involving biology, psychology, environment, and life experience.Understanding these models can help reduce stigma, increase compassion, and open the door to more effective recovery.Because the more we understand addiction…the better we can help people heal.If you found value in this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

That voice in your head — the one that shows up right before a relapse — isn't random. It's patterned. It's predictable. And once you can name it, it loses most of its power.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down the 5 lies that addiction tells you — the cognitive distortions that sound completely reasonable in the moment but are quietly setting you up. Whether you're new to sobriety, years into recovery, or currently in active addiction, these thought patterns have likely already shown up in your life.What you'll hear in this episode:These patterns are what researchers call cognitive distortions — thinking errors documented in addiction research going back to the work of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Anthony isn't quoting the papers. He's telling you what they sound like at 2 a.m., or on the patio, or in a hotel room alone.If even one of these landed for you — that's the one to sit with this week. Not to fight it. Just to notice when it shows up. Because naming the lie is most of the work.Anthony's sobriety date: January 12, 2025 Recovery background: Came into recovery in 2015 got 7.5 years sober, relapsed on ADHD medication, steroids, and secrecy — and came back.Recovery resources mentioned / related:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and cognitive distortions in addictionAaron Beck's cognitive distortion modelAccountability partners and sponsor relationshipsMarlatt's Relapse Prevention Model (related episode framework)Anthony is a person in recovery sharing lived experience. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out to a qualified professional or call SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).Subscribe to Recovering Out Loud on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this episode resonated, share it with one person who needs to hear it.

Patio season hits different when you’re sober.In this episode, I break down the reality of navigating patios, bars, and summer social environments in recovery — especially when everything looks fun on the outside.From unexpected triggers walking past patios…To feeling out of place when everyone else is drinking…To that quiet voice that tells you you’re missing out…This is the episode I wish I had before my first sober summer.I share real experiences, practical strategies, and the mindset shifts that actually help you stay sober — without isolating or feeling like the “boring sober person.”If you’re heading into your first sober patio season (or still struggling with triggers years in), this will help you stay grounded and enjoy your summer without relapsing.Why patio season is more triggering than holidaysThe psychology behind “missing out” in sobrietyHow to handle cravings in social settingsWhat you’re actually grieving (it’s not the alcohol)How to enjoy patios without drinkingPractical tools to stay sober in real timeWhen it’s better to just not goYou’re not missing the drink…You’re missing who you got to be when you had one.If this helped you, follow the podcast on Spotify and leave a rating — it helps more people in recovery find this message.🧩 What You’ll Learn:⚠️ Key Insight:📌 Follow & Support:

Why do people sometimes destroy the very progress they worked so hard to build?In recovery, something strange often happens. Life begins improving — relationships heal, opportunities return, and stability appears. Yet for many people, this is exactly when self-sabotage begins.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony explores the psychology behind self-sabotage in addiction recovery and personal growth.We break down why the mind sometimes resists success and why familiar chaos can feel safer than unfamiliar peace.Topics explored include:• Why stability can feel uncomfortable after years of chaos• Identity conflicts when life begins improving• Fear of success and rising expectations• Why vulnerability can trigger avoidance• Shame and feeling undeserving of good things• Nervous system conditioning after long periods of stress• How old habit loops quietly pull people back into destructive patternsAnthony also shares personal experiences from recovery, including how boredom, identity struggles, and fear can subtly lead someone back toward relapse.If you've ever wondered why people sabotage their own progress — or if you’ve felt it happening in your own life — this episode will help you understand the deeper psychological patterns behind it.Recovery isn’t just about stopping substances.It’s about learning how to live in peace when chaos used to feel normal.If this episode resonates with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

Today I sat down with my good friend Kaitlin B. Getting sober is one thing. Learning how to live with your feelings is another. In this episode, we get into emotional sobriety, codependency, boundaries, dating, self-worth, and why being alone can feel so uncomfortable in recovery. This is a real conversation about healing the patterns underneath addiction. What happens after you stop drinking or using, but still feel emotionally chaotic, overly responsible for everyone, and uncomfortable being alone?In this episode, we talk about emotional sobriety, codependency, boundaries, relationship patterns, self-worth, and the deeper healing that has to happen after substance use stops. We get into people-pleasing, over-giving, fear of being alone, unhealthy dating patterns, burnout, service in recovery, and how old wounds can keep showing up even with years sober.This conversation also explores the difference between being sober and being emotionally well, why solitude can feel so threatening, how trauma can shape intimacy and attachment, and what it looks like to start choosing healing over validation.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things in recovery but still don’t feel peaceful inside, this one is for you. 

Is Isolation worse for you than drinking? Lets talk about it There’s a stage in recovery that doesn’t get talked about enough.It’s not the chaos of addiction.It’s not withdrawal.It’s the quiet phase where you start pulling away from people…ignoring calls, canceling plans, and convincing yourself you’re better off alone.In this episode, I break down isolation in recovery — why it happens, what it actually means, and when it becomes dangerous.We talk about:Why isolation shows up after getting soberThe difference between healthy solitude and harmful isolationHow self-pity and shame fuel disconnectionWhen isolation becomes a relapse warning signPractical ways to get out of your head and reconnectIf you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or like you just want to be left alone… this episode is for you.Recovery isn’t just about quitting substances — it’s about building a life you don’t want to escape from.If this helped you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need it.

