Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

Over time, alcohol took over Dave's life, but giving it up improved every area of his life.

In this episode we have Dave, who shares his deeply personal and inspirational journey from growing up with an anxious mind and early struggles with guilt and shame, to becoming a defined party guy in high school and college. Despite achieving professional milestones, Dave's life was becoming increasingly unmanageable due to his drinking. He opens up about the physical and emotional toll his addiction took on him and his loved ones. Dave recounts his turning point moment of seeking help, the challenges of early sobriety, and the transformative effects it has had on his health, relationships, and overall life. Dave and I discuss the importance of replacing drinking with healthier activities, the persistent struggle with alcohol cravings, and the critical role of self-awareness and support systems in recovery.
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Join the Sober Motivation Community:
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Dave's IG: https://www.instagram.com/daveg717/

For Ashley, her struggle with alcohol became too heavy to carry alone.

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, we have Ashley who shares about her journey from growing up in a single-parent household with attachment anxiety, through her struggles with alcohol addiction from her teenage years into her adult life. Ashley shares her experiences of hiding her addiction, the trauma of losing close family members to addiction-related causes, and the various stages of her drinking habits. She details her turning point, how she reached out for help, and her eventual path to sobriety. Ashley also discusses the importance of connection in overcoming addiction and how sharing her story publicly led to the creation of supportive communities and resources for those facing similar struggles.
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Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach_ashley88/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:10 Ashley's Childhood and Early Struggles
01:05 High School Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
06:53 College Years and Escalating Alcohol Use
12:07 Young Adulthood and Moving to Alabama
16:15 Family Tragedies and Increased Drinking
19:30 Reflecting on Alcohol Use and Seeking Support
24:25 Overcoming Shame and Stigma
27:33 The Turning Point: Halloween 2022
28:26 Embracing Sobriety: The First Steps
34:42 Support Systems and Community
37:29 Sharing the Journey: Going Public
39:20 Building a Sober Community
40:54 Reflecting on the Journey
43:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Alcohol destroys everything in it's path - Jess's story of sobriety.

In this episode of the  Podcast, we have Jess, who shares her deeply personal and powerful story of growing up in a seemingly perfect middle-class family in Portland, Oregon, while dealing with an emotionally absent father and a series of traumatic experiences. Jess opens up about her early experimentation with alcohol, the challenging transitions during her school years, and an abusive relationship that drove her further into drinking. She discusses her wake-up call moments, the pivotal support from her now-husband, and the journey towards sobriety that began at age 20. Jess highlights the importance of addressing mental health and breaking the cycle of addiction for future generations. Her story emphasizes the necessity of recovering out loud and supporting others through their battles with addiction and this is Jess’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Donate to support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysobersunrise/
 
00:00 Introduction to Season Three
00:14 Meet Jess: Early Life and Family Dynamics
03:10 School Days: Navigating Childhood and Adolescence
05:05 First Encounters with Alcohol
10:58 Middle School Experiments and Social Circles
14:54 High School Transitions and Challenges
20:14 Struggles with Acceptance and Relationships
29:21 College Life and Escalating Issues
34:56 Parental Awareness and Hidden Struggles
36:24 Escaping an Abusive Relationship
39:25 The Turning Point: Realizing the Depth of Alcoholism
41:15 Failed Attempts at Moderation
44:26 The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse
48:22 Finding Support and Making a Change
55:20 Long-Term Sobriety and Family Impact
01:02:34 Breaking the Cycle for Future Generations

Kari grew up in an alcoholic environment and drinking was apart of everything.

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Kari shares her powerful journey from a challenging childhood in an alcoholic environment to achieving sobriety. Despite growing up surrounded by alcohol and undergoing various personal struggles, Kari recounts her battle with alcohol, the impact it had on her life, and how she managed to find the strength to quit drinking. She discusses her multiple relapses, the emotional challenges she faced, and the turning point that led her to dedicate herself to sobriety. This is Kari’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
 
Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Kari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari.nautique/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:12 Carrie's Early Life in an Alcoholic Family
01:21 Teenage Years and First Experiences with Alcohol
02:32 Struggles with Alcohol and Personal Loss
04:34 Modeling Career and Escalating Alcohol Use
05:09 Toxic Relationships and a Suicide Attempt
06:29 Moving to LA and the Party Lifestyle
07:22 Realizations and the Beginning of Change
11:35 Motherhood and Continued Struggles
18:35 First Steps Towards Sobriety
25:36 Introduction to AA and Seeking Help
28:50 Struggles with Alcohol and Early Attempts at Sobriety
29:22 Cutting Ties and Seeking Help
30:11 Lockdown and the Nine-Month Sobriety Streak
34:16 Relapse and the Battle with Temptation
42:01 The Importance of Changing Environment and Community
46:06 Finding Purpose Through Service and Sobriety
48:20 Final Reflections and Moving Forward
 

Nikki knew giving up alcohol was the right decision long before she did it.

In this episode of the Sober Motivation Podcast, Nikki recounts her journey of sobriety, beginning from her early experiences with alcohol in Sydney, Australia, where the legal drinking age is 18 and societal pressure to drink is high. She describes her youthful experimentation and eventual reliance on drinking during a difficult breakup, leading to a period of drinking alone. Nikki shares the challenges she faced in the alcohol-centric film industry and how societal expectations made it difficult to quit. Despite several stints of sobriety, during the lockdowns she first attempted to cut back on alcohol, finding initial success before societal pressures tempted her back. In 2021, Nikki quit drinking for good, supported by a non-drinking friend and a personal realization about her health and happiness. Nikki's story sheds light on the internal battles and societal pressures that make sobriety challenging, and she offers her insights and lessons learned for those on similar paths.
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Follow Nikki on IG: https://www.instagram.com/vanillathickshakee/

Leanne's struggle with alcohol and cocaine took her to the brink. Now 4 years sober she tells the tale.

