Recovery Rocks

Money is often a taboo topic but it’s a significant issue in recovery. The good news is that the
money we used to spend on alcohol and all that goes with it (hello, late night tacos) can be
spent productively and in fun ways. Tawny and Lisa discuss Tawny’s article in The Temper
(linked below) outlining how we can invest in ourselves in recovery. Whether it’s for paying
down debt, paying for luxuries small and large, or investing for the future, not wasting money
on drinks is a gift of recovery.
Music Minute features Janis Joplin, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd
https://www.thetemper.com/new-ways-to-save-or-spend-the-money-not-used-on-booze/

Tawny and Lisa talk about why and how to stop focusing so much on other people’s opinions, real and imagined. An article in The Atlantic entitle, “No One Cares” (linked below), provides a great framework for this. People aren’t thinking about us nearly as much as we think they are. Internalizing this fact can be liberating in all kinds of way, including breaking imposter syndrome and handling panic attacks. 

Music Minute features Demi Lovato/Cher Lloyd, Courtney Barnett, Nirvana, and Talking Heads. 

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/11/how-stop-caring-what-other-people-think-you/620670/

With Sober October over and Dry January around the corner, Tawny and Lisa talk about these annual challenges. Perfect for the sober curious (and the sober-curious curious!), Tawny reads from her article about “sober tourism,” a phrase she contributed to the vernacular!  A month off can provide the opportunity someone needs to look at why they drink and why they decided to take the challenge. Tawny’s tips help folks navigate dry months while still being respectful of folks who commit to a lifestyle of sobriety…one day at a time.

Tawny’s Sober Tourism Article: https://www.thetemper.com/try-recovery-without-sober-tourist/

Tawny’s How To Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUm6Tb5gXSs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Music Minute goes old-school with Madonna and The Go-Gos.

Are they really here already? Tawny and Lisa talk about gearing up emotionally for the holiday season. With everyone coming from a different pandemic experience, it’s going to be challenge. Tawny and Lisa plan to manage their energy budgets and not say “yes” to everything. 

Lisa is gifting people Zero Proof beverages this year. Also please consider supporting some of Recovery Rock’s favorite sober entrepreneurs this holiday season: (I think you said you had a link that compiled these? Also do you want to link to the NA wine you have a coupon code for?)

Music Minute features Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Adam Sandler, Lindsey Buckingham, and Lady Gaga. 

Lisa and Tawny talk about their experiences trying to help and support others who don’t want help. Groups like Ala-non, ACOA, and CODA, support people impacted by someone in their life who is struggling with any kind of disorder. No one can want recovery for someone more than that person wants it. Humility, boundaries, self-care, and meeting the person where they are all required.

Helpful links:

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Al-anon

Codependents Anonymous

Music Minute features the Rolling Stones, The Cure, and The Cult.

Big shout out to our listener Andy who floated the topic of dealing with the ubiquity of alcohol in
the workplace! Tawny and Lisa talk about how the “let’s grab drinks after work,” or “work
hard/play hard” culture is problematic with respect to physical and mental health. They share tips on how to be inclusive, by offering booze-free bonding opportunities for colleagues. Change is certainly possible but the message must come from the top.
Music Minute features Rihanna, Fifth Harmony, Izzy Azalea, and yes, Guns ‘n Roses.

Sober celebrities can be a source of inspiration, providing an example to relate to in similar
struggles, not to mention de-stigmatizing and normalizing substance use disorders, which saves
lives. Those in 12-step have a different perspective on going public. Tawny and Lisa discuss
sober celebrities from their individual perspectives and dig in on the ones they love – many of
whom aren’t sober or in recovery but have simply chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle!

Tawny and Lisa talk about how whether you’re choosing sobriety or sober curious, it’s never
too soon to connect with a community and peer support (even as a lurker). Tawny shares the
story of her first sober year, which she did on her own. Instead of sober buddies she leaned on
family and friends who were not the best qualified to help. No matter where you’re at on this
journey there are bound to be others navigating their way, too. You never have to go it alone!
Music Minute features The Beatles, Grateful Dead, and Soul Asylum.

Lisa has been fan-girling Anna David for many years and now she and Tawny call her their friend.
Anna joined the show to talk about the relaunch of her book, Party Girl, which was at the
forefront of the #quitlit genre. It’s the book that taught Lisa that the cool kids get sober! The
discussion covers the changes in recovery over the years, breaking ground, and putting yourself
out there. Come for the recovery tips, stay for the rock star hook-up stories!
Music Minute features Third-Eye Blind, Hinder, and Taylor Swift.

After emotionally intense times, such as traveling, spending time with family, holidays, or big events, Tawny and Lisa can feel exhausted and maybe a little cranky – almost like they used to feel after drinking. These are “emotional hangovers,” when our emotional juice has been depleted. Tawny expresses it as having an “emotional budget,” the amount of feeling and thought we have to expend. Life keeps happening so it’s important to budget your emotional juice to the extent you can. Self-care is critical

Music Minutes features Jackson Browne, the BeeGees, Destiny’s Child, and the Rolling Stones (RIP Charlie Watts)