When people picture addiction, they often imagine someone who has lost everything.But that’s not always the reality.Some people lose jobs, relationships, and housing because of addiction. Others maintain careers, families, reputations, and outward success while silently struggling.From the outside, everything appears stable.But internally, the situation can be very different.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony explores the concept of high-functioning addiction and why it can be so difficult to recognize.Although the term “high-functioning addict” is often used in everyday conversation, it is not an official diagnostic category in clinical manuals such as the DSM-5.Still, the phenomenon is widely observed.This episode explores:• Why some addictions remain hidden• Psychological denial mechanisms• Social masking and living a double life• Cultural environments that normalize substance use• The internal consequences people experience even when life appears stableAnthony also shares personal experience with addiction and the exhausting reality of maintaining a double life while trying to appear normal to the outside world.Because addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect.Sometimes the people who seem the most stable on the outside are the ones struggling the most internally.Recognizing these patterns earlier may help people identify addiction in themselves or others before the consequences become severe.00:00 High functioning addicts explained00:21 What is a functional alcoholic or addict?00:43 Why high functioning addiction is hard to recognize01:04 The “duck on water” analogy01:12 What people mean by high functioning02:06 Personal experience with hidden addiction02:42 Denial mechanisms in addiction04:01 Social masking and the double life05:03 Hiding substance use05:48 Environments that normalize heavy drinking06:16 Internal consequences of addiction07:06 Escalation and tolerance08:16 Why others don’t recognize the problem08:50 When the double life starts falling apart09:50 Addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect10:26 Why “functional addict” is a dangerous label11:17 Addiction is about your relationship to substances12:12 Only you can diagnose yourself12:34 Closing thoughts and recovery message

Why can some people drink or use drugs casually… while others lose control the moment they start?For decades people believed addiction was simply about willpower, discipline, or bad choices. But modern research suggests the reality is far more complex.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down the real factors that influence addiction risk.Addiction rarely has a single cause. Instead, it often develops through a combination of biology, psychology, environment, and learned behavior.We explore how genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, emotional coping, and environmental exposure can all interact to increase vulnerability to addiction.Anthony also shares personal experience with relapse and recovery, explaining how addiction can remove the ability to simply “stop” once substance use begins.If you’ve ever wondered:• Why addiction runs in families• Why some people feel stronger effects from drugs or alcohol• Why trauma and emotional pain often lead to substance use• Why certain environments increase addiction risk• Why recovery requires more than just willpowerThis episode breaks down the science and lived experience behind addiction.Understanding these factors can help reduce stigma and create more compassionate, effective approaches to recovery.Because addiction is rarely just about fun, weakness, or bad decisions — it’s often about pain, reinforcement, and vulnerability.And understanding that can change how we think about recovery.

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony opens up about what it really means to get current in recovery. He talks about the danger of pretending everything is fine, the pressure to look strong on the outside, and how secrets, isolation, fear, comparison, and financial stress can quietly pull someone away from the solution.Anthony shares how meditation, honesty, prayer, service, fellowship, and integrity have helped him stay grounded through a tough season. He also reflects on learning to accept life on life’s terms, let go of control, and stop performing recovery for other people.This episode is for anyone in sobriety who feels like they’re struggling internally while trying to look okay externally. If you’ve been holding things in, isolating, comparing yourself, or feeling spiritually off-center, this conversation is a reminder that recovery starts with honesty.Topics covered:What “getting current” means in recoveryThe danger of secrets and stage-character recoveryFinancial insecurity, ego, and surrenderMeditation and spiritual awareness in sobrietyIsolation vs fellowshipIntegrity, comparison, and serviceWhy honesty can protect you from relapse

The Great Debate...Ontario’s HART Hubs vs Harm Reduction | Ontario is shifting its addiction response with the rollout of HART Hubs — short for Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs — while moving away from supervised consumption services, safer supply, drug checking, and needle exchange programs. In this episode, I break down what that policy shift actually means, what HART Hubs are supposed to offer, and why this debate is so important.We talk about the real tension between harm reduction and abstinence-based recovery, why keeping people alive matters, and what happens when treatment is offered to people who are not ready to stop using yet. I also share my personal perspective on addiction, recovery, treatment, and why I believe you cannot force someone into sobriety before they are ready.This episode covers:What HART Hubs areWhat services they provideWhat they do not includeThe biggest criticisms and concernsWhy harm reduction still mattersWhether abstinence-based systems leave some people behindThis is an honest conversation about addiction policy, overdose risk, treatment readiness, and what actually helps people survive long enough to have a chance at recovery.Comment below: Do you think closing supervised consumption sites is the right move?

What actually keeps someone sober long-term?After spending the last 10 years in and out of recovery, I’ve learned some powerful lessons that completely changed the way I approach addiction, sobriety, and life.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, I break down the most important principles that have helped me stay sober and continue growing in recovery.These are ideas I’ve learned from people who came before me — the mentors, counselors, and recovery communities that helped save my life.In this episode we talk about:​ The three essentials of recovery: honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness​ Why your addict brain never stops doing pushups​ Why you cannot force someone else to get sober​ The importance of spirituality in long-term recovery​ Why service helps keep people sober​ The danger of secrets, resentment, and fear​ How ego can destroy recovery​ Why connection is the opposite of addictionRecovery isn’t easy, but it is possible.If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode may help you better understand the mindset and principles that support long-term sobriety.Disclaimer: This episode reflects personal experience and recovery education and is not medical advice.

