Addiction Unlimited Podcast

By Angela PughHealth & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement

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Addiction Unlimited Podcast episodes

January 21 Getting Sober vs. Being in Recovery
Everything you need to know about why sobriety alone isn't enough – and what real recovery actually looks like.
Listen, I see this pattern ALL the time with the people I work with.
They quit drinking, they think they've done the hard part, and then a few weeks or months in... they're confused.
They're disappointed. They're thinking, "Is THIS what the rest of my life is going to be like?"
And the answer is: only if you stop here.
Sobriety is quitting. Recovery is healing. And the only way to stay sober – the only way to actually build a life you love – is to do the healing work
Most people quit drinking hoping sobriety won’t be too inconvenient.
They want the same life.The same relationships.The same routines.Just… without alcohol.
And at first, it works. You feel better. Clearer. Less foggy.
But then — weeks or months in — the feelings come back.
Anxiety.Overwhelm.Anger.Fear.
All the things alcohol was quietly managing for you? They’re still there. And now they’re loud because you aren't numbing them anymore.
That doesn’t mean sobriety is failing.It means your nervous system is healing.
Today, I'm sitting down with Michael Z, who has 30 years of sobriety.
And let me tell you, this conversation is GOLD.
Michael is old-school AA, incredibly honest, and he shares exactly what it was really like in early sobriety and what it takes to build a life you actually want to live long-term.
Because recovery isn’t a destination — it’s a practice.
If you're newly sober and struggling – if you're thinking "why is this so hard?" or "I thought things would be better by now" – you're not doing it wrong.
You're just in the gap. The gap between sobriety and recovery.
Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and let's talk about what it really takes to stay sober.
Trust me, this conversation is going to give you the clarity and the roadmap you need to move forward.
If you’re done white-knuckling, overthinking, or feeling stuck in that miserable middle — and you want real support to build a solid recovery foundation — I can help.
👉 Book a call with me and let’s talk about what support would actually move you forward.
Connect with me:
Instagram: @addictionunlimited
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Michael Z's book: The Wisdom of the Rooms (daily recovery quotes and reflections)
Michael Z's book: The Twelve Steps of Modern Hero's Journey (recovery through the hero's journey framework)
Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Recovery doesn't happen in isolation – and neither does healing.
28 min
January 14 You’re Not Doing the Work — You’re Just Watching Other People Do It
Reading about sobriety isn't the same as doing the work to get sober.
If you feel like you’re doing everything for your sobriety—but nothing is actually changing—this episode is for you.
And trust me, there's a huge difference!
Here's the thing: when I got sober, the landscape looked completely different.
There were no podcasts, no endless library of quit lit books, no free challenges.
But today? You can fill every spare moment with sobriety content.
And while that's amazing in so many ways, it's also created something I see over and over: people who mistake presence for participation.
They're reading books, listening to podcasts, signing up for challenges, even showing up to meetings – but they're not actually engaging.
They're just... there.
And that’s how people stay stuck for years—busy, informed, and still drinking.
So in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what it means to shift from passive presence to active participation.
Because that shift?
That's where real transformation happens.
I dive into:
3:48 – Why passive sobriety feels like progress but quietly keeps you stuck8:30 – The false comfort of other people’s stories vs. doing your own work13:12 – How to tell if you’re participating… or just observing17:36 – Why only showing up for celebration hurts your recovery (this one stings)19:56 – What real participation looks like—and why the same people succeed21:49 – Simple ways to start participating today, even if you’re uncomfortable
Tune in and get ready to shift from being present in your recovery to actually participating in it.
Because that's where the magic happens, my friend.
And I promise you're capable of it – right now, exactly as you are.
If you’re done consuming recovery content and ready to actually change, Sober Society is where that happens.
Join us in Sober Society for just $27/month! We've got meetings throughout the week (and we're adding more in February, including a meditation meeting!).
This is a place where people actually show up, support each other, and do the work together.
Find all the details at addictionunlimited.com/society
Schedule a call to work with me at addictionunlimited.com/call
30 min
January 07 Stop Trying to Change Everything: Why Sobriety Needs 100% of Your Focus
If you're getting sober in 2026, make it your only focus—everything else can wait.
