What does rebuilding your life after alcohol addiction actually look like—and how do you stay sober when recovery feels overwhelming? In Part 3 of Marci Hopkins’ story on Addiction Talk, Marci moves from her past into the practical side of recovery, sharing the tools, mindset shifts, and daily practices that helped her build a life she no longer wanted to escape from. Marci discusses changing the way she thought about herself through practices such as gratitude, meditation, spirituality, and positive affirmations. She recalls a powerful moment in recovery when she was finally able to say out loud, “I love myself.” She also talks about the challenges of early sobriety, including the first 30 to 90 days, facing emotions without alcohol, recognizing triggers and cravings, and learning grounding techniques. Marci emphasizes the importance of community, 12-step support, therapy, and giving yourself grace while building a foundation for long-term recovery. Nearly 11 years into her recovery, Marci says the work has been worth it. Early on, she imagined that someday she might be able to drink again—perhaps sitting on her front porch with a glass of wine. Today, she says she doesn't want alcohol back in her life. Instead of worrying about staying sober forever, she learned to focus on one day at a time—sometimes one minute or even one second at a time. In Part 3, Marci and host Joy Sutton discuss: • What rebuilding your life in recovery can look like • Changing your thinking after addiction • The challenges of the first 30–90 days of sobriety • Managing alcohol cravings and triggers • Grounding techniques for difficult moments • Why community and support matter in recovery • The role therapy played in Marci's journey • Gratitude, meditation, and self-worth • Why recovery is worth the work • Staying sober one day at a time • Building a recovery “toolbox” • Learning to believe that you are worthy of a better life Marci also shares practical techniques she uses to stay present, including a daily gratitude practice, breathing exercises, and sensory grounding methods that can help bring attention back to the present moment when emotions, cravings, or anxiety become overwhelming. And she closes the conversation with a message for anyone who may be struggling: Your past does not define you. You are capable. You are worthy. Marci says the worth that addiction and pain can make someone lose sight of is still there—and that recovery can offer the opportunity to rediscover it. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or addiction, help is available. Watch Parts 1 and 2 of Marci Hopkins’ story on Addiction Talk to hear how her journey began and the experiences that led her to recovery. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. If you or someone you know needs help, call 866-407-4130, or visit our website at AmericanAddictionCenters.org