Many people believe that once they quit drugs or alcohol, the addiction is over. But for many in recovery, the addiction doesn’t disappear — it just changes form.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down cross addiction, the phenomenon where addictive patterns shift from substances to other behaviors like gambling, work, fitness, social media, shopping, or even relationships.Drawing from his own experience — including how steroids and body dysmorphia led him back into addiction after years sober — Anthony explains how the real issue isn’t the substance, it’s the underlying addiction process.You’ll learn:• What cross addiction actually is• Why the brain searches for new dopamine sources after quitting substances• The warning signs of cross addiction• The difference between healthy coping and addictive behavior• How to prevent cross addiction in recoveryRecovery isn’t just about quitting substances.It’s about learning how to live without needing to escape your life.If you’re sober, in recovery, or supporting someone who is, this conversation could change how you understand addiction.

Addiction doesn’t only affect the person using substances — it affects everyone around them.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony shares a deeply personal and honest conversation about what happens when addiction enters a family. From broken trust and emotional chaos to the painful cycle of hope and disappointment, families often find themselves trying to fix something they cannot control.Anthony speaks from experience about how addiction impacted his own family and the difficult amends that followed. He explains why addiction is often called a family disease, how enabling keeps addiction alive, and why healthy boundaries are one of the most important tools families have.You’ll learn:Why addiction changes the entire family systemThe difference between supporting and enablingWhy families often feel guilt and responsibilityThe importance of boundaries and self-careWhy families need recovery tooIf you are struggling with a loved one in addiction, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance.Remember the three truths:You didn’t cause itYou can’t control itYou can’t cure itBut you can protect yourself and support recovery.

In this episode, I break down what spirituality actually is — especially for people in recovery who don’t believe in God, grew up religious, or feel triggered by the word “spiritual.”Spirituality in recovery isn’t dogma — it’s connection, grounding, meaning, and a power greater than your impulsive brain. Today I share practical spiritual tools, how I rebuilt my relationship with a higher power after relapse, and how spirituality became the anchor that keeps me sober.We cover:• Spirituality vs religion (what’s the difference?)• Why willpower alone isn’t enough in addiction recovery• The spiritual void caused by addiction• Practical tools: stillness, gratitude, service, meaning-making, surrender• How ego blocks your recovery• How to build a spiritual practice even if you’re brand newIf you’re struggling, open to change, or tired of white-knuckling sobriety—this one’s for you.Follow on IG: @RecoveringOutLoudPodSubscribe for weekly recovery content.

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony dives deep into one of the most dangerous emotional patterns in addiction recovery: resentment.Often called the number one offender of relapse, resentment quietly builds in the background through replayed anger, unmet expectations, and stories we tell ourselves about other people.Anthony explains the difference between anger and resentment, why anger is often a secondary emotion rooted in fear, and how holding onto resentment keeps people stuck in a disturbed mental state.Drawing from personal experience, recovery principles, and emotional sobriety practices, this episode explores:• Why resentment feels justified but ultimately harms you• How social media, expectations, and comparison fuel anger• The connection between resentment and relapse• The concept of being “disturbed vs undisturbed” in recovery• Practical tools to regulate anger in the moment• How forgiveness and responsibility dissolve resentment• The idea of a “spiritual bank account” in sobrietyAnthony also shares practical strategies for dealing with anger in real time, including breathing techniques, meditation, boundary setting, and journaling.Recovery isn’t about eliminating emotions — it’s about learning how to feel them without letting them control your actions.If you're struggling with anger, resentment, or emotional triggers in recovery, this episode offers powerful insight and tools to help you move forward.

Have you ever been having a normal day when a smell, a song, or a place suddenly pulls you back into the past?In this episode, we talk about intrusive memories in recovery — why they happen, why they feel so intense, and why they don’t mean relapse, failure, or weakness.Intrusive memories aren’t something you choose. They’re automatic nervous system responses that often show up in addiction recovery, trauma healing, and emotional sobriety — especially once substances are no longer numbing the system.We break down:What intrusive memories actually are (and what they’re not)Why smells, music, and places are such powerful triggersWhy sobriety can make memories feel louder before they softenThe difference between memory and meaningWhy intrusive memories are not cravingsWhat to do when an intrusive memory hitsWhy triggers and obsessions fade over time in recoveryThis episode is for anyone who’s ever thought:“Why did that come out of nowhere?”“Does this mean I still want to use?”“Am I doing something wrong in recovery?”You’re not broken.You’re not back there.Your nervous system is learning safety.

Complacency in recovery rarely announces itself. It creeps in quietly—disguised as comfort, routine, and “I’m fine.”In this episode, Anthony Degasperis breaks down how complacency develops in recovery, why it’s one of the most common relapse pathways, and how to recognize the early warning signs before things spiral. Drawing from lived experience, Anthony explains why relapse is usually a process, not a moment—and why catching complacency early is far easier than rebuilding after a fall.This conversation explores emotional sobriety, self-awareness, comparison traps, and the importance of staying intentional and connected in recovery. If your recovery feels “boring,” this episode might be exactly what you need.Complacency doesn’t mean you’re doing recovery wrong—it means you’re human.In this episode, Anthony Degasperis explores how complacency shows up once the chaos fades and life starts feeling manageable again. He explains how recovery can slowly slip into emotional autopilot, why comparison to others weakens vigilance, and how subtle shifts in thinking and behavior can quietly move someone closer to relapse.You’ll learn:Why complacency feels comfortable—but is still dangerousThe difference between boring recovery and checked-out recoveryEarly emotional and behavioral warning signsWhy addiction doesn’t disappear—it goes dormantHow humility, honesty, and connection interrupt relapse cyclesThis episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t about intensity—it’s about intention.

