The Alcohol Recovery Show

Antonia Ryan
  • 4.8 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

For anyone who wants to follow practical, actionable steps to achieve their dream of having a healthy, happy life, free from any form of alcohol dependence. Lewis David and Antonia Ryan are the authors behind WinsPress.com. The WinsPress books on recovery – including the international bestsellers 'The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan', 'Alcohol and You' and 'Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery' – have helped tens of thousands of people end their unhealthy relationship with drinking. With compassion, acceptance and understanding, Antonia and Lewis invite you to ask questions, share experience, engage as a community and be inspired to live a full life liberated from the grip of alcohol. 

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 79 - Pause. Reset. Recover.

    Recovery does not have to begin in January, on a Monday, or after a crisis. In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, Antonia Ryan explores how to pause, take stock and gently reset your recovery without shame or self-criticism. Whether you are newly sober, thinking about changing your relationship with alcohol, or feeling disconnected from the routines that once supported you, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that you are not back at square one. Antonia discusses how to recognise emotional triggers, use the HALT check-in, create a more supportive environment and choose one simple recovery action to take today. If you want to take the opportunity to pause, reset and recover, you need to get a copy of Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery, which offers practical tools to help you manage cravings, understand your emotions and build a calmer, more sustainable recovery. Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery is available as an audiobook. Click here to start listening today:  https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Mindfulness-for-Alcohol-Recovery- You do not have to change everything at once. You only need to take the next right step. What step will you take?

  2. Jul 24

    Episode 78 - One Last Hit: A Compelling Story of Compassion, Connection and Hope

    In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, I’m joined by Austin Rampt, author of One Last Hit, for an honest and powerful conversation about addiction, alcohol, recovery and the long road back to yourself. Austin shares his backstory, the reality of living with serious addiction, and what finally helped him begin to rebuild his life. We also talk about hope, honesty, relapse, finding purpose in recovery, and practical tips for anyone who is struggling with alcohol — whether they feel they have a serious problem or are simply sober curious. This is a raw, compassionate and encouraging conversation for anyone who needs to know that recovery is possible, change is possible, and you do not have to do it alone. Follow Austin and find out more about One Last Hit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelasthitbook/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onelasthitbook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneLastHitBook/ Website: https://onelasthitbook.com/

  3. Jul 17

    Episode 77 - Beyond Rock Bottom: Hope, Recovery and Real Change

    In this inspiring and refreshingly practical episode, I’m joined by Amber Hollingsworth, founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center and the hugely popular YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down. Amber is a Master Addiction Counsellor with years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the reality of addiction and recovery with more compassion, clarity and hope. What I loved about this conversation was Amber’s ability to take some of the big, loaded questions around addiction and make them feel human, doable and hopeful. We talked about whether “tough love” is really necessary, whether people are truly powerless over alcohol, and whether someone really has to hit rock bottom before change is possible. Amber also shared practical wisdom on dealing with cravings, coping with difficult feelings in sobriety, and what not to do when someone you love is in denial about their addiction. This is a warm, honest and empowering conversation about recovery, family, boundaries, self-compassion and the possibility of change. Amber is a real inspiration, and I absolutely loved talking with her. Amber’s links Website / Hope for Families Recovery Center:  https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/ YouTube — Put The Shovel Down:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hg Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/addictionrecoveryhope Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hopeforfamilies X / Twitter:  https://x.com/addicthope LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hollingsworth-833111b8

