For too long, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has been misunderstood as a failure of willpower—but science tells a different story. In this episode, we dive into the neurological basis of addiction, exploring how AUD rewires the brain and why overcoming it requires more than sheer determination. We’ll debunk myths, highlight the role of medical and psychological support, and offer insight into what real recovery looks like. If you’ve ever wondered why quitting alcohol feels impossible for some, this episode is for you.

Find out about the free resources and all our books available at winspress.com.

******************************************************************************************

References for today's episode:

Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: A neurocircuitry analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 760-773. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-

Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363-371. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra151148

Goldstein, R. Z., & Volkow, N. D. (2011). Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex in addiction: Neuroimaging findings and clinical implications. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 12(11), 652-669. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn311

Bechara, A. (2005). Decision making, impulse control and loss of willpower to resist drugs: A neurocognitive perspective. Nature Neuroscience, 8(11), 1458-1463. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn158

McLellan, A. T., Lewis, D. C., O'Brien, C. P., & Kleber, H. D. (2000). Drug dependence, a chronic medical illness: Implications for treatment, insurance, and outcomes evaluation. JAMA, 284(13), 1689-1695. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.284.13.168.

Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (2005). Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors. Guilford Press.

In this episode of Sobriety 101, we’re exploring easy, actionable steps to help you stay sober and strengthen your recovery journey. Whether you're new to sobriety or looking for ways to keep your momentum going, this episode is packed with simple tips that can make a real difference.

And don’t forget, for further support, check out the books by Lewis David and Antonia Ryan. These books are also available as audiobooks. Details are available at winspress.com.

Check out the NEW book SOBER WINNERS from winspress at:
https://winspress.com/books/sober-winners

Sober Winners

A Practical Guide To Thriving Without Alcohol

"Sometimes, the solution to a life problem can be shockingly obvious when it reveals itself. Often, it has been there in plain sight all along, waiting for you to notice it. Giving up drinking can be like that—you struggle for ages, then suddenly the solution pops up and says ‘hello’."

"If you have tried to control alcohol, you might be skeptical. But I have enormous good news. As a professional in treatment services, I have met and worked with former drinkers who found that moment of inspiration and made sobriety look a breeze. They don’t miss alcohol at all. I call them the Sober Winners. This book is about how you can become a sober winner, too."—Lewis David.

"Sober Winners" is the first new book in four years from the bestselling author of "The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan" and "Alcohol and You".

For readers new to his work, "Sober Winners" provides a gateway to overcoming alcohol issues forever. For readers who are already fans of his books, it will give fresh perspectives on dealing with alcohol.

Sobriety is not just about winning over alcohol—it’s about winning your life back. And that makes you a sober winner. Your best days are ahead. This book is your guide.

Click a link below for prices in your local currency and to order this book today.

Buy on Amazon.com

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

Welcome to The Alcohol Recovery Show! Today we’re addressing a common challenge in alcohol recovery: negative thinking. It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out, like everyone else is drinking or having fun except you. But those thoughts aren’t the full picture—and with the right mindsets, you can overcome them and thrive in your alcohol-free life.

In this episode, we’ll explore 10 empowering mindsets to help you shift your perspective and stay strong in recovery. From recognizing that you’re gaining more than you’re giving up, to understanding that genuine fun doesn’t depend on alcohol, these mindset shifts will transform the way you see yourself and your journey.

We’ll also tackle thoughts like “I can’t do this forever” and “I’m the odd one out,” reframing them into beliefs that empower you to feel confident, included, and excited about your decision to live alcohol-free.

Drawing insights from the Winspress books, such as The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan and Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you break free from negative thinking and embrace your sobriety with positivity and pride.

Tune in and discover how to reclaim joy, freedom, and confidence—one thought at a time!

Welcome to The Alcohol Recovery Show! I’m your host, Antonia Ryan, and in this episode, I am in conversation with Lewis David. Today, we’re diving into three powerful tools that can transform your alcohol-free journey: vision, faith, and celebration.

Being alcohol-free is about so much more than quitting the booze—it’s about creating a life you truly love. Together, we’ll explore how crafting a clear vision of your future self can inspire and guide you, how having faith in your ability to grow keeps you strong, and how celebrating every step forward—big or small—keeps you motivated and proud.

We’ll discuss practical ways to visualize your ideal alcohol-free life, from the clarity and energy you’ll gain to the deeper connections and opportunities you’ll embrace. You’ll also learn how taking a leap of faith can be the foundation of resilience. Finally, we’ll explore the joy of celebrating your wins, turning your recovery into a positive, rewarding experience.

Tune in for an episode filled with encouragement, inspiration, and actionable tips to help you stay focused, uplifted, and excited about your alcohol-free journey. This is your time to thrive—let’s celebrate it together!

Welcome to The Alcohol Recovery Show! In today’s episode, we’re tackling some of the biggest challenges people face in early sobriety. From suddenly having too much time on your hands and dealing with practical difficulties to navigating relationship changes, recovery can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are strategies to help you overcome these hurdles and build a stronger, happier, alcohol-free life.