Here we are, in that weird part of early January where everyone's trying to overhaul their entire life at once.
New year, new you, right?
Quit drinking AND hit the gym AND change your diet AND meditate AND deal with your trauma... all at the same time.
But... when you try to transform everything simultaneously, you're not being ambitious—you're sabotaging the one thing that actually matters.
Today is my 20th sobriety birthday, and I'm sharing something that helped me get from one day to the next in early recovery: making sobriety my ONE thing. This simple approach allowed me to start accumulating time, finding relief, and building belief in myself—one day at a time.
Because sobriety isn't 10% of your energy. It's 100%.
In this episode, we dive into:
>> The hard truth about alcohol: it worked as your relief system, and you have to replace that relief
>> Why early sobriety is a full-time job disguised as "just not drinking"
>> How to do an inventory of your pain points and build a new survival toolkit
>> The ONE question to guide every decision: Is this getting me closer to sobriety or closer to a drink?
Early sobriety means managing cravings, sitting with unbearable feelings, rewiring every social situation, and learning to survive without your only coping mechanism.
That's not a side project. That's the entire project.
If you're getting sober in 2026, or recommitting to sobriety, make it your sole focus.
Do this one thing well. Master it. And when it becomes stable, you can add something else.
But right now? Just stay sober. Everything else comes from that.
Listen in, and remember: sobriety IS the transformation.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call
Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited
19 min
December 31, 2025 Why You Can’t Quit Drinking and What Stage You’re Actually In
Why January 1 Isn’t the Answer — and What Actually Moves You Forward
It's New Year's Eve, and if you're feeling that familiar pressure—that maybe-this-year-will-be-different energy—I want you to take a deep breath and listen up.
Whether you're planning to drink tonight (even though you don't really want to), or you're already sober but looking at 2026 like it's some kind of test you have to pass... I see you.
And here's what I need you to know: You're not broken. You're not behind. You're just in a stage.
In today's episode, I'm walking you through the Stages of Change—a professional framework used in psychology and addiction recovery that's going to help you figure out exactly where you are in your journey. Because once you know your stage, you'll know exactly what to do next.
No more spinning your wheels. No more beating yourself up. Just clarity, action, and a path forward.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The 5 stages are:
Pre-Contemplation
Contemplation
Preparation
Action
Maintenance
(Spoiler: If you're listening to this podcast, you're already past stage 1. But where are you really?)
Why people get stuck in contemplation (and the one thing that moves you forward—hint: it's not more research)
The difference between preparation and action (and why support is the bridge between the two)
Why January 1st isn't going to save you (but action will)
How to avoid burnout in maintenance (and why my 90-Day Focus Planner is built to help you actually make progress)
🎉Why This Episode Matters Right Now
If you've been beating yourself up for "not having it figured out yet," this episode is going to shift everything for you.
You're not failing. You're not lacking willpower or motivation. You're just doing the wrong work for the stage you're in.
And once you understand that? Everything changes.

🔗Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Dry January Bootcamp – 31 days of structure, support, and figuring out who you are without alcohol.
90-Day Focus Planner – Built for people who want to make real progress without burning out. Three goals at a time.
Coaching with Angela – If you're ready to stop effing around with starts and stops, book your consultation call and let's get you the support you need.
Join the Facebook Group
20 min
December 26, 2025 The Real Purpose of the 12 Steps: Healing Patterns, Not Just Addiction
Healing, growth, and personal transformation — with or without a label.
This episode is the final conversation in The Unlimited Life™ Starter Series —The 10 most powerful episodes from the Addiction Unlimited archives to help you rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.
And I saved this one for last for a reason.
Because what Ian Morgan Cron and I talk about here goes beyond sobriety…Beyond addiction…Beyond labels.
This is about transformation.
The truth is, everyone has patterns.Whether it’s alcohol, perfectionism, food, control, or people-pleasing — we all have behaviors we use to cope.And the 12 steps offer a framework to heal the emotional root — not just the habit on the surface.