“You can be sober… and still be miserable.”You cannot be miserable and sober for long - it doesn't work A lot of people hear sobriety and assume it automatically equals recovery.But if you’ve been around this long enough—or lived it—you know that’s not true.Today we’re breaking down:What ‘dry drunk’ actually meansThe difference between being sober and being in recoveryWhy people relapse even after long stretches of abstinenceAnd what real recovery actually looks like in day-to-day lifeThis isn’t about labels.It’s about quality of life.

my apologies in advanced for the poor video quality on this oneWhy can two people experience the same trauma in recovery — and one relapse while the other grows?The answer isn’t willpower. It’s perception.In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, we unpack how distorted thinking fuels cravings, emotional suffering, and relapse — and how recovery teaches us to reinterpret pain instead of escaping it. You’ll learn why discomfort isn’t the enemy, how emotional sobriety equals perceptual maturity, and why feelings are real but conclusions are optional.If early recovery feels louder, harder, or more overwhelming than you expected — this episode will help you put on a new pair of glasses.🎧 Topics include:Why triggers aren’t events — they’re interpretationsPain vs suffering (and how resistance multiplies pain)Emotional sobriety and perceptual maturityHow mindfulness interrupts cravingsThe shift from “why me?” to “what now?”

Welcome to Soul School. Today i sat down with Jessica and Nicole from the Soul School Podcast and we got real deep to uncover, discover and discard old ideas. You can find them on instagram here : https://www.instagram.com/therealsoulschool/What if addiction isn’t about alcohol, drugs, or behaviors—but thinking?In this episode, we break down why money obsession, judgment, anger, and control feel just as compulsive as substances—and why recovery doesn’t work until the programming changes.We explore:Why chasing money feels like spiritual starvationHow judgment becomes a socially acceptable drugWhy “more” never fixes the internal problemWhat reprogramming actually looks like in daily lifeHow service, presence, and awareness replace obsessionReplacing drugs and alcohol with self awareness and service to others can change your life one day at a time. This conversation is raw, uncomfortable, and honest—covering ego, spirituality, resentment, and the illusion of control.⚠️ Open mind required. Take what helps. Leave the rest.

Cravings don’t mean you’re failing.They mean your nervous system is activated.This 10-minute mindfulness meditation for addiction recovery is designed to help you sit with urges without reacting, using principles from Buddhist mindfulness (Anapanasati & insight practice) adapted for modern recovery.This is not about forcing calm, positive thinking, or “making cravings go away.”It’s about learning how to stay present long enough for urges to rise, peak, and pass—without acting on them.• Grounding the body when cravings or emotions spike• Mindfulness of breathing without control or force• Observing urges as sensations—not commands• Creating space between feeling and action• Strengthening the core recovery skill: non-reactivityThis practice is especially helpful for:• Cravings and relapse prevention• Early recovery or emotional sobriety• Anxiety, restlessness, or racing thoughts• Moments when willpower feels exhaustedYou can use this meditation daily, or as a reset when urges hit.You’re not weak for having cravings.You’re learning how to stay.🎧 Listen with headphones if possible🪑 Sit or lie down—whatever feels safest⏸ Pause or stop at any timeIf this helped you, consider subscribing or following for more recovery-grounded tools, not hype.In this guided meditation, you’ll practice:

This episode is a raw, unfiltered conversation about relapse after long-term sobriety, shame, integrity, and why early recovery relationships can quietly derail progress.Anthony sits down with a Steven W who shares his full arc: early substance use, jail, treatment, sober living, loss of close friends, repeated relapses, and finally what changed after hitting the true “jumping-off point.” Together, they unpack what it’s like to relapse with a head full of recovery, how secrecy erodes sobriety long before the first drink or drug, and why integrity—not willpower—is often the real line between staying sober and going back out.They explore:Why relapse often begins weeks or months before the substanceThe hidden danger of relationships in early recoveryHow shame and guilt isolate people from helpThe myth of “I can handle it this time”Why chemical peace of mind is no longer an option for someThe slow drift away from spiritual fitness that leads back to old patternsThis episode is especially powerful for anyone who has relapsed after significant clean time, is questioning their recovery foundation, or feels stuck between wanting sobriety and wanting comfort. It’s an honest reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment, honesty, and staying on the beam one day at a time.

We talk a lot about getting sober — but far less about what happens after the substances are gone.In this episode, I break down emotional sobriety: what it really means, why so many people struggle emotionally even years into recovery, and how emotional overload often comes before relapse.This isn’t about being calm all the time or “positive thinking.”It’s about learning how to feel emotions without being controlled by them.You’ll hear:The difference between physical sobriety and emotional sobrietyWhy emotional relapse often comes before physical relapseCommon emotional patterns in recovery that don’t get talked aboutWhat emotional sobriety actually looks like in real lifePractical tools to help regulate emotions without numbing or escapingIf you’re sober but still feel overwhelmed, reactive, or emotionally exhausted — this conversation is for you.Recovery isn’t just about not drinking.It’s about learning how to live inside your own head and body — safely.