We’ll discuss how to transform those endless hours into opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and new hobbies. 

Whether you’re in the early stages of sobriety or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with actionable insights and encouragement to help you overcome obstacles and stay on the path to freedom.

Let’s work through these challenges together—because your best days are ahead!

 Healing a Broken Heart Without Alcohol

Heartbreak can feel unbearable, especially on St. Valentine’s Day, when love is everywhere—except where you need it most. If you're navigating loss, loneliness, or the end of a relationship, the urge to numb the pain with alcohol can be overwhelming. But there’s a better way.

In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, we explore how to heal a broken heart without alcohol. We’ll discuss the emotional and physical impact of heartbreak, practical recovery strategies, and the power of mindfulness—drawing from Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery by Lewis David and Antonia Ryan. The book can be found at  https://winspress.com/books/mindfulness-for-alcohol-recovery
We’ll also highlight the importance of support groups in staying strong and avoiding relapse.

Join us for insights, encouragement, and actionable steps to help you process your emotions, rebuild your life, and come out of heartbreak stronger than before. You don’t have to go through this alone. Tune in and start your journey toward healing—one mindful step at a time

Welcome to The Alcohol Recovery Show, where we empower you to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle with practical advice and uplifting inspiration. In this episode, Antonia shares 10 inspiring ways to kickstart your journey toward sobriety—plus a bonus tip!

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of how to begin, or simply in need of a motivational boost, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you take that first step and stay on track: we’ll cover actionable tips that make the alcohol-free path feel not only achievable but exciting.

Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to reignite your motivation, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover how you can reclaim your happiness, health, and freedom—one inspiring step at a time.

Your best life is just around the corner—let’s take that journey together!

For additional support, you can subscribe to The Sober Winners Blog. The Sober Winners Blog provides great insights and support for anyone wanting to reduce or stop drinking. It is a free and confidential subscription, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Subscribe To The Sober Winners Blog at https://www.subscribepage.com/swblog

As a welcome gift, download a FREE copy of the PDF mini-book, "The Personal Power Ninja: Become The Person You Want To Be And Live Your Dream"

Click on this link to get your free book: subscribepage.com/ninja

All the books mentioned today, plus many free resources, are available at https://winspress.com/

join us on this special episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show as we welcome Lewis David, author of The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan, Alcohol and You, and co-author of Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery. Together, we explore what it truly means to be a “sober winner” and how embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle can transform your life.

In this inspiring and uplifting conversation, Lewis shares his insights on how sobriety is not just about quitting alcohol—it’s about rediscovering your potential, reigniting your passions, and reclaiming your joy. From actionable strategies to personal stories, we’ll uncover how anyone can find the strength and motivation to thrive without alcohol.

Discover the practical tools Lewis uses to inspire others, including empowering perspective shifts that come with sobriety.

Whether you’re just starting your alcohol-free journey or looking for a fresh burst of motivation, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you feeling empowered, energized, and ready to embrace the path of a sober winner.

Tune in and get inspired—your best life is waiting!

"Sober Winners" is the first new book in four years from the bestselling author of "The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan" and "Alcohol and You".

For readers new to his work, "Sober Winners" provides a gateway to overcoming alcohol issues forever. For readers who are already fans of his books, it will give fresh perspectives on dealing with alcohol.

Sobriety is not just about winning over alcohol—it’s about winning your life back. And that makes you a sober winner. Your best days are ahead. This book is your guide.

You can find out more about Sober Winners at soberwinners.com

Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop drinking? If you are 'sober curious' and need some motivation, or you have been alcohol-free for a while and need encouragement to keep going, you will find it here. This is an inspiring and informative episode that will supercharge your efforts to get and stay alcohol-free.

For additional support, you can subscribe to The Sober Winners Blog. The Sober Winners Blog provides great insights and support for anyone wanting to reduce or stop drinking. It is a free and confidential subscription, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Subscribe To The Sober Winners Blog at https://www.subscribepage.com/swblog

As a welcome gift, download a FREE copy of the PDF mini-book, "The Personal Power Ninja: Become The Person You Want To Be And Live Your Dream"

Get your free book by clicking on this link: subscribepage.com/ninja

All the books mentioned today, plus many free resources, are available at https://winspress.com/

Please note: the podcast does not replace qualified medical help. We urge you to seek medical advice before you stop drinking. 

In this empowering episode, Something Different explores the importance of breaking free from unhelpful patterns and embracing change on the path to sobriety. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to make positive shifts in your life, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable tips to help you stay on track.

We delve into proven strategies for changing habits, building resilience, and finding activities that not only support sobriety but also bring joy and purpose. From creative hobbies to engaging routines, each tip is designed to be accessible and effective.

If you're ready to step out of your comfort zone, create healthier routines, and discover what truly works for you, this episode offers a clear and encouraging guide to doing ‘something different.’ Tune in, take notes, and start building a foundation for lasting change today.