Send us a Text Message. The dictionary definitions of "Abstinence" and "Sobriety" look very similar.  For the purpose of living a happy, joyous and free life in recovery, they can mean very different things.  

Overall, Matt, Steve and John identified Abstinent as being dry.  This is a state where alcohol has been removed but nothing has come in to replace it.  To get sober, you have to replace alcohol as the solution to your problems.  We drank because it numbed the pain or it enhanced the joy.  Being sober means that you can get through everyday life without leaning on the crutch of a drink

Matt, Steven and John talk about their own experiences being abstinent and being sober.

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Cantina Blues - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100407 Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E81: The Difference between Abstinence and Sobriety

The Sober Friends Podcast is a weekly show where you can listen to inspiring and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and wellness. Hosted by Matt J who has been there and done that, this podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about living a sober and fulfilling life. Whether you’re sober curious, in recovery, or just looking for some motivation and support, this podcast is for you. Tune in every week to hear from guests who share their stories, struggles, and successes on their sober journey. You’ll also get tips, resources, and advice on how to stay sober and thrive in all areas of your life. The Sober Friends Podcast is your go-to source for sober inspiration, education, and entertainment. Subscribe now and join the sober friends community!

We speak for no 12 step program but we do try to remain anonymous.&nbsp;

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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into the profound yet practical philosophy of “Take the Next Right Action.” This simple mantra holds a world of meaning, especially for those on the journey of recovery. It’s about the courage to confront the challenging tasks we’d rather avoid, the selfless acts of kindness that elevate others at the expense of our own comfort, and the quiet heroism in extending a hand to those who are wrestling with their own battles. For many, recovery is not just a path to personal healing, but a road paved with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. “Doing the next right thing” isn’t about grand gestures; it’s found in the everyday choices that, while they may seem small, create ripples of positive change. Whether it’s choosing honesty over convenience, service over self-indulgence, or hope over despair, these decisions shape the journey of recovery and reflect the heart of this podcast. Join us as we explore stories of resilience and generosity, and discuss how embracing this mindset can transform not only individual lives but also weave a tapestry of communal support and understanding. Together, we’ll learn that sometimes, the hardest choices are the most rewarding, and helping someone struggling might just be the next right thing for you. 
 Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E181: Taking the Next Right Action

Send us a Text Message. Relapse is common in sober communities.  Can chronic relapse be disruptive to the group?  If it is, how should it be addressed?  We talk about chronic relapsers and how their presence can actually enhance the sobriety of those who continue with their recovery journey and how they should be treated with empathy.  We discuss some who relapsed for decades, only to finally find continuous sobriety.  We also discuss how to address anyone in a recovery community who is disruptive. Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E180: Can Chronic Relapsing Negatively Affect Others in the Sober Community?

Send us a Text Message. With summer coming up, it's a great time to talk about the third promise.  Lots from the past give us cause to pause, but we should not regret it but learn from it.  Matt and Steve talk about the past, the harms caused and how to learn from them to make sobriety even better. Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E179: We Will Not Regret the Past nor Wish to Shut the Door On It

Send us a Text Message. I thought everything would be perfect once we stopped drinking?  WRONG!  Life still happens.  The difference is that you don't have to drink over it and have new tools to get you through the things that happen in life.  This week, Matt had a whole bunch of things happen and I'm sure in 6 months they will be forgotten.  But today, they stink.  

Has this happened to you?  Do you struggle with life on life's terms?  Then this show is for you! Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E178: Life on Life's Terms

Send us a Text Message. Join us for an insightful journey as we delve into the nuances of relapse triggers and celebrate wellness milestones! Today, we're opening up about the daunting specter of relapse triggers, sharing personal experiences, and unveiling strategies to fortify your sobriety armor. But before we dive in, catch up on a candid health update from Matt and how embracing a CPAP machine has been a game-changer in reclaiming restful nights and newfound vitality.  As we pivot to the heart of our discussion, brace yourself for a raw exploration of relapse fears and the resilience of sobriety. Unpack the realness of stress as a silent saboteur, its insidious allure, and the battle-tested tactics to reclaim inner peace. From yoga's blissful embrace to the transformative power of prayer, uncover an arsenal of coping mechanisms to navigate life's tumultuous waves. Plus, delve into the pivotal role of community support, the profound impact of therapy, and the unyielding commitment to prioritize mental well-being. Reflect on the poignant moments of resistance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a life untethered by addiction. Tune in for an episode brimming with vulnerability, triumph, and the unwavering resolve to embrace each day with renewed strength and purpose. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that's as heartwarming as it is enlightening!

Article sourced. Do you find value in what the Sober Friends Podcast does?  Consider buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/soberfriendspod.  Your donation helps us with hosting and website fees and allows up to maintain our equipment.  You keep us on the air for the new guy or gal. Support the Show. 

E81: The Difference between Abstinence and Sobriety

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