The Sober Docs

Dr. Kali Theis
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Join Dr. Kali Theis, a Board Certified Pediatrician and a recovering alcoholic as she delves into the world of addiction and mental health in healthcare.  She’ll share her personal journey with alcoholism and recovery with honest stories, expert guests, and additional resources. Whether you're a healthcare provider struggling with addiction or just interested in learning more, all are welcome here on The Sober Doc. 

  1. 18 de jun.

    17. Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

    Dr. Kali Theis celebrates two years sober and addresses stigma around medication for alcohol use disorder, emphasizing she is not an addiction medicine physician and the episode is educational, not medical advice. She explains why willpower alone often fails due to alcohol’s effects on brain reward pathways, stress hormones, impulse control, sleep, mood, and cravings, and frames medication as one tool among many. She reviews common options: naltrexone (daily tablet or monthly injection, with her preference for the injection), acamprosate (to support abstinence and reduce prolonged withdrawal), disulfiram/Antabuse (deterrent via unpleasant reaction), and off-label options like gabapentin and topiramate (noting her vision side effect). She also discusses promising GLP-1 agonists and her personal benefit. She stresses medications aren’t a magic fix, compares treatment to diabetes care, urges individualized plans with qualified clinicians, and encourages healthcare professionals to seek help without shame.  00:00 Welcome and Milestone  00:31 Medication Is Not Cheating  01:55 Why Willpower Fails  03:05 Naltrexone Explained  04:30 Acamprosate and Abstinence  05:00 Disulfiram Antabuse  05:48 Off Label Options  06:26 GLP1s and Cravings  07:32 Meds Plus Recovery Work  09:06 Stigma and Individual Plans  10:40 Healthcare Pros Get Help  11:18 Build Your Full Plan  12:35 Closing and Share You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  2. 24 de mar.

    16. Gray Area Drinking: Signs, Myths, and Support for High-Functioning Women

    Dr. Kali Theis introduces “gray area drinking,” describing it as the space between casual social drinking and severe dependence where many high-functioning, successful women quietly struggle. She explains how alcohol misuse exists on a spectrum, why gray area drinking often goes unnoticed, and how it can show up as mental preoccupation, difficulty stopping after one drink, using alcohol as the default way to decompress, and feeling guilt or inner conflict despite outward success. She discusses cultural normalization of alcohol, stress and responsibility load on women, alcohol’s effects on sleep, anxiety, mood, and the Surgeon General’s link to seven cancers, and challenges the myth that change requires “rock bottom.” She outlines benefits of stepping away from alcohol and suggests observing patterns, trying a 30–60 day break, and seeking support through therapy, coaching, groups, or alcohol-free communities. 00:00 Welcome and Topic 01:59 Defining Gray Area 03:38 High Functioning Struggle 04:57 Why Women End Up Here 07:05 Signs Your'e in Gray 09:14 Myth of Rock Bottom 10:20 Benefits of Quitting 11:06 How to Get Help 13:32 Final Thoughts and Resources You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  3. 7 de mar.

    15. Alcohol Recovery Options Explained: Detox, Rehab, AA, Coaching & How to Choose the Right Path

    Confused about whether you need detox, rehab, AA, or coaching to quit drinking? This episode breaks down the real differences so you can choose the support that fits you. If you’ve been thinking about quitting alcohol but feel overwhelmed by all the recovery options, this episode will help you understand where to start. Dr. Kali Theis breaks down the most common pathways to sobriety—including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, recovery centers, Alcoholics Anonymous, and coaching—so you can understand what each one actually does and who it helps most. You’ll learn why detox focuses on physical safety, how rehab addresses the emotional and behavioral side of addiction, and why many people benefit from ongoing support after formal treatment. Dr. Theis also explains why recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all and why high-functioning professionals—especially women—often need different types of support to stay sober. Most importantly, she highlights the missing piece many programs overlook: learning how to manage stress, regulate emotions, rebuild confidence, and create a life you don’t want to escape from. If you’re wondering what kind of help you might need to stop drinking, this episode offers a clear starting point. Timestamps     •    00:00 Intro     •    00:45 Why recovery options feel confusing     •    01:10 What alcohol detox actually does (and who needs it)     •    03:00 Rehab explained: inpatient vs outpatient     •    05:00 Why many high-achieving women benefit from inpatient treatment     •    05:20 What recovery centers do after rehab     •    06:15 Alcoholics Anonymous: what it offers and why it works for many     •    07:15 Why AA isn’t the only path to recovery     •    07:50 How to decide which level of support you need     •    08:50 The missing piece in many recovery programs     •    09:40 Where coaching and mindset work fit in     •    10:00 Final encouragement and where to connect Takeaways     •    Detox focuses on physical safety during alcohol withdrawal but doesn’t treat the underlying addiction.     •    Rehab addresses the psychological and behavioral drivers of drinking through therapy, education, and coping skills.     •    Recovery centers and sober living environments help bridge the gap between treatment and real life.     •    AA provides free peer support and community, but recovery paths vary and not everyone resonates with it.     •    Long-term sobriety often requires learning new skills: emotional regulation, stress management, habit change, and confidence rebuilding. You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  4. 4 de jan.

