Antonia Ryan

The Alcohol Recovery Show

Antonia Ryan

  • Episode 37 - Let's Celebrate

Episode 37 - Let's Celebrate

Thursday 1st December 2022

Antonia Ryan discusses why celebrations can trigger drinking and shares practical tips for enjoying alcohol-free events on 'The Alcohol Recovery Show'.
8 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Encouraging
Supportive
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

The Alcohol Recovery Show
Author:
Antonia Ryan
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
50 (View all)
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Celebrations and Sobriety: Navigating Joy Without Alcohol

Imagining that a substance that has caused you so many problems will make happy feelings even happier, or joyous occasions more joyous makes no sense at all. It really is a fantasy. So challenge this faulty thinking and set yourself up to enjoy celebrations you will remember with a clear conscience, a clear head and genuine happiness.
Picture this: you've been sober for two years, feeling on top of the world, and then a Christmas lunch with colleagues sends you spiraling back into daily drinking. In this episode of 'The Alcohol Recovery Show', Antonia Ryan dives into why even positive emotions like happiness and elation can be tricky for those on a sobriety journey. It's not just the bad days that can knock us off track; sometimes, it's the good ones too.
Antonia shares the story of Natalie, who found herself struggling after a seemingly innocent holiday celebration. She explains how emotions, both positive and negative, can mess with our impulse control, making that glass of wine seem like a fantastic idea. But don't worry, Antonia's got your back with practical tips to keep you steady. One of her key strategies is the 'mood-o-meter', a nifty tool to help you track your emotions and stay balanced.
She also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and emotional balance, suggesting simple yet effective ways to enjoy celebrations without feeling the need to drink. From bringing your favorite soft drink to having a non-drinking buddy for support, these tips are gold. Antonia doesn't shy away from challenging the faulty thinking that alcohol makes happy occasions happier. She reminds listeners that alcohol has caused more problems than it has solved and that enjoying life doesn't require a drink in hand.
Dawn's story is another powerful example shared in this episode, highlighting how special occasions can lead to a relapse if we're not careful. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with strategies to enjoy celebrations with a clear head and a clear conscience. It's all about setting yourself up for success and remembering that joy doesn't need to come from a bottle.