Relapse doesn’t usually happen because someone “stops caring.”It happens when the mind becomes unsafe — when fear, shame, isolation, and obsession quietly take over.In this episode, we have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what the final days before recovery really feel like — the desperation, the mental chaos, and the moment when surrender finally becomes possible.We talk about why coming back to recovery can feel harder than getting sober the first time, how shame compounds after relapse, and why willpower alone is never enough. From spirituality and service to connection, honesty, and daily practice, this episode breaks down what actually helps when your brain is working against you.This conversation is for:• Anyone returning to recovery after relapse• People struggling with shame, fear, or mental obsession• Those questioning spirituality or a “higher power”• Anyone who feels disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuckRecovery isn’t about perfection.It’s about safety, connection, and learning how to live in the present moment again.If you’re struggling, you’re not broken — you’re human.👉 If this episode helps, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

Today i sat down with my good friend Ray. Relapse doesn’t usually start with picking up a substance.It starts quietly — with secrecy, self-deception, and the belief that “I’ll handle this on my own.”In this episode, we have a brutally honest conversation about what relapse actually looks like after time in recovery — when you’re no longer in crisis, no longer desperate, and no longer asking for help.We talk about being sober for years and still escaping. About how addiction becomes a chemical eject button for discomfort, fear, shame, resentment, money stress, and feeling out of control. About why some of us don’t ask for help — we have to get caught. And why, for many addicts, getting caught can feel like relief.This conversation goes far beyond substances. We unpack lying “for no reason,” people-pleasing, emotional reactivity, comparison, resentment, food addiction, control, and the everyday behaviors that keep addict thinking alive long after drugs are gone.We also talk honestly about the difference between alcohol and cocaine addiction, why willpower isn’t what keeps people sober, and what early recovery actually feels like when cravings are loud and honesty feels impossible.Most importantly, we talk about what recovery looks like today — not the highlight reel, not the inspirational version, but the real work: learning to sit with discomfort, slowing down reactions, and making sure at least one person in the world knows everything.This episode is for anyone who:Has relapsed after time soberFeels like they should be further alongIs sober but still strugglingOr is quietly carrying things they haven’t told anyone yetIf you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know if I have another recovery left in me,” this conversation is for you.You’re not alone — and you don’t have to carry it by yourself.

Welcome to al the new listeners! I'm so glad you're here. This is my story in a 20 minute episode, I hope you get something out of it. Relapse doesn’t start with drugs — it starts with secrets. In this raw episode, I explain how addiction convinces you you’re fine, productive, and “different this time,” even when your life looks good on the outside.I break down how steroids, ADHD meds, and stimulant abuse reopened the door to full relapse after years sober — and what I learned coming back.

Today's guest is Logan from New Generation Sobriety. Logan Battled alcoholism and gambling addiction until he went to his first rehab at 17 years old. After getting sober and celebrating some time under his belt, he relapsed on slot machines until he lost it all. Gambling addiction is one of the most dangerous and misunderstood addictions because it’s invisible. Unlike drugs or alcohol, there are no obvious physical signs — until the financial, emotional, and relational damage is already done.In this powerful recovery conversation, we break down why gambling addiction is often called a silent killer, how it hides in plain sight, and why so many people don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.This clip is for anyone struggling with gambling, supporting someone in addiction recovery, or trying to understand why behavioral addictions can be just as destructive as substance use.Topics covered:Gambling addiction warning signsWhy gambling is harder to detect than drugs or alcoholFinancial secrecy and addictionRecovery, awareness, and early interventionIf this resonates, you’re not alone — and help is available.

Today Allen Kharlip, Clinical Supervisor at Addiction Rehab Toronto and good friend, returns to recovering out loud as we open up about current events. In this raw conversation, we unpack how social media becomes a new addiction for people in recovery — triggering comparison, inadequacy, obsessive thinking, and emotional relapse.If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram and felt worse afterward, you’re not alone. We talk about why inspiration online quickly turns into self-judgment, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how recovery tools like spirituality, connection, discipline, and CBT help us break the cycle.This episode covers:– Why scrolling never makes you feel better– How comparison fuels insecurity + relapse thinking– The “addict brain” hijacking social media– What actually restores peace: connection, meetings, service, spirituality– Setting boundaries around tech in early recovery– How to stop chasing validation and start living againFind Allens full story on episode

In today’s episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony breaks down one of the biggest challenges in sobriety: the fear of the future. If you struggle with overthinking, catastrophizing, anxiety about relapse, financial insecurity, or the pressure of rebuilding your life — this episode will ground you.You’ll learn:• The psychology and neurology behind fear in recovery• Why uncertainty feels dangerous when you stop drinking or using• The lies fear tells, and how to counter them with evidence• How fear shapes behaviour, avoidance, self-sabotage & toxic cycles• Tools for emotional sobriety: reframing, action steps, CBT, surrender• How to build a healthy relationship with the future• Reflection questions you can use todayIf this episode resonates, hit Subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs it. Recovery makes the future possible — not dangerous.Keywords:recovery podcast, fear of the future, sobriety anxiety, emotional sobriety, addiction recovery motivation, relapse prevention, overthinking in recovery, fear in sobriety, CBT for anxiety, early recovery support, how to stay sober, Anthony Recovering Out Loud