    14. Surviving Winter in Healthcare While Staying Sober: Practical Tools for High-Stress Seasons

    Winter in healthcare is brutal—this episode shares practical, sober tools to get through it without burning out or picking up a drink. Winter in healthcare brings longer shifts, heavier patient loads, staffing shortages, and emotional exhaustion—all while personal stress runs higher than usual. In this solo episode, Dr. Kali Theis speaks directly to healthcare professionals navigating sobriety during the most demanding season of the year. She breaks down why winter intensifies cravings, how alcohol falsely promises “relief,” and what actually helps when exhaustion and overwhelm peak. Drawing from her own experience as a pediatrician in recovery, Kali shares seven concrete, realistic strategies to protect sobriety during flu season and the holidays—from building transition rituals after shifts to lowering expectations at home and prioritizing sleep. This episode is for clinicians who feel stretched thin, isolated, and tempted to numb out, but still want to show up clear-headed for their patients and themselves. The takeaway is simple and powerful: relief doesn’t come from alcohol—it comes from care, boundaries, connection, and rest. Timestamps •00:00 Intro: Winter in healthcare and sobriety •01:00 Why winter stress fuels cravings •01:30 Kali’s personal story of choosing relief over alcohol •03:20 Tip #1: Name your stress instead of numbing it •04:20 Tip #2: Create a post-shift transition ritual •05:45 Tip #3: Protect sleep like a prescription •07:20 Tip #4: Build a micro community of support •08:15 Tip #5: Lower the bar on non-essentials •09:50 Tip #6: Choose nourishment over numbing •10:35 Tip #7: Celebrate the small wins •11:15 Final encouragement + share with a coworker Takeaways •Cravings in winter are often a signal for relief, rest, or support—not alcohol. •Simple post-shift rituals can interrupt the automatic “I deserve a drink” response. •Protecting sleep is critical for sobriety, especially during high-stress seasons. •Lowering expectations outside of work preserves energy for what truly matters. •Connection—even one safe person—can dramatically reduce relapse risk. You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  5. 19/12/2025

    13. Staying Sober During the Holidays: Practical Strategies for Alcohol-Free Celebrations

    A realistic, compassionate guide to navigating holiday parties, family gatherings, and traditions without compromising your sobriety. The holiday season can be one of the hardest times to stay sober, especially in cultures where alcohol is woven into celebrations, traditions, and social expectations. In this solo episode, Dr. Kali Theis shares practical, lived-in strategies for protecting your sobriety during stressful, alcohol-heavy holidays. Drawing from her own first sober holiday experience, Kali breaks down why preparation matters more than willpower and how small choices can make a big difference. She walks through six concrete tips, including planning ahead, setting boundaries, bringing your own drink, and building new traditions that actually feel good. You’ll also learn how to spot the sneaky “I deserve it” thought pattern and why staying aligned with your values brings more peace than any drink ever could. This episode is for anyone feeling anxious about upcoming holiday events and wondering if staying sober is really possible. It is a reminder that sobriety isn’t about missing out—it’s about showing up fully and choosing yourself. Timestamps     •    00:00 Intro and why holidays are uniquely challenging in sobriety     •    00:45 Kali’s first sober holiday and handling drink pressure     •    02:00 Tip #1: Go in with a plan     •    02:45 Tip #2: Bring your own drink     •    03:15 Tip #3: Set boundaries and protect your energy     •    04:00 Tip #4: Use emotional anchors and accountability     •    05:00 Tip #5: Avoid the “I deserve it” trap     •    05:30 Tip #6: Build new, alcohol-free traditions     •    06:30 Sober holiday game plan recap Takeaways     •    Staying sober during the holidays is about preparation, not willpower.     •    Simple boundaries and rehearsed responses can reduce anxiety and pressure.     •    You always have permission to step away or leave environments that challenge your sobriety.     •    Alcohol doesn’t deliver the peace it promises—alignment with your values does.     •    New traditions can feel just as meaningful, if not more, without alcohol. You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  6. 23/11/2025

