When Adirenne went into rehab eight years ago, it was not exactly a joyful experience. But Adrienne came to learn that she had so much more power than she ever knew and that her recovery could be full of happiness and positive intentions in ways she'd never imagined.  Learn more about Adrienne at www.mayyouknowjoy.com   Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com and you can keep an eye out for her latest books at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Today's guest uses the name "Winged Victory" to honour her anonymity. Under this name, she has created a wealth of recovery resources including a blog site called "Booze Musings" and an online community called BOOM ReThink the Drink. She reminds us of this message: "The spirit is not in the bottle. It's in YOU."  Other sites discussed in this episode include: Hello Sunday Morning Article: Coming Out Sober  Video about Winged Victory statue: https://youtu.be/TPM1LuW3Y5w Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com. Visit www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books to learn about her latest book releases.

Kristie began using drugs and alcohol as a teen to help her escape from the unhappiness of her difficult life. The partying habits stayed with her into adulthood and eventually began to interfere with the things she valued more. Recovery wasn't a straight line though, and she had many "day ones" before she was able to make sobriety stick for good. Kristie recently celebrated a year of sobriety and shares her story as a way to mark the milestone.  Online meetings from "In The Rooms" mentioned in this episode can be accessed here: https://www.intherooms.com/home/category/community-and-meetings/ Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is available here https://unpickledblog.com/ and be sure to watch for her latest book releases here: https://jeanmccarthy.ca/books/

Kathy Robbins is a psychotherapist who is in successful long-term recovery. She has been alcohol-free for 31 years and is also in recovery from codependency, and food addiction. Kathy shares openly about what is it like for her to be a mental health professional in recovery and answers questions from listeners. Kathy encourages others to see "The Three C's" : commitment, change and celebration. She hosts recovery retreats for women and is a SheRecovers Sharing Circle facilitator. Visit Kathy's website at https://www.lifecoachtherapy.com/ to learn about upcoming events or to contact Kathy directly.   Host Jean McCarthy's blog "UnPickled" is here: www.unpickledblog.com Learn about Jean's latest book releases at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Gayle and her husband moved to a village in Spain in search of a safer, quieter life. The tranquillity and isolation of their new location were wonderful in many ways, but also set off an escalation of alcohol use that eventually seemed to take over their lives. Hear how Gayle and her husband made positive changes and how she is now helping others through her website Sober Bliss at www.soberbliss.com   Host Jean McCarthy blogs about her own recovery at UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com. Stay up to date on her latest book releases at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Clare Pooley began writing about her sobriety in 2015 and her blog, "Mommy Was a Secret Drinker," became a book in 2017, "The Sober Diaries." Clare's latest publication is a novel, "The Authenticity Project." Clare shares her story of acknowledging a dependency on alcohol and finding recovery, plus chats about her life as a writer and mom.   Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is here: www.unpickledblog.com Learn about Jean's latest book releases here: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Jen started a blog to document the party life she enjoyed in 2007 and it became a huge hit. So what happened years later when she gave up alcohol and settled down? Listen in to learn how she incorporated her new lifestyle into her work. Learn more at www.shedoesthecity.com   Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is www.unpickledblog.com and you can learn about her latest books at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Heidi Busche is a woman in recovery, as well as a relationship expert, podcaster, coach and author of the book "Relationship Ready."    To learn more about Heidi, visit her website www.heidibcoaching.com   Bubble Hour host Jean McCarthy writes the blog UnPickled - visit www.unpickledblog.com. Learn about Jean's latest book releases on her website: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Kendra Ogdon is a woman in successful long-term recovery who is shining a light for others in her work as an IOP counsellor. She joins us to share her story and explain what outpatient programs are and who are the best candidates for this type of treatment.   Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is here: www.unpickledblog.com  Learn about Jean's latest books here: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Follow Jean on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jeanmccarthy_writes

Last summer, Natalie decided to take charge of her relationship with alcohol. Now in her sixth month of sobriety, she reflects on her decision and explains how her life is different today. Visit Bubble Hour host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled at www.unpickledblog.com and learn about her latest book here: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books