Matt & Sheri Salis

Untoxicated Podcast

Matt & Sheri Salis

  • Ep74 – Arrogance to Sobbing Puddle: The Attraction of the HFA

Ep74 – Arrogance to Sobbing Puddle: The Attraction of the HFA

Monday 15th February 2021

Join Matt and Sheri Salis as they explore High-Functioning Alcoholism, its emotional ups and downs, and the role of external validation.
Explicit
59 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Supportive

About this podcast

Untoxicated Podcast
Author:
Matt & Sheri Salis
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Highs and Lows: Matt and Sheri's Journey with High-Functioning Alcoholism

You have no ability to- as the phrase that is commonly said is to fill your own bucket. But I think, as someone who tied all of my self-esteem to achievement, to career achievement, who then went into early sobriety and would have to deal with this, the ups and downs, I think the emotion that I was most impacted by not having my medication for was the emotions.
Ever wondered how external validation can fuel alcoholism? In this episode of the Untoxicated Podcast, Matt and Sheri Salis take you on a rollercoaster ride through Matt's experience with High-Functioning Alcoholism (HFA). Forget the usual tales of childhood trauma or major tragedies leading to addiction; Matt's story is different. His craving for career success and financial approval drove him to the bottle, resulting in arrogant highs and tearful lows that left his self-esteem in tatters.
And who had to weather these emotional storms? Sheri, his steadfast partner, of course. The episode doesn’t just dwell on the dark times. Matt and Sheri also share how they navigated the choppy waters of early sobriety. They emphasize the importance of self-care, filling your own emotional bucket, and seeking professional help when needed. It's a raw, honest conversation that sheds light on how societal and family expectations can shape one's relationship with alcohol. But it’s not all heavy stuff.
They sprinkle in some lighter moments too, like their amusing attempts to catch javelinas in the Arizona desert and stories from the private banking world in Chicago. This episode is a mix of heartfelt storytelling and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone affected by alcoholism or those supporting someone through recovery. Whether you're battling your own demons or standing by a loved one, Matt and Sheri's candid discussion offers a blend of empathy, humor, and actionable insights.
Tune in for a deep dive into the highs and lows of High-Functioning Alcoholism and discover how external validation can drive dependence on alcohol.