Early sobriety can feel like a rush of relief and excitement - the infamous “pink cloud” we hear about. But what happens when that high fades and you find yourself feeling flat, restless, or stuck in sobriety? In this honest and powerful conversation, Julie, Steve, Rachael, and Chad dig into the reality of plateaus in recovery, how to recognize them, and what it takes to move through - so you don't end up finding yourself slipping backward instead.

In This Episode

• The pink cloud effect - why it feels so good at first, and why it eventually fades
• How we confuse boredom with peace after living in chaos for so long
• Chad’s raw story of breakup, therapy, and rediscovering his spark
• The addictive side of “doing the work” and why action matters more than knowledge
• How objective truth-tellers (friends, therapists, coaches) help us see what we can’t
• Choosing responsibility over victim mode, even when life feels unfair
• Practical tools to move from stagnation into growth

Learn more about our guests and read the full show notes:

https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/sobriety-feels-flat/

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• Full podcast episode library
• Free Zoom virtual support group
• Affordable one-on-one support services
• The No Alcohol Needed blog by Julie Miller

Welcome back to Season Four of Through the Glass Recovery!

We’re kicking off this season with a conversation that gets to the heart of what so many of us wrestle with: how do you actually create a life so full there’s no space left for alcohol?

You’ve probably seen the quotes and memes: “Create a life you don’t want to escape from.” It sounds amazing, but what does that really look like in day-to-day life? How do you start to enjoy life after quitting drinking? In this episode, Julie, Steve, Amber, Matