Episode 289: Soberlink | Accountability in Recovery Beyond Belief Sobriety

Accountability is at the core of any recovery program and, as we are reminded on this episode of Beyond Belief Sobriety, there are many roads to get there. Host John Sheldon invites his guest, Mark Knobloch, to share some of the strategies he finds most helpful to the people he advises as an addiction recovery advisor. Having been a previous guest of the pod (Episode #181 can be found here), Mark has returned to delve a little more deeply into the benefits he has seen play out for users of Soberlink, an in-home system featuring a cutting-edge breathalyzer with facial recognition technology. The system offers transparency and peace of mind while those in treatment re-build confidence in themselves and trust with those they love.

John and Mark reflect on the importance of meeting people fighting addiction wherever they are – physically, emotionally, psychologically and even spiritually. Both have found through the course of their own journeys that less dogma means more room for authenticity in recovery. With alcohol in particular and addiction in general so prevalent across the globe, there is growing momentum towards calling out an industry that lobbies relentlessly to make this potentially lethal substance glamorous. It’s everywhere! But because of conversations like this one, a growing number of people are bringing awareness to the powerfully negative impact alcohol has on individuals, families and entire communities. Mark shares reflections on his work and the meaning it brings to his life 10 years into sobriety, emphasizing the sense of purpose (and fun) he has found in supporting others in finding their unique paths to health and freedom.

It was a pleasure to hear Mark’s first-hand observations about our partners at Soberlink – who have given Beyond Belief Sobriety ongoing support and sponsorship. Click here to learn more about the unique remote alcohol technology that Soberlink has created to help provide accountability for people in recovery. The system includes a high-tech breathalyzer device with facial recognition that allows you to share your sobriety in real time with loved ones.

To view this and other episodes of Beyond Belief Sobriety on YouTube, visit this link.

Key Takeaways



* Mark previously appeared in Episode #181 (which you can find here) to discuss a variety of tools and resources he uses in recovery. He has returned with a special focus on his experience deploying the Soberlink

* At 10 years in recovery, Mark has gotten a lot out of following different routes to sobriety and self-understanding, including the 12 steps, yoga and meditation.

* The importance of meeting people in addiction where they are and enabling them to progress through a course of treatment that works for them as individuals.

* Thoughts on Smart Recovery, a cognitive behavioral therapy-oriented program for sobriety that both John and Mark have explored with interest.

* How Soberlink helps solidify peace of mind while trust is being rebuilt among people in recovery and their family members.

* Finding the Path: Active listening is a cornerstone of Mark’s approach to coaching, encouraging conversation with open-ended, empathetic questions.

* It Takes All Kinds: Mark reviews a range of sobriety tools that have been effective for those he counsels,