Alecia S.: Finding Strength in Sobriety
Episode Overview
Alecia S. celebrates her first year of sobriety after four years of trying. She used alcohol to cope with emotions and traumatic events. An outpatient programme introduced her to AA and other recovery methods. She emphasises the importance of finding personal practices for peace. Her story highlights the supportive community available in recovery.
I feel incredible now that I’m sober
Alecia S. takes centre stage in this episode of the Keep Coming Back Podcast, sharing her inspiring journey from a life overshadowed by alcohol to celebrating her first year of sobriety. Growing up in a small town near Nashville, Alecia's outwardly perfect life masked a tumultuous home environment. Her father’s rage and alcoholism set the stage for her own struggles with alcohol, which she initially used to escape or enhance her emotions.
Her candid storytelling reveals how she spiralled into heavy drinking, driven by insecurity and a need for validation through modelling and acting jobs. A traumatic family event and a cancer diagnosis further complicated her relationship with alcohol, leading her to drink alone and blackout frequently. Alecia's turning point came through an outpatient programme that introduced her to various recovery methods, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Refuge Recovery, and Smart Recovery.
She found solace in AA, where she embraced the 12-step programme, addressing her traumas through therapies like EMDR. Alecia’s reflections on each step of the programme are heartfelt and relatable, especially her experiences with steps like admitting powerlessness over alcohol and seeking a higher power. Alecia's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, determination, and grace.
She emphasises the importance of finding a personal practice that brings peace and grounding, whether it’s meditation, running, or simply being present in nature. Her message is clear: sobriety is achievable, and there’s a supportive community ready to help. This episode is not just about Alecia’s past; it’s about her ongoing commitment to sobriety and helping others find their path. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol yourself or supporting someone who is, Alecia’s story offers hope and practical advice.
Tune in to hear her journey and perhaps find some inspiration for your own.