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to feel overwhelmed.You don’t have to be a drug addict to crave peace.And you don’t need a label to want something more.
This episode is your reminder that you belong in the work of healing — no matter how it looks on the outside.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why the 12 steps work for any human — not just those in addiction
What it means to transform your character, not just your habits
The truth about higher power — and why you might already have one without realizing it
What to do when you feel like you’re “not sick enough” to belong
How the 12-step framework helps with emotional sobriety, identity work, and deep personal growth
In this episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Fix, to talk about how the 12 steps aren’t just for addicts — they’re for humans.
🔥 Links Mentioned:
🧠 Join the Dry January Bootcamp — Start your year with structure, clarity, and support
💬 Book a Call — For coaching, structure, and real transformation
📖 Ian’s Book: The Fix — How the 12 Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation
🎧 Original episode post:→ addictionunlimited.com/healing-growth-and-freedom-the-12-steps-for-everyone
45 min
December 24, 2025 I Have No Idea What to Say Today (And That’s Okay)
Exhausted from overthinking everything before you even start? You're not alone.
Well, my friend, I'm going to be really honest with you today – after 400+ episodes, I had absolutely no idea what to talk about for this one.
And you know what?
That's actually the most honest thing I could share with you on Christmas Eve.
Here's the truth: Even after 20 years sober, I'm still an alcoholic.
I still overthink everything. I still doubt myself. My brain still goes to worst-case scenarios sometimes.
The only real difference between me and someone newer to recovery? I've had more practice—and I know that everything will be okay.
So if you're exhausted from trying to have it all figured out before you start, if you're burnt out on constant self-improvement, or if you're just... tired—this episode is for you.
No five-step plan.
No worksheets.
Just real talk about what it actually looks like to show up when you don't have all the answers.
In this episode, you'll hear all about:
00:13: Why I had no idea what to talk about today (and why that's the most honest thing I could share)
02:30: What showing up actually looks like when you're tired, confused, and a little bit lost
05:40: THE REAL WORK – How we burn through all our energy overthinking before we even start
07:34: Taking it one minute at a time with you, me, and my microphone
09:45: What long-term recovery actually looks like – not the absence of doubt, but the absence of panic about it
Listen in, and remember: you're allowed to just be tired. You're allowed to not have the answers. And you're allowed to show up anyway.
Welcome to the club, my friend – you're in great company.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
• Dry January Bootcamp – Facebook group opens next week! Get structure, support, and direction one day at a time. addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp (VIP upgrade option available for weekly group coaching)
• Book a Call with Angela – Tired of the BS? Tired of crying? Ready for real relief? Let's talk about working together: addictionunlimited.com/call
13 min
December 19, 2025 How to Survive Holiday Overwhelm Without Compromising Your Sobriety
Practical tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and stay sober during the most overwhelming time of year.
In this episode, we’re talking about why the holiday season is such a perfect storm for stress, exhaustion, and relapse risk — and what actually helps you stay grounded, calm, and sober when everything feels like too much.
This isn’t about “just don’t drink” or powering through with willpower.
It’s about planning ahead, setting real boundaries, managing your energy, and protecting your sobriety like it actually matters — because it does.
These tools are timeless and incredibly relevant right now — especially as we head into the final stretch of the year.
HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
1️⃣ Holiday Stress Isn’t the Problem — Lack of Planning Is
The holidays don’t sneak up on us. They come at the same time every year. When you plan ahead — for your schedule, your energy, and your triggers — you dramatically reduce overwhelm and vulnerability.
2️⃣ Boundaries Are a Sobriety Tool, Not a Personality Flaw
Boundaries around time, conversations, commitments, and how long you stay at events aren’t selfish — they’re how you stay regulated, present, and sober when stress is high.
3️⃣ Rest, Connection, and Support Are Non-Negotiable
Sleep deprivation, emotional exhaustion, and isolation make cravings louder. Staying connected to your sober support and refueling your energy keeps you strong when willpower runs out.