In this community-driven episode, Anthony dives into the real questions you submitted — from alternative paths to sobriety to emotional boundaries, routines, family support, and how recovery skills apply to everyday life. No sugarcoating. No one-size-fits-all solutions. Just practical guidance from lived experience and professional training.We cover:• Why 12-step programs aren’t the only option• What detox vs. rehab REALLY means• How to help others without losing your own sobriety• The difference between supporting and enabling• How professionals protect their emotional boundaries• Why structure and routine save lives• How families can support a loved one coming home from treatment• Recovery tools that make everyone’s life better — not just people with addictionIf this episode helps you, please follow, like, or subscribe — it’s the best way to support the show so this free content can reach more people who need it.Instagram: @RecoveringOutLoudPodYou are not alone.(I appreciate you. I love you.)Resources: USA988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for mental-health or substance-use crisesSAMHSA National Helpline (24/7):https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helplineTreatment Locator (Detox/Rehab Directory):https://findtreatment.govNAMI HelpLine:https://nami.org/helpPartnership to End Addiction (Parents/Families):https://drugfree.orgShatterproof Addiction Resources:https://www.shatterproof.org/find-helpAA (Alcoholics Anonymous):https://www.aa.orgNA (Narcotics Anonymous):https://www.na.orgSMART Recovery (CBT-based):https://www.smartrecovery.orgLifeRing Secular Recovery:https://www.lifering.orgRefuge Recovery (Buddhist-based):https://www.refugerecovery.orgCanada911 — Overdose or immediate danger988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline — Call or text 988 (nationwide)Wellness Together Canada:https://www.wellnesstogether.caConnexOntario (Ontario mental health & addiction directory):https://www.connexontario.ca211 Canada (local services search):https://211.caHealth Canada Substance Use Resources:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-useBC: Here to Help:https://www.heretohelp.bc.caAlberta Health Services Addiction Help:https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/am/page16759.aspxSaskatchewan Health Authority Addictions:https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions-diseases-services/addictionsManitoba Addictions Foundation:https://afm.mb.caQuébec: Trouver de l’aide:https://www.quebec.ca/sante/trouver-aideNova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions:https://mha.nshealth.caNew Brunswick Addiction Services:https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/AddictionsandMentalHealth.htmlPEI Addiction Services:https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/addiction-servicesNewfoundland & Labrador:https://mha.easternhealth.ca/addictionsAA Canada:https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aaNA Canada:https://www.canaacna.orgSMART Recovery Canada:https://smartrecovery.org/local/caAl-Anon / Nar-Anon (family support):https://al-anon.org & https://naranon.org

Most people think relapse is a single moment — but it’s not.In this video, I break down the three phases of relapse (emotional → mental → physical) and explain why relapse actually starts weeks or months before the first drink or drug. Using my own experience — eight years sober before relapsing, multiple rehabs, and now working in addiction counseling — plus the science behind cravings and dopamine, this video gives you a clear roadmap for understanding relapse and preventing it before it begins.You’ll learn:✅ The early emotional warning signs most people ignore✅ How stress, boredom, overconfidence, and isolation create relapse conditions✅ Why cravings feel so powerful and why your brain seeks the “quick fix”✅ How to identify your patterns, triggers, and red flags✅ Simple but powerful tools to interrupt cravings in real time✅ How to build a relapse prevention plan that actually works✅ Why relapse is not failure — and how to turn it into growthWhether you're new to recovery, coming back, or supporting someone you love, this is one of the clearest explanations of relapse you’ll find. No shame. No judgment. Just honesty, science, and practical tools.0:00 How relapse actually worksEmotional relapse signs (poor sleep, irritability, isolation)Mental relapse & “addict brain” bargainingWhy dopamine memories trigger cravingsPhysical relapse: the result, not the beginningMy story: relapsing after 8 years soberScience of cravings & stress responseTools to interrupt urges instantlyPattern recognition & relapse journalingWhy connection is the antidote to addictionThe dangers of overconfidence in recoveryShame, avoidance, and emotional overloadBuilding a simple relapse prevention planrelapse preventionstages of relapseemotional relapse signsaddiction recovery toolshow relapse happensmental relapse warning signssobriety motivationstaying sober during holidaysrelapse triggersaddiction psychologyrelapse after long-term sobrietyIf this video helps you, please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast — it supports the channel, the message, and the people who need these tools the most. You’re not alone. You’re worth recovery.

“We almost died… so we have to talk about it.”This line says everything.This episode is a deep, unfiltered look into addiction, relapse, shame, near-death moments, and why telling the truth becomes a responsibility once you survive something you shouldn’t have.Today I sat down with the ladies from Girl, Undrunk - a podcast about addiction and sobriety. We talk openly about:Relapse triggered by body dysmorphia and Ozempic misuseSecrets, lying by omission, and why they keep you sickThe fear of asking for helpFamily dynamics, walking on eggshells, and holiday triggersWhy sobriety feels awkward at firstThe myth of “being fun when you drink”What REAL sober fun looks likeBuilding friendships that protect your recoveryWhy podcasting became a safe place to tell the truthIf you’ve ever felt alone, ashamed, or afraid to talk about your past — this episode shows you that healing begins when you finally say it out loud.👉 Follow for conversations that can actually save lives.

