In this conversation, Kati shares her journey with alcohol, starting from her early days of drinking in high school and college. She discusses the social consequences and the role alcohol played in her relationships. Kati also talks about her experiences with anxiety and depression and how drinking made things worse. She shares how she attempted to moderate her drinking but ultimately realized she needed to make a change. Katie sought treatment and reflects on the perception of treatment as a sign of weakness. Overall, her story highlights the challenges and complexities of alcohol use and the cultural perceptions around alcohol use. The conversation explores the stigma and stereotypes associated with treatment, highlighting the hard work and healing involved. The benefits of treatmentThe changing landscape of sobriety and the availability of alternative support options beyond AA are discussed. The Sober Curious Movement and the view that alcohol is the problem, not the individual, is examined. The conversation concludes with advice for those in early sobriety, including focusing on what is gained and finding support and accountability. In this conversation, Kati shares her experience of building authentic friendships, shifting priorities, finding fun in sobriety, and the inspiration and hope that comes with recovery.

Takeaways

• Alcohol can become a normalized part of socializing, especially in certain cultures or communities.
• Early consequences of drinking, such as social anxiety, can contribute to a pattern of excessive drinking.
• Alcohol can provide temporary relief from anxiety and social pressures, but it can also exacerbate mental health concerns.
• Seeking support and treatment is a sign of courage, not weakness
• Support from spouses and family members is crucial in the recovery process.
• The landscape of sobriety is changing, with alternative support options beyond AA becoming more prevalent.
• Alcohol is a problematic substance, and anyone can experience negative consequences from its use.
• Focus on what is gained in sobriety and the benefits it brings to relationships and personal growth. Building authentic friendships takes time, but the relationships formed are often more meaningful and supportive.
• As priorities shift, activities that were once centered around alcohol may be replaced with new, more fulfilling choices.

00:00 Introduction and Childhood Friendship
02:08 Early Years of Drinking
06:10 Alcohol's Effects and Social Consequences
09:04 Alcohol in College
13:06 Alcohol and Depression
16:06 Alcohol in Early Marriage
19:16 Stuck in Hawaii and Drinking Patterns
24:21 Recognizing the Problem
29:37 Seeking Treatment
32:03 Perceptions of Treatment
33:25 Overcoming Stigma and Stereotypes
34:11 The Benefits of Treatment
35:35 Different Approaches to Treatment
36:18 Support from Spouse and Family
38:37 Changing Landscape of Sobriety
39:31 AA Meetings and Sponsorship
41:50 Continuing Support and Accountability
43:10 Alcohol's Role in Society
47:53 The Sober Curious Movement
50:21 Defining Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder
52:13 Focus on What You Gain
57:51 Advice for Early Sobriety
01:05:11 Building Authentic Friendships
01:06:23 Shifting Priorities
01:07:31 Finding Fun in Sobriety
01:09:00 Inspiration and Hope
01:09:53 The Sober Curious Movement