We’re days away from Christmas. If your energy is low and your stress is high, that doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means it’s time to slow down, simplify, and protect what matters most.
Take what you learn today and use it. Planning, boundaries, rest, and connection aren’t optional extras. They’re how sobriety lasts.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Dry January Bootcamp If you’re done white-knuckling your way through the holidays and into January, Bootcamp gives you structure, support, and a clear plan to protect your sobriety and start the new year strong.
👉 Book a CallIf you want personalized support and clarity on next steps, book a call to talk through your options.
👉 Join the Free Facebook GroupConnect with others who get it — support, encouragement, and real conversations about sobriety.
31 min
December 17, 2025 What ‘Rock Bottom’ Really Means and How It’s Keeping You Stuck
If you're a high-functioning drinker waiting for rock bottom to give you permission to quit, this episode will change everything.
Most people think rock bottom is an external event—a DUI, job loss, or divorce. But that's not what rock bottom actually is, and this misunderstanding is keeping you stuck in a cycle that never ends.
In this episode, I break down the real meaning of rock bottom and why waiting for external proof is preventing you from taking action on what you already know.
You'll learn why comparing your life to other people's disasters keeps you drinking longer, what to listen for in recovery meetings (hint: it's not the external details), and why the question "Do I really need to quit?" is actually your answer.
What You'll Learn:
Why high-functioning drinkers misunderstand rock bottom and how it keeps them stuck
The "I'm not that bad" fallacy and why comparing external circumstances is the wrong measuring stick
What rock bottom actually is (internal, not external) and why it changes everything
How to recognize rock bottom moments before they become major disasters
Why people who don't have a drinking problem never wonder if they need to quit
The real reason your brain keeps offering alcohol as a solution when things get uncomfortable
How lowering the bar and rationalizing red flags keeps the cycle going
Why you don't need to wait for things to get worse to make a change
Key Takeaways:
Rock bottom is internal, not external. It's not about what happens to you—it's about the moment you realize you can't live like this anymore, even if your life still looks good from the outside.
You're comparing the wrong things. When you compare your life to other people's disasters, you'll always feel like you're "not that bad." But when you compare your internal experience—the exhaustion, the mental gymnastics, the constant negotiation with yourself—that's when you recognize the real problem.
External events don't create clarity—they force action. Most dramatic rock bottom moments are years in the making. There are a million smaller red flags that get rationalized away before the big event happens. You don't have to wait for the big event.
If you're asking the question, that's your answer. People without drinking problems never wonder if they need to quit. They don't think about alcohol constantly, plan their days around it, or spend energy managing and moderating it. If you're here listening to this, you already know.
Episode Highlights:
[00:12] The common misunderstanding about rock bottom that keeps high-functioning drinkers stuck
[02:00] Why "I'm not that bad" only works if rock bottom is external (spoiler: it's not)

[05:50] The AA meeting trap: comparing external details instead of internal feelings
[09:33] What rock bottom actually is: internal, emotional, and the moment you realize you can't live like this anymore
[11:00] My two-year rock bottom and why I waited so long to take action
[14:42] If you want to wait until things get worse, they will (and here's what that looks like)
[16:30] The small red flags we rationalize away that lead to bigger disasters
[17:50] A client's rock bottom moment: choosing a drink over playing with his son
[19:19] Why asking "Do I really need to quit?" is actually your answer
[21:31] The takeaway: You already know. Stop waiting for permission.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
💥 Dry January Bootcamp (Free!)
Get structure, support, and a clear plan to start your alcohol-free life with power.
👉 addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp
🎯 Book a Private Call
Ready to stop screwing around and get real results? Let’s talk.
👉 addictionunlimited.com/call
🧣 Cozy Earth – My Favorite Gift to Give (and Receive!)
Bedding + loungewear that calms and elevates your space.
Use code ANGELA
👉 cozyearth.com
25 min
December 12, 2025 Can You Drink Again After Sobriety? The One Test That Tells You Everything
Here's something nobody tells you about long-term sobriety: your brain doesn't forget its relationship with alcohol just because you stop drinking.