Going out sober is one of the hardest early-recovery milestones — but it DOES get easier.In this episode, I share the exact tools, mindset shifts, and sober strategies that helped me get through clubs, parties, concerts, holidays, and social events without drinking or using.You’ll learn:• Why going out sober feels so awkward at first• How to survive the “10–30 minute anxiety spike”• The sober ritual that keeps you grounded• What to say when someone asks “Why aren’t you drinking?”• How to handle triggers, pressure, and old using environments• When to leave — and why leaving early is a superpower• How to actually have FUN again without alcoholWhether you’re in early recovery or years in, you’ll find practical tips that work in real-world situations.You’re not broken. You’re just learning a new way to live — and you don’t have to do it alone.If this episode helped you, subscribe for more sober tools, real recovery talk, and weekly episodes.✨ Recovery is simple… not easy.✨ Don’t pick up the first one.

AA? SMART? Refuge? Therapy? Coaching?If you’ve ever tried to get sober and felt overwhelmed by all the recovery options out there, this video breaks everything down in a simple, honest, and non-judgmental way. Whether you're sober-curious, in early recovery, or coming back after relapse — this guide will help you understand what’s out there and how to choose the right recovery modality for you.In this 15 -minute breakdown, I cover:✔ 12-Step programs (AA, NA, CA) — what they’re actually like✔ SMART Recovery & secular options✔ Refuge Recovery, Recovery Dharma & mindfulness-based modalities✔ Therapy for addiction (CBT, DBT, EMDR, MI)✔ Online recovery communities & sober coaching✔ Harm reduction & medication support✔ How to actually choose a path that fits your life, personality, and needsRecovery isn’t “one size fits all.” It’s a toolbox.You get to build the version that keeps you alive, sober, and growing.If this helped, drop a comment about your experience with different recovery paths — it might help someone else watching.DISCLAIMER:I DO NOT REPRESENT ANY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS OR GROUPS THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE AND OPINON 🔔 Follow for more content on sobriety, relapse prevention, addiction psychology, emotional healing, and building a life you don’t need alcohol to escape from.

Is sobriety supposed to feel boring?Short answer: yeah… sometimes it does. But there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain is literally recalibrating after years of artificial dopamine spikes from alcohol, cocaine, or whatever your drug of choice was.In today’s video, I break down why boredom happens in early recovery, how long the flat / plateau phase lasts, and what actually helps you rebuild motivation, joy, excitement, and real dopamine again.You’ll learn:✔ Why your dopamine system drops during early sobriety✔ Why boredom is NOT failure✔ How boredom can trigger relapse (my story)✔ How addiction hijacks “fun”✔ How to build REAL dopamine (not the quick highs)✔ How to create a life that’s exciting again without substances✔ The difference between boredom vs loneliness✔ How long the “flat” recovery phase lasts✔ Practical steps to feel better todayIf you’re sober-curious, newly sober, or coming back after relapse — this video will make you feel seen, validated, and supported.👇 Subscribe for more recovery contentIG: @RecoveringOutLoudPodPodcast: Recovering Out Loud PodcastTikTok / YouTube Shorts: @recoveringoutloudpodRecovery is simple, not easy. One day at a time.

Your first 30 days of sobriety can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… scary.In this video, I break down exactly what to expect in early recovery — week by week — so you don’t have to go through it alone.We’ll talk about withdrawal, cravings, sleep, anxiety, emotional ups & downs, what’s normal, and how to make it through the first month alcohol-free.This video is for you if:• You’re on Day 1 or restarting• You want a simple plan to stay sober• You’ve relapsed before and want this time to be different• You need support, reassurance, and practical tools that actually workWhat you’ll learn:• How to survive the first 7 days without alcohol• Why cravings feel so intense & how to handle them• The emotional rollercoaster of Days 8–14• How your body and brain start healing• What to do each day to make sobriety easier• Common traps that lead to relapse• A simple daily routine for your first 30 days alcohol-freeIf you’re in early recovery, you are NOT alone. Drop where you’re at (Day 1, Day 5, Day 30!) and I’ll cheer you on. You can do this — one day at a time.

From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Page 86-88on awakening Follow Us:JOIN ME ON MY SOCIALS - FREE RECOVERY GUIDE AND RECOVERY COACHING ⁠https://linktr.ee/Recoveringoutloudpod⁠🌐 Website: recoveringoutloud.ca📱 Socials: @RecoveringOutLoudPod (Instagram, X, TikTok & more)🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/Recoveringoutloudpod💡 Helpful Resources for Addiction & Recovery🇨🇦 National (Canada-Wide) ResourcesCanadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)Research, policy, and resources on substance use and addiction.Health Canada – Substance Use and AddictionsGovernment info on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.Canada’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment DirectoryLocate treatment centers across Canada.National Overdose Response Service (NORS)Peer-run hotline for safer drug use support.📞 Call: 1-888-688-6677🏠 Ontario-Specific ResourcesConnexOntario – Mental Health & Addiction HelplineFree, confidential support for addiction and mental health.📞 Call: 1-866-531-2600Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC)Opioid addiction treatment (methadone, Suboxone).Ontario Harm Reduction NetworkSafer drug use, naloxone, and harm reduction programs.CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)Leading hospital for addiction and mental health care.📞 Call: 1-800-463-6273Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services in OntarioFind detox and treatment programs.Ontario 211 – Addiction & Mental Health ServicesConnect to local support services.📞 Dial: 211🚨 Crisis & Immediate HelpOverdose Prevention Hotline: 1-888-853-8542Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 | Text: 45645Good2Talk (For Students): 1-866-925-5454💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s recover out loud together.👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for new episodes every week!#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #RecoveringOutLoud #recovery #addiction #podcast #sober #sobriety

This episode explores opioid addiction, methadone and Suboxone treatment, fentanyl risks, withdrawal, and the emotional toll of relapse. Kate from CATC breaks down how opioid agonist therapy works, why shame keeps people stuck, and what treatment centers can do better. Anthony shares raw stories from relapse, detox, and how connection, honesty, and support saved his life. If you want real insight into recovery, harm reduction, and long-term sobriety—this is the episode to hear.

