Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories Brad McLeod

In this episode, we have Saz, she discusses her struggles with drinking, its roots in her childhood, and the escalated challenges she faced through her teenage years to adulthood because of it. Despite a supportive family and a seemingly happy childhood in Northern Ireland, Saz's insecurities and need for control led her to a struggle with eating and, later, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as a means of coping with social anxiety and self-esteem issues. Saz did try everything to make moderation work out. But eventually, after an emotional breakup and realizing she must desire sobriety for herself rather than for others, she commits to quit drinking on her 30th birthday. This is Saz’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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Follow Saz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sackedthesauce/
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In this episode, my friend Megan Wilcox shares her life story, emphasizing the struggle with her self-worth, addiction, and eventually finding sobriety. Growing up, her parents divorced, and Megan faced difficulties fitting in and experienced anxiety from a young age. Her journey into addiction began with gambling and escalated into daily wine drinking. After having her two sons, her marriage was struggling, and the divorce process began. Megan struggled more and more with alcohol. The turning point came after a low moment during the Christmas season, leading her to seek help. With over 3.5 years sober, this is Megan, AKA the Sobahsistah’s story on the Sober Motivation Podcast.
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Follow Megan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sobahsistahs/
Donate to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/sobermotivation
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In this episode, we have  MJ who has been sober since 2012 and opens up about his challenging journey from a troubled childhood in New York City, marked by overprotection and bullying, to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction as an adult. MJ shares how being overprotective instilled a fear in him that led to his inability to socialize without alcohol. MJ struggled to let anyone in on how he was feeling in his life and his ego ran the show for decades. The episode also delves into MJ's commitment to helping others as a crucial part of his recovery, his insights on ego and humility, and how his humiliation became the foundation for his humility and readiness to change.  He emphasizes the importance of asking for help, the power of giving back in recovery, and the message that anyone can turn their life around with the willingness to seek help. This is MJ’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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In this episode of the Podcast, we have Leigh, discussing her journey to sobriety. Leigh shares her upbringing in a traditional household in Missouri, where drinking was not part of the story, her initial encounter with alcohol in college, and her struggles with anxiety, OCD, and social awkwardness. Despite starting drinking at a later age, Leigh talks about her gradual increase in alcohol consumption through college and into her professional life, highlighting the culture of drinking in her workplaces and the slow recognition of her drinking problem. She touches upon the significant moments that led her to realize the need for change, including the impact of her father's death on her alcohol consumption, various attempts to quit drinking, and the role of sobriety programs and accountability through social media. Leigh emphasizes the importance of deciding that 'drinking is not an option' and the freedom and peace found in sobriety. This is Leigh’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
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👉 Follow Leigh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macrosnmocktails/
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00:00 Welcome to Season Three: Unveiling Sobriety Stories
00:17 Lee's Journey: From a Traditional Upbringing to College Drinking
09:03 Navigating Early Adulthood: Work Culture and Social Drinking
11:55 A Shift in Perspective: Recognizing the Impact of Alcohol
15:07 The Rocky Road to Sobriety: Challenges and Realizations
18:08 Exploring Sobriety: Breaks, Relapses, and the Path Forward
25:29 The Journey to Sobriety: A Personal Story
25:44 Challenges and Relapses: Navigating the Path to Recovery
26:17 Finding Connection and Support in Sobriety
27:35 Turning Points: Embracing Sobriety and Starting Fresh
27:42 Building a Sober Community: The Power of Sharing and Accountability
30:09 The Impact of Sobriety: Personal Growth and Helping Others
34:52 Reflections on Sobriety: The Continuous Journey and Future Outlook
46:03 Navigating Social Dynamics and Maintaining Sobriety
 

In this episode, we have Johnny a veteran who shares his transformative journey from growing up amidst the chaos of his brothers' addiction during the South Florida crack epidemic, to falling into his destructive cycle of substance abuse. Despite excelling in school and initially resisting the path of addiction, Johnny's experimentation with alcohol in middle school eventually led to a spiral of drug use, including cocaine, opioids, and heroin. After experiencing homelessness, multiple overdoses, and the tragic loss of his brother, a moment in an abandoned apartment in Austin, Texas, led Johnny to seek recovery. His sobriety journey began in March 2019, during which he faced the immense challenge of rebuilding his life, re-establishing relationships with his family, and overcoming the remnants of his troubled past. Johnny's story highlights the power of hope, the significance of self-improvement, and the impact of reaching out for help. This is Johnny’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
Johnny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schreyj11/
00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast
00:11 Johnny's Childhood Amidst Family Chaos
01:20 School Life and the Start of Substance Use
04:16 The Slippery Slope: College and Consequences
08:13 Military Service: A Temporary Escape
16:47 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Homelessness
20:20 Reflections on Recovery and Rebuilding
24:12 The Dark Depths of Addiction
29:09 The Turning Point: A Glimpse of Hope
32:59 The Road to Recovery: Embracing Sobriety
41:47 Rebuilding Life: Family, Work, and Self-Discovery
47:44 A Message of Hope and Resilience

In this episode, we have Anne’s heartfelt story of growing up with a father struggling with addiction, his involvement in the Cornbread Mafia, and her own battles with drinking. Anne discusses the impact of her father's addiction on her childhood, leading to her own struggles with alcohol in an attempt to cope with her anxiety and feelings of unworthiness. She shares her moment of awakening and the decision to pursue sobriety, emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and the power of forgiveness in healing and recovery. Anne's journey highlights the transformative potential of sobriety and how sharing and community support can help overcome the challenges of addiction. This is Anne’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.
 
Follow Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bright_eyed_sober_girl/
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00:00 Opening and Guest Introduction
00:12 Anne's Childhood and Family Background
01:13 Generational Struggles and Personal Challenges
02:51 Early Memories and Realizations of a Troubled Family Life
07:51 School Struggles and the Impact of Family Issues
10:32 The Turning Point: A Traumatic Event and Its Aftermath
16:10 The Descent into Alcoholism and Seeking Escape
21:27 Finding Hope and the Path to Healing
27:55 A Journey to Faith: From Starbucks to Salvation
28:12 Family Ties: Forgiveness and Transformation
30:14 Embracing Church and Discovering Self-Worth
31:12 The Struggle with Gray Area Drinking
33:54 A Turning Point: Awakening to Sobriety
45:27 Finding Strength in Community and Sobriety
48:54 Reflecting on the Journey and Offering Hope