A mantra to help you stay sober “Be kind to your future self” is a powerful mantra with wide application, including in sobriety.¹ One way to be kind to your future self is to choose delayed over immediate gratification. Seeking immediate gratification is a human tendency driven by the brain’s reward system—specifically the release of dopamine (the hormone that makes you…
“I needed the pain of recovery to break through the denial.” This series showcases personal stories of addiction recovery and sobriety. Today’s edition is by Nancy Boyd, Soul Mechanic. Nancy is a Leadership Development Coach, the 2009 International Coach of the Year, and an award-winning writer, healer, and change-maker serving people who are creating the kind of…
“You’re in there, you always were, and you’re braver than you think.” This series showcases personal stories of addiction recovery and sobriety. Today’s edition is by Stephanie Gibbons, a self-described “mediocre writer.” She has two boys (age 9 and 11) who still catch muddy frogs to impress their amazing dad. Together, they represent the life she runs…
And led me back to my true self in sobriety Want to hear Kaitlyn read this essay? Hit play here. There are no two humans alike on earth, and no two recovery paths that look the same. We’re all unique—especially according to astrology. In 2020, just before lockdown, I decided to get sober. The catalyst…
Welcome! As part of celebrating and growing the Sober App Substack community, this periodic feature showcases recent guest contributors. Check out their bios and publications below, find their guest posts on the homepage, and share your own sober publication or say hello in the comments. Tacita B is a self-described writer-ish, 9-to-5’er, and dog mama born and raised in…
What happens when we trade one drug for another As a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’m trained to look for patterns. Rather than focus on one symptom or body part, we consider the constellation that comprises the whole. Whether you come in for back pain, brain fog, or the common cold, we want to…
A story of addiction Tibetan Buddhist texts liken addiction to licking honey off a razor. The first taste is sweet—irresistible even, and seemingly harmless. Then, what was once saccharine turns metallic on tongues. What once seemed a good idea now tastes of blood and flesh and shreds of us. No longer whole. No longer able…
An author and recovery expert shares 7 tips to guide your journey It’s no surprise that summer can bring with it not just fun in the sun, but also challenges and triggers. As a woman in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery, along with an author and addiction recovery expert, I’ve learned some evidence-based strategies…
“I used to spiral for days when drinking. Now, a difficult mental state never lasts more than a day.” This series showcases personal stories of addiction recovery and sobriety. Today’s edition is by Ellie Nova. Ellie lives with her husband and son in Lewes, East Sussex, where she spends as much time as she can connecting…
Shamanism, Chinese Medicine, definitions of addiction This series showcases conversations with experts who are sober themselves and working in the recovery space. Today’s edition features Randal Lyons, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine¹ and shamanic practitioner whose spiritual, integrative program of addiction recovery has been implemented in holistic clinics, premier treatment centers, and his private practice….