Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

May 5



Fuck! I remember the day so vividly. Early in recovery, I was walking down the sidewalk with my one-year-old daughter. The sky was so blue and vivid, the grass so green and rich with life. A real estate agent had posted flags on every lawn for a national holiday, and my daughter was walking along and snatching up every single one of them. As we walked along, I had this feeling of goodness wash over me. It was like I had been washed of all the dirt and grime that drinking and living a life of misery had built up over the years. I felt freer than I had ever felt before. I can’t explain it, but I knew I crossed over and joined the good team. I was no longer a baddie playing for the bad team. No longer that hateful, resentful person. I found a spark of joy that seemed to lighten my load. A spring in my step! I took a picture as my little girl stumbled down the sidewalk with multiple flags in each hand. This day, I started to play the game differently.

Reflections

Have you joined “the good team,” or are you still playing for “the baddies”? What is motivating you today?

Daily Challenge

Retrace your day yesterday. What little moment sticks out? Where could you have been better?




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May 4



The only thing constant in life is change. Impermanence is the nature of all things. There is not one thing on this planet that does not go through a constant state of change. Though some things may look permanent and lasting, they definitely are not. Everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. is changing right before your eyes. So, why do we have a hard time accepting this reality? Why do we fight so hard against the nature of all things in the Universe? Change will always involve some sort of loss, no matter how positive. Maybe that’s why we have such a hard f*****g time? Either way, we don’t have the power to stop it. Do you?

Reflections

How can you be more comfortable with change? Have you ever looked back on some of the most impactful moments of your life and discovered how crucial they were to your growth as a person?

Daily Challenge

Buy some new clothes this week. Go shopping by yourself. Pick out what you like. Wear it as soon as possible.




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May 3



“I'd rather go through life believing I’m an alcoholic/addict than go through life drinking/drugging, trying to convince myself I'm not.” –Unknown

What defines an addict or alcoholic? You’re the only one who can determine if you are an addict/alcoholic because it has more to do with your relationship with the drink or drug than anything else. But let’s give it a try here. Two factors determine whether you are an addict or alcoholic. One aspect is that once you start drinking or drugging, you can’t stop; one is too many, and a thousand is never enough. We can’t put the brakes on and always desire more once we start. The next factor is that once we have stopped, we obsess about when we will start again. In certain recovery circles, this is known as "the allergy of the body and the obsession of the mind.” If you have it, you know it, and you can quickly identify yourself as an addict/alcoholic and move forward with that truth.

Reflections

Do you know you’re an addict/alcoholic? Have you decided how you want to go through life?

Daily Challenge

Look up: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm – The words “drinking/drinks/drink” in the Alcohol Use Disorder section at the bottom of the page can easily be replaced with drugging/drugs/drug, etc.




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This is a talk given by Carl D on his experience with Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and the journey of self-discovery and healing. He discusses the false self and true self in ACA, the 14 traits of ACA, the dangers and lessons learned on the journey, and the promises of ACA. Carl shares his personal experiences and how ACA has helped him find his true self and live a happier, more authentic life.


Key Takeaways


ACA is a program for people who were raised in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional home
The false self and true self are key concepts in ACA
The 14 traits of ACA represent the false self and can be overcome through the ACA program
Facing the dangers and challenges of the ACA journey leads to self-discovery and healing
The promises of ACA include increased self-esteem, healthier boundaries, and a sense of peace and happiness

Buy the 366 Days Sober book from Soberpod!


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Summary



In this conversation, Carl and Dr. Alan Berger discuss the concept of emotional sobriety and its importance in recovery. Dr. Berger shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the pivotal moment when he encountered someone who embodied emotional freedom. They explore the idea of emotional sobriety as freedom from expectations and the ability to live from the inside out. Dr. Berger's book, '12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety,' is discussed, with each insight representing a key aspect of emotional sobriety. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in achieving emotional sobriety. The conversation explores the concept of emotional sobriety and its importance in recovery. It discusses the different stages of recovery, with stage one being physical sobriety and stage two focusing on emotional sobriety. The idea of radical responsibility is emphasized, highlighting the need to take ownership of one's emotions and behavior. The concept of a spiritual bypass is also discussed, cautioning against using spirituality as a means to avoid dealing with emotional trauma. The conversation concludes with the understanding that emotional sobriety is a practice and a journey of progress, not perfection.



Takeaways


Emotional sobriety is the freedom from expectations and the ability to live from the inside out.
Achieving emotional sobriety involves unhooking from demands and expectations and embracing personal growth.
Dr. Berger's book, '12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety,' provides valuable tools and exercises for developing emotional sobriety.
Emotional sobriety is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, vulnerability, and a willingness to let go of old patterns and beliefs. Emotional sobriety is an essential aspect of recovery, focusing on personal growth and the ability to cope with life's challenges.
Stage one recovery is achieving physical sobriety, while stage two recovery involves emotional sobriety and learning to make relationships work.
Radical responsibility is about taking ownership of one's emotions and behavior, rather than blaming others or circumstances.
A spiritual bypass is using spirituality to avoid dealing with emotional trauma, hindering personal growth.
Emotional sobriety is a practice and a journey of progress, not perfection.

Resources


Learn more about Dr. Berger by visiting 4dphd.com


Buy the book on Amazon!


Read on Kindle!


Exploring Emotional Sobriety: Allen Berger and Herb K



BUY 366 F***ing Days Sober


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Buy the book!


The conversation explores the theme of powerlessness and power in recovery. The hosts reflect on their past drinking behaviors and the lack of choice they had while actively drinking. They also discuss the gradual progression of alcoholism and the realization that their drinking was not normal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of choice in recovery and the potential for personal growth and transformation. In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the concept of powerlessness in recovery and the importance of accessing personal power. They explore the idea that powerlessness does not mean being completely powerless, but rather recognizing the power to choose and make decisions. They emphasize the empowerment that comes from sobriety and the ability to make positive choices in life. They also discuss the importance of having a higher power and accessing power through fellowship and support from others. The conversation concludes with a reminder to stay active and sober.



In active addiction, individuals often lack the awareness that they do not have a choice in their actions and behaviors.
Recovery brings the realization that one has the power of choice and the ability to make rational decisions.
Recognizing the power of choice in recovery allows for personal growth and transformation.
It is important to challenge the defeatist mindset of powerlessness and embrace the power one has in recovery. Powerlessness in recovery does not mean being completely powerless, but rather recognizing the power to choose and make decisions.
Sobriety empowers individuals to make positive choices and pursue their goals.
Having a higher power can provide access to inner strength and resources.
Fellowship and support from others in recovery can be a source of empowerment and encouragement.
It is important to stay active and engaged in recovery to continue accessing personal power.


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