After 19+ years sober, I can still walk into a restaurant and automatically glance at the bar. I can spend 10 minutes with my best friend analyzing five drinks in a hotel cooler. I notice who's drinking at parties when my non-alcoholic mom never does.
And that's exactly how I know - even after almost two decades - that I still can't drink.
In this episode, I'm breaking down the ONE thing that tells you with 100% certainty whether you can drink again after sobriety. Spoiler: it's not about time. It's not about willpower. It's about how much mental real estate alcohol still occupies in your brain.
What You'll Discover:
The "mind space test" - how aware are you of alcohol even when you're not drinking?
Why "normal" drinkers never think about alcohol (and why you can't stop)
How alcohol becomes your higher power without you realizing it
Real stories from my own journey - including that champagne bottle I saved to celebrate 30 days sober (yep, I did that)
The difference between your brain and a non-alcoholic brain - and why it matters more than sobriety time
Why the fact that you're even asking "can I drink again?" is actually your answer
The Bottom Line:
Non-alcoholic people don't wonder if they drink too much. They don't count down to their next drink. They don't notice the bar when they walk into restaurants. They don't plan their social lives around alcohol availability.
If you're still hyperaware of alcohol - whether that's craving it, avoiding it, or constantly thinking about it - your relationship hasn't changed. Time doesn't fix this. Only honesty with yourself does.
Struggling with the starts and stops?
Book a free call with Angela to explore your options (not a free coaching session, but a real conversation about what might help): addictionunlimited.com/call
Connect:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited
Instagram: @addictionunlimited
20 min
December 10, 2025 From Witching Hour to Power Hour: Getting Through the Hardest Part of Sobriety
Why 5pm Feels Impossible (And What To Do About It)
Let's talk about the hardest part of early sobriety: that predictable window of time when the craving hits like a wave and you're not sure you can ride it out. Maybe it's 5pm on a Tuesday. Maybe it's Friday night when everyone's posting their wine glasses on Instagram. Maybe it's standing in the parking lot at your kid's soccer game watching all the other moms with their Stanley cups.
In this episode, I'm breaking down what I call the witching hour—that specific time when staying sober feels almost impossible. But here's the truth: it's not about the drink. It never was. The drink was the solution you were using for something else—exhaustion, overwhelm, loneliness, anxiety, boredom.
I'll walk you through the four different types of witching hours, what you're really craving during each one, and most importantly—what to actually DO about it. Because willpower alone won't get you through this. You need a plan. And if you're doing nothing, you're planning to drink.
3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:
1️⃣ The Drink Was Never the Point -- When you say "I want a drink," what you're actually saying is "I'm exhausted and need to turn my brain off" or "I'm anxious and need relief right now." Understanding what you're really craving changes everything.
2️⃣ Different Witching Hours Need Different Tools -- The daily 5pm decompression requires different strategies than weekend FOMO or emotional overwhelm. Once you know your type, you can prepare accordingly.
3️⃣ Doing Nothing IS a Plan—It's a Plan to Drink -- If you know your hardest time is Friday at 5pm and you're sitting back with no strategy, you're not being neutral. You're setting yourself up to give in. Proactive planning is non-negotiable.
And, if you're struggling with that daily 5pm crash? I did an entire episode on breaking that specific habit: How to Break the 5PM Drinking Habit Without Losing Your Mind
Want structured support to actually implement these strategies? My Recovery Starter Kit walks you through exactly how to set up your environment, calm your mind when triggers hit, build real support, and create a daily rhythm that makes sobriety feel steady instead of shaky. It's $197 for instant access—plus 30 days free in my Sober Society community. Perfect if you're white-knuckling it through the holidays and need more than just willpower.
And this Friday, a bonus drop from the Unlimited Life Starter Series --- the 10 most powerful episodes to rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.

Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited
MORE FROM ME
Follow me on Instagram @addictionunlimited
30 min

About Addiction Unlimited Podcast

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Are you ready to ditch daily drinking, reclaim your confidence, and create a life of freedom? Each week, Angela combines no-nonsense advice, personal stories, and science-backed strategies to tackle…