May 13, 2024

E88: Grief and Alcohol: Navigating Grief in Sobriety

50 minutes

Grief and alcohol don't mix. We all know this... and yet, when grief strikes, it's hard not to want to numb the pain. We get it.

In this sober podcast episode, we gathered some very special people with poignant stories together to share what they've learned about navigating grief sober. Polly has lost not one, but two husbands. Dave's step daughter passed away suddenly last year when he was 8 months sober. And Corina shares about the grief of divorce, along with the grief of losing loved ones.

Listen as they share their stories in this very honest, open conversation about why grief and alcohol don't belong together, and how to move through grief in healthier ways instead.

"The tools we use for sobriety aren't just for sobriety - they're tools for life."

In this episode:

The fear of facing grief, and how it leads to even more alcohol use

Everyone experiences grief differently, and that's okay

Drinking only postpones the feelings that eventually must be felt

Allow space for things that make you smile amidst the grief

Grieving relationships - friendships, divorce

Dealing with the anger and bitterness that come with grief

Facing the fear of the unknown after experiencing a loss

Learning to surf the waves of grief, similar to surfing the waves of cravings

Using the tools of sobriety to cope with grief in healthy ways

If you're facing tough emotions and could use some more guidance in doing it sober check out these other podcast episodes:

Cope With Emotions (Without Alcohol)

Managing Negative Emotions in Recovery

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Corina is currently living her best sober life with her partner Greg and their rescue animals (2 former street cats from Egypt and a wild puppy monster from Edmonton’s SPCA). She works locally as a special education teacher and spends her free time enjoying nature walks or bike rides along the ocean or on the many trail systems nearby. Her healing journey in sobriety has come with beautiful gifts including authenticity, acceptance, compassion, and peace with others as well as herself. As the adventure continues, she gratefully looks forward with to more opportunities for discovery believing that “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

— Brené Brown, Rising Strong

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Hello world!

I am Dave. After an over 20 year drinking career it was time to retire. I am growing and learning about myself everyday. Presence with family is my favorite gift recovery has given me. I didn’t know it also came with a community of beautiful people and connection. My hope is to inspire and support others with sharing my story through Instagram and fb. Follow my journey, @djsobershorts.

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By Julie Miller & Steve Knapp