    12. How to Stay Sober at Social Events: 7 Strategies for Confident Alcohol-Free Connection

    A practical, judgment-free guide to navigating weddings, conferences, and parties without a drink—or the anxiety. In this solo episode, Dr. Kali Theis breaks down one of the most common stressors in early sobriety: showing up to social events where alcohol feels unavoidable. From weddings to medical conferences, these environments can spark worry, people-pleasing, and rehearsed excuses. Dr. Kali shares her real experiences—including the first wedding she attended sober and a recent conference moment that required a quick boundary check—and the simple truths she learned: most people don’t care what’s in your glass, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. She then walks through seven practical, repeatable strategies to help you feel grounded and confident at any event. If you’ve ever worried about being the “boring” one, dreaded the moment you’re offered a drink, or felt unsure how to connect without alcohol, this episode offers clear tools and compassionate perspective. You’ll leave with a game plan you can use immediately. Timestamps     •    00:00 Intro     •    01:10 The first wedding after getting sober     •    02:00 Handling drink offers at a medical conference     •    03:00 Tip 1: Keep your response simple     •    04:00 Tip 2: Hold something in your hands     •    05:00 Tip 3: Shift focus to connection     •    06:00 Tip 4: Reframing what “fun” means     •    07:00 Tip 5: Find a sober buddy     •    08:00 Tip 6: Make an exit plan     •    09:00 Tip 7: Practice makes it easier     •    10:00 Final reflections + play the tape forward Takeaways     •    A simple “No thanks, I’m good” is enough—no explanation required.     •    Holding any drink (water, soda, mocktail) can ease social awkwardness.     •    Focusing on real conversation creates deeper connection than shared cocktails.     •    Fun doesn’t disappear in sobriety—you often enjoy more and remember everything.     •    Having support and an exit plan removes unnecessary pressure.     •    The more you practice sober socializing, the easier and more natural it becomes. Notable quotes     •    “No is a full sentence.” — Dr. Kali Theis     •    “Most people are too wrapped up in themselves to worry about what’s in your glass.” — Dr. Kali Theis     •    “Sobriety isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom.” — Dr. Kali Theis You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  7. 01/10/2025

    11. How to Recognize and Handle Alcohol Cravings in Sobriety

    Learn what cravings really are, what sparks them, and how to move through them without giving in. Summary In this episode of The Sober Docs Podcast, Dr. Kali Theis, board-certified pediatrician and recovering alcoholic, breaks down one of the most common challenges in sobriety: alcohol cravings. She explains the science behind cravings, why they happen, and why they’re completely normal—even years into recovery. Kali shares the three main categories of triggers, a personal story about navigating her own cravings, and the practical strategies that helped her take back control. From breathing exercises to grounding techniques, distraction, and connection, this episode is packed with actionable tools to help you ride out cravings with confidence. You’ll walk away with a new perspective: cravings aren’t failures, they’re training opportunities to strengthen your sober muscles. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and framing cravings 02:00 What cravings really are (the science) 03:00 Triggers: stress, environment, internal states (HALT) 05:00 Kali’s personal craving story 07:00 Coping tools and the “craving toolbox” 09:00 Movement, grounding, and breathing techniques 10:00 Mindset shift: cravings as opportunities 11:00 Closing thoughts and CTA Takeaways -Cravings are normal and do not mean you’re weak or failing. -They peak and pass—most within about 20 minutes. -Common triggers fall into stress/emotion, environment, and HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired). -Having a “craving toolbox” ready makes it easier to respond in the moment. -Every time you ride out a craving, you strengthen your resilience. Notable quotes “Cravings are temporary, but your strength is long lasting.” — Dr. Kali Theis “Cravings don’t define you. What defines you is the move you make next.” — Dr. Kali Theis “Every craving is a chance to train your sober muscles.” — Dr. Kali Theis Share this episode with someone in recovery who might need encouragement, or bookmark it for when a craving hits. For more tools and coaching, follow Kali on Instagram at @thesoberdocs. You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

  8. 13/08/2025

    10. Treating and Coaching Physicians With Alcoholism feat. Dr. Chen-Joea

    Dr. Cynthia Chen-Joea, Double Board Certified in Family Medicine and Obesity, CEO & Founder at Thrivation Coaching and Co-Founder at Doctor Contract Negotiation, joins the podcast to discuss what it's like to treat and coach physicians with alcoholism and substance use disorders.  You can find more exclusive and behind the scenes content by following my Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdocs/

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Join Dr. Kali Theis, a Board Certified Pediatrician and a recovering alcoholic as she delves into the world of addiction and mental health in healthcare.  She’ll share her personal journey with alcoholism and recovery with honest stories, expert guests, and additional resources. Whether you're a healthcare provider struggling with addiction or just interested in learning more, all are welcome here on The Sober Doc. 

Informações

  • Criado por
    Dr. Kali Theis
  • Anos de atividade
    2025 - 2026
  • Episódios
    17
  • Classificação
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sober Docs
  • Site do podcast
    The Sober Docs

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