  4. Jul 10

    Episode 76 - The Dangerous Addiction Nobody Calls an Addiction

    Most of us know what addiction looks like when it's alcohol, drugs, gambling, or food. But what if one of the most common addictions is so socially accepted that we don't even recognise it? In this episode, we're talking about approval addiction—the tendency to base our self-worth on what other people think of us. Do you feel great when someone praises you but crushed when they criticise you? Do you find yourself constantly seeking validation, reassurance, likes, compliments, or recognition? Does your mood rise and fall depending on how others respond to you? If so, you're not alone. Many people in recovery discover that while they have stopped drinking, they are still dependent on external validation to feel okay. The need for approval can become just as exhausting as any substance, leaving us vulnerable to disappointment, people-pleasing, and emotional ups and downs. In this episode, we'll explore: ✅ Why approval can become addictive  ✅ The difference between self-esteem and external validation  ✅ Why good moods aren't the same as genuine confidence  ✅ How to stop handing other people control of your emotional wellbeing  ✅ Practical ways to build self-respect from the inside out We'll also discuss why real self-esteem isn't something that can be given to you by a partner, employer, friend, or social media audience. It grows when your actions align with your values, when you keep promises to yourself, and when you learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.   If self-doubt, people-pleasing, overthinking, or fear of judgment are holding you back, I highly recommend Stop Doubting Yourself by Lewis David. This practical guide, available as an audiobook, eBook and in print, explores the hidden habits that undermine confidence and provides straightforward tools for building self-trust, setting healthy boundaries, making confident decisions, and developing genuine self-esteem from the inside out. It's particularly relevant for anyone in recovery who is learning to live without relying on external validation for their sense of worth. Stop Doubting Yourself by Lewis David If you've ever felt trapped on an emotional rollercoaster driven by other people's opinions, this episode will help you step off the ride and start building a more stable foundation for recovery. Because your worth is not up for debate. Your value isn't determined by applause. And the most important approval you'll ever receive is your own.

  5. Jul 3

    Episode 75 - You Don't Have to Do Recovery Alone

    Recovery can feel lonely. Many people spend years believing they're the only person struggling with alcohol, the only person battling cravings, or the only person finding it difficult to change. Shame often convinces us that everyone else has their life together while we're quietly falling apart. But the truth is that millions of people have walked this path before us—and millions are walking it right now. In this special episode, we take a step back from our usual topics and talk about the purpose behind The Alcohol Recovery Show. Why did we create it? What can you expect from future episodes? And why do conversations about self-esteem, mindfulness, boundaries, emotional resilience, and personal growth matter just as much as conversations about alcohol itself? We'll explore why recovery is about much more than simply stopping drinking. It's about learning how to cope with life without constantly needing to escape from it. It's about building confidence, managing emotions, developing healthier habits, and creating a life that feels worth staying present for. We'll also talk about the role of community, the importance of hope, and why nobody should have to face recovery in isolation. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why recovery is often about much more than alcohol ✅ The hidden impact of shame and isolation ✅ Why emotional wellbeing matters in long-term sobriety ✅ How small daily changes create lasting transformation ✅ What this podcast is really here to offer We also explain how this podcast fits alongside the recovery books and resources available through WinsPress. The podcast is completely free, with no subscriptions, sponsors, or advertisements. We support this work through the books we write, which are available in audiobook, ebook, and print formats for those who want to explore recovery topics in greater depth. In this episode Antonia introduces the Winspress Sober Living Series. Books in the series include: Sober WinnersThe 10 Day Alcohol Detox PlanAlcohol and YouMindfulness for Alcohol RecoveryThe Alcohol-Free WomanMost importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to have all the answers today. You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know exactly what the future looks like. You simply need to take the next step. Because recovery isn't built in giant leaps. It's built one day at a time. #AlcoholRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryJourney #SoberLiving #RecoveryPodcast #Mindfulness #SelfEsteem #EmotionalSobriety #PersonalGrowth #HopeInRecovery