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, we dive into a raw and honest conversation about relapse, body language, hidden pain, and the transformation that happens when recovery is paired with purpose.We unpack the moment a friend could see a relapse coming before the person struggling could even admit it. We talk about the shame, denial, and the sixth-sense intuition people in recovery often develop.From 48-hour blackouts to becoming a coach who helps people rebuild their relationship with movement, she shares how fitness became a powerful anchor in sobriety — but also how it can become obsessive, toxic, and another addiction if we’re not careful.We explore:• How childhood pressure + performance can shape addiction• Why your body language reveals everything you try to hide• How community workouts mimic recovery meetings• The rise of steroids, Ozempic, and “fitness as numbing” in sobriety• Workaholism, burnout, money stress, and staying spiritually grounded• How to move from extrinsic validation to intrinsic values• Why recovery is “six garbage cans with five lids”If you’re navigating sobriety, struggling with body image, stuck in obsessive fitness cycles, or looking for community — this episode is for you.Listen, share, and join the recovery conversation.#sober #recovery #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #fitnessjourney #healing

In this episode of Recovering Out Loud, Anthony sits down with Alexandra Perry, Director of Business Development for Inpatient and Virtual Programs, and former Executive Director at Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centres. With over a decade of experience across nonprofit shelters, addiction treatment, and higher education, Alexandra brings a powerful mix of lived experience, leadership insight, and compassion to the conversation.Together, we unpack:The real link between workplace stress, burnout, and substance useWhy “recovery is a privilege” for some — and how that must changeThe truth about hitting rock bottom and why prevention matters more than everHow trauma, shame, and silence keep people sickWhat organizations can do to create trauma-informed, supportive spaces for employeesThis is a raw, human conversation about systemic change, courage, and connection — reminding us all that recovery starts with empathy and asking for help.

In this emotional and deeply relatable episode of Recovering Out Loud, host Anthony  sits down with Eryl McCaffrey, a psychotherapist and woman in long-term recovery, to explore the toxic link between body image, perfectionism, and addiction.Eryl opens up about growing up in an alcoholic home, chasing perfection to escape pain, and how her obsession with control over her body and success masked deeper wounds.They dive into what it means to truly let go — to stop chasing validation and start building connection, spirituality, and self-acceptance.You’ll learn:Why perfectionism and body image struggles often lead to addictionHow trauma disconnects us from our bodies and our emotionsWhat “relief” really means in early recoveryWhy spiritual connection is the antidote to self-destructionDaily recovery practices that rebuild peace, gratitude, and purposeThis conversation is for anyone stuck in the loop of not enoughness — and ready to find peace in their own skin.

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, relapse, or finding long-term sobriety, this conversation will inspire you.Host Anthony speaks with Allison, an intake counselor at Addiction Rehab Toronto, about her journey from active addiction to seven years of recovery. They unpack what really causes relapse, the importance of spirituality, practical tools like journaling and gratitude lists, and why sober support systems matter long after treatment ends.You’ll hear personal experiences about triggers at social events, navigating shame, rebuilding trust with family, and how traveling and living sober can be joyful. Whether you’re new to recovery, supporting a loved one, or looking to deepen your sobriety, this episode offers hope and actionable advice.Subscribe for more real recovery stories and tools for staying sober.www.addictionrehabtoronto.ca

Today i sat down with Melanie Matthews, BSW, MSW, RSW Director of Clinical Programs at Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres Melanie Matthews is a registered social worker with BSW and MSW degrees. She takes a collaborative approach to therapy and uses a person-centered approach while maintaining empathy and a non-judgemental stance.Melanie has worked in social services and mental health since 2010 in several different areas of practice including residential treatment programs, educational settings, and not-for-profit organizations.She uses primarily Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in her work. She often works with youth and adult clients experiencing a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.Melanie co-authored a paper titled “A Review of Mental Health Services Offered by Canada’s English Language Universities“, which investigated the availability of mental health services offered to postsecondary students on campus compared to known prevalence rates of mental health issues.She has also written a number of reports regarding best practices for youth serving programming offered by not-for-profit organizations across Ontario. She continues to engage in research and knowledge dissemination as a vehicle for advocacy and social justice.Are you or a loved one struggling to find the right path to recovery? This episode dives deep into the world of addiction treatment and long-term sobriety.Host Anthony speaks with Melanie, an addiction professional with personal recovery experience, about navigating the complex choices between virtual programs, outpatient care, and inpatient rehab. They discuss why some people relapse, what daily essentials help sustain long-term recovery, and how to choose the right treatment center.This conversation also unpacks the difference between supporting and enabling a loved one, the role of families in recovery, and what to look for in public vs private treatment centers. Melanie also shares insights on medication-assisted recovery (like naltrexone and other emerging therapies), and how to stay connected to community and self-care.Find her here https://canatc.ca/biographies/melanie-matthews/Subscribe for honest, practical advice and real recovery stories to inspire hope and healing.