Welcome back to Sobriety Checkpoint, the podcast that explores the journey of sobriety and recovery. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Janice Dowd, a licensed master social worker, author, speaker, and most importantly, a recovering alcoholic and mother to four children. Janice shares her powerful story of late-in-life drinking, the impact it had on her role as a mother, and the journey she took to find sobriety. She discusses the challenges she faced in prioritizing her own recovery while also navigating the responsibilities of being a mom. We dive deep into the idea of hiding behind the principles of recovery and the importance of addressing and repairing relationships with loved ones. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. So sit back, relax, and join us for another episode of Sobriety Checkpoint.

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03:10 Late-in-life drinker from alcoholic home becomes social worker.

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05:15 Avoided drugs, focused on career, became therapist.

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09:18 Internal struggles led to drinking in 40s. Coping mechanisms were lies. Denial and shame as a social worker.

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12:51 Growing up with addiction, ignoring personal vulnerability.

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16:40 Lost connection with kids while in treatment.

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18:27 Sobriety is key. Focus on family too.

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21:37 Acceptance found among like-minded recovery peers.

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25:03 Harness your inner strength, fight, and thrive.

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• Linktree -  linktr.ee/sobrietycheckpoint.co

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Janice’s Links: 

• Instagram @parenting_in_recovery

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Music for Sobriety Checkpoint created by my cousin: Jake Meyer - Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

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This episode of Sobriety Checkpoint was produced by Bob Slone Audio Productions --＞https://bobslone.com/

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****The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Felicia Hermle and her guests and do not reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or are a part of.****

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****The information contained in this podcast is general information for educational purposes only, it is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or psychological advice. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, please call your local 24-hour hotline or 911.****

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KEYWORDS: sober parent, sober mom, sober dad, parenting and recovery, social worker, author, speaker, recovering alcoholic, journey into sobriety, late in life drinker, alcoholic home, adult child of an alcoholic, people pleasing, low self esteem, insecurities, drugs, peer pressure, athlete, control, social drinker, problem drinker, full blown alcoholic, denial, shame, guilt, impact on motherhood, treatment, inpatient treatment, intervention, fear of losing kids, principles of the program, hiding behind the program, disconnect with family, emotional distance, coping mechanisms, new coping skills