  6. Jun 26

    Episode 74 - Nobody Warns You About This Part of Recovery

    You quit drinking. You expect life to get easier. But then something unexpected happens... The wine disappears, but suddenly you're reaching for chocolate, scrolling social media for hours, obsessing over a relationship, working around the clock, or finding yourself unable to stop eating. Why? In this episode, we explore one of the least discussed aspects of recovery: replacement addictions. We'll look at why alcohol was often just one way of coping with stress, anxiety, loneliness, shame, and difficult emotions—and why other compulsive behaviours can emerge when alcohol is removed. We'll discuss emotional eating, binge eating, shopping, people-pleasing, social media, workaholism, and the search for relief that sits beneath many addictive behaviours. You'll learn: ✅ Why substitute addictions are so common in recovery  ✅ The difference between pleasure and emotional escape  ✅ How to identify when a behaviour is becoming compulsive  ✅ Why awareness is a sign of progress, not failure  ✅ Healthier ways to meet your emotional needs without numbing them If you've ever wondered why stopping drinking didn't magically solve everything, this episode is for you. Further Resources If food has become your new coping mechanism in sobriety, these resources may help: 📖 Mindfulness for Binge Eating – A practical guide to developing a calmer, more peaceful relationship with food through mindfulness techniques and guided exercises.  Mindfulness for Binge Eating (WinsPress) 📖 The 10-Day Binge Eating Detox Plan – A step-by-step programme designed to help people break free from binge eating, emotional eating, and chronic overeating without relying on restrictive dieting.  The 10-Day Binge Eating Detox Plan (WinsPress) Remember: recovery isn't simply about removing alcohol. It's about learning how to live without needing to escape yourself. #AlcoholRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryJourney #BingeEating #EmotionalEating #Mindfulness #AddictionRecovery #SoberLiving #RecoveryPodcast #WinsPress

  7. Jun 18

    Episode 73 - Sober Support or Digital Hiding Place?

    Sober Support or Digital Hiding Place? AI is becoming part of everyday life — but what happens when people begin turning to chatbots for alcohol recovery support, emotional reassurance, or advice instead of reaching out to real people? In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, Antonia explores the benefits and dangers of using AI in recovery. AI can be a helpful tool for planning, finding resources, or drafting that first brave message asking for help. But it can also become a digital hiding place — a private space where we take our cravings, shame, fear, and pain without ever letting another human being truly know what is going on. This episode looks at why connection is one of the great antidotes to addiction, why isolation can keep us stuck, and why recovery often requires gentle challenge from people who know us, care about us, and are not afraid to say what we may not want to hear. Warm and honest, this conversation asks an important question: Is AI helping you connect — or helping you hide?

  8. Jun 11

    Episode 72 - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Recovery

    Ancient Wisdom for Modern Recovery In this episode, we explore how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can offer practical support in alcohol recovery. Far from being cold or emotionless, Stoicism teaches us how to pause, focus on what we can control, respond wisely to cravings, and make choices that support the sober life we are building. We’ll look at simple, actionable ways to apply Stoic ideas to everyday recovery moments — from handling difficult emotions and social pressure to preparing for triggers and learning how to choose peace over impulse. For more support, visit winspress.com, where you’ll find a range of free alcohol recovery resources, along with books and tools designed to help you on your journey. Please remember that this podcast is for information and encouragement only and is not medical advice. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so please speak to a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before stopping or significantly reducing your drinking. If you are struggling, reach out for appropriate medical, therapeutic, or recovery support.

See All (79)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

For anyone who wants to follow practical, actionable steps to achieve their dream of having a healthy, happy life, free from any form of alcohol dependence. Lewis David and Antonia Ryan are the authors behind WinsPress.com. The WinsPress books on recovery – including the international bestsellers 'The 10-Day Alcohol Detox Plan', 'Alcohol and You' and 'Mindfulness for Alcohol Recovery' – have helped tens of thousands of people end their unhealthy relationship with drinking. With compassion, acceptance and understanding, Antonia and Lewis invite you to ask questions, share experience, engage as a community and be inspired to live a full life liberated from the grip of alcohol. 

Information

  • Creator
    Antonia Ryan
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Alcohol Recovery Show
  • Show Website
    The Alcohol Recovery Show

You Might Also Like