The Big Thaw: Understanding Emotions in Sobriety with Heather and Viv
In sobriety, you are doing a lot of work under the surface. It's incredibly uncomfortable, and moving through that discomfort builds resilience, but it's really hard in the beginning. So, for however long you've been drinking, you've taught yourself to go to a drink for every emotion. So that is what I mean by the big thought.
Ever wondered what happens to your emotions when you stop numbing them with alcohol? In this episode of the Sobertown Podcast, Heather Lowe and Viv, aka Sober I Thrive, dive into the concept of 'The Big Thaw'. This term describes the flood of emotions that surface once you quit drinking. After years of dulling sadness, grief, happiness, and joy with alcohol, facing these feelings head-on can be overwhelming.
Heather and Viv share their personal experiences and insights on how to navigate this emotional rollercoaster. They discuss when the Big Thaw typically happens in your sobriety journey, whether everyone goes through it, and how long it might last. More importantly, they offer practical advice on how to cope with this intense phase. From building support systems to finding healthy outlets for your emotions, this episode is packed with valuable tips for anyone on the path to sobriety.
Heather and Viv also touch on the dangers of becoming a 'dry drunk', where you stop drinking but don't address the underlying emotional issues. They emphasize the importance of resilience and personal growth in maintaining long-term sobriety. Whether you're newly sober or have been on this journey for a while, this episode offers a compassionate and relatable look at the emotional challenges of living alcohol-free.