Leanne shares her journey of overcoming addiction to alcohol and cocaine, and the transformations she sees in her life since choosing recovery. She openly discusses her early life experiences, her struggles being adopted, dealing with ADHD, the pressures of a dancing career, and her almost life-ending relationship with substance abuse.  Leanne’s daughter was born with serious health conditions and she struggled to cope and went deeper and deeper into her addiction.  Leanne stresses the importance of honesty and introspection in recovery and the need for help and connection. Leanne and her daughter Darcy have a saying ‘We Move’ and from listening to her story you will understand the importance sobriety plays in her life. This is Leanne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Leanne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberlittlemotherred/
Giveaway on Sobermotivation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/

Resilience and Redemption: Shane's Journey to Sobriety

In this episode of the podcast, we have Shane, who reflects on a loving childhood that took a dark turn due to severe bullying in middle school, leading him to drink alcohol for the first time, from experimenting with alcohol and drugs in his adolescence to facing severe addiction in his adult years, including an impactful self-intervention and multiple arrests. Shane's breaking point came in 2011 when he faced serious legal consequences and ultimately found redemption through a faith-based rehabilitation program and the support of his family. Now dedicated to helping others, Shane underscores the importance of community, purpose, and addressing underlying traumas in the journey to recovery.
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Sober Motivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
Shane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverladder/

Overcoming Hidden Struggles: Tiffany's Journey to Sobriety

In this heartfelt episode of the Podcast, we have Tiffany, who opens up about her upbringing in a strict Christian home in the Midwest, where she was the eldest of six in a bustling family environment. Sharing her journey from a care-free childhood to battling perfectionism, and the emotional challenges she faced, Tiffany provides an honest recount of how alcohol and substance use became a coping mechanism. Despite several lows, including a stroke scare and a difficult first marriage, she found strength in her family, therapy, and her faith to embrace sobriety. Tiffany underscores the importance of community support, therapy, and self-worth as vital elements in her recovery process. Her story offers hope and a message that it's possible to rebuild a healthy, authentic life away from the shadows of addiction.
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Support the show: www.buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Tiffany's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_epiphany0911/
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 Tiffany's Childhood Memories
02:45 School Life and Teenage Years
07:16 College and Early Adulthood
09:38 Marriage and Motherhood
14:31 Struggles with Alcohol and Drugs
27:25 Health Crisis and Reflection
29:49 The Struggle with Moderation
30:56 Family Vacation and High Bottom
32:24 The Turning Point: Family Intervention
33:06 The Importance of Sharing and Support
40:08 Building a Supportive Community
54:07 The Role of Therapy in Recovery
56:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

A 20+ year struggle with Alcohol - Dave's Story

In this episode, Dave shares his incredible journey to sobriety. Born into a household of addiction and instability, Dave recounts his childhood experiences and the impact they had on his life choices. Moving from a tumultuous upbringing to struggling with alcohol as an adult, Dave eventually reaches a turning point that leads him to seek help and enter rehab. Dave provides hope and insight for those facing similar battles through candid discussions about his recovery process, the support he found, and the changes in his life post-rehab. The episode emphasizes the importance of honesty, support, and dedication in the journey to sobriety.
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Follow Dave's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djsobershorts/
Follow SoberMotivation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobermotivation/
00:00 Introduction to Season Three
00:29 Dave's Early Life and Family Struggles
02:08 School Life and Early Realizations
04:38 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Alcohol
07:32 Reconnecting with Biological Parents
09:39 The Escalation of Addiction
16:12 Struggles with Family and Mental Health
25:17 The Turning Point: Realizing the Damage
25:48 The Final Stretch: Escalation and Consequences
29:02 The Decision to Seek Help
29:44 Entering Rehab: A New Beginning
37:11 Post-Rehab Challenges and Adjustments
40:59 Finding a New Path to Recovery
43:12 Support Systems and Overcoming Excuses
47:46 Reflecting on the Journey and Future
 

Finding Purpose Through Sobriety: Nisha's Journey

In this episode of the Sober Motivation podcast, Nisha shares her compelling journey of growing up as a first-generation South Asian-American in a small town, navigating the complexities of fitting in, and eventually finding a connection in sports. As her story unfolds, she details the role of alcohol in her life through high school and college and the realization that it was leading her astray. Through heartfelt support and reflections, Nisha shares how a call for help and the support of her family led her to sobriety and a fulfilling career as a Counselor and sober coach. The conversation highlights the importance of community, staying curious, and the continuous journey of personal growth and alignment.
Donate to support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
Nisha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishajp/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:14 Nisha's Childhood and Early Life
02:21 High School Experiences and Early Drinking
03:03 Personal Reflections and Struggles
08:47 College Life and Increasing Drinking
15:05 Post-College Challenges and Career
17:27 Moving to California and Hitting Rock Bottom
25:07 Switching Substances: A Common Misconception
26:00 Introducing the Expert: A Licensed Professional Counselor
28:11 The Journey to Sobriety: Personal Stories and Insights
30:31 The Importance of Support Systems
34:38 Therapy and Personal Growth
42:39 Reflecting on the Sobriety Journey
45:28 The Role of Therapy in Recovery
47:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information