How do you rediscover yourself in recovery? In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, hosts Sonia and Kathleen sit down with award-winning author and speaker Patti Clark. Patti shares her deeply personal story of growing up in an alcoholic home, struggling with addiction, and ultimately finding recovery—twice. As the author of This Way Up and Recovery Road Trip, she explores how creativity, self-reflection, and community play a vital role in healing. Sonia and Kathleen guide the conversation, helping listeners unpack key insights that can support their own journeys.

What role does creativity play in addiction recovery? How does travel shape self-discovery and healing? What does emotional sobriety truly mean? Patti shares her experience of getting sober, relapsing after 13 years, and finding her way back to a fulfilling life. She also dives into the importance of community, the evolution of recovery beyond traditional 12-step programs, and how addiction can manifest in different ways beyond alcohol.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on the power of emotional sobriety, the impact of community in recovery, and why personal growth is an ongoing process. Patti discusses the necessity of taking pauses, embracing self-compassion, and recognizing the various ways addiction can show up in our lives. Whether you’re newly sober or years into your journey, this episode offers inspiration and practical takeaways on finding meaning and connection beyond alcohol.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

00:01 – Patti shares her upbringing in an alcoholic household and early substance use

05:16 – The moment she realized she needed to leave Alaska to save herself

06:21 – How her relationship with her husband played a role in her decision to get sober

07:53 – Patti’s first introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and the impact of her sister’s recovery

09:46 – The pivotal moment when she was directly asked, “Are you an alcoholic?”

12:17 – How travel shaped her worldview and also contributed to her relapse

14:46 – Defining recovery: Is it abstinence, moderation, or something else?

16:42 – The importance of emotional sobriety and personal growth beyond quitting drinking

19:16 – The slow build-up to relapse after 13 years of sobriety

20:56 – The role of connection in addiction and recovery

22:27 – How Patti found her way back to sobriety and created a new community

24:08 – Learning from relapse: Why she started researching women’s experiences with it

26:58 – Writing Recovery Road Trip and weaving real stories into the book

27:50 – Addiction beyond alcohol: Why Patti identifies as an addict rather than just an alcoholic

30:06 – Recognizing the ‘whack-a-mole’ nature of addiction (shopping, screens, food, etc.)

32:07 – The limitations of traditional 12-step programs and the need for more inclusive recovery spaces

35:12 – How she’s working to build an open, all-addictions recovery group in Portugal

38:42 – The impact of social media on connection and addiction

40:33 – The importance of taking sacred pauses in recovery and daily life

42:28 – How creativity plays a key role in Patti’s recovery practice

45:33 – Navigating friendships when alcohol is no longer part of your social life

50:16 – What Patti is currently working on, including her move to Portugal and ongoing writing projects

53:43 – Final words of wisdom on reinvention and embracing sobriety as a lifelong journey

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• Website: www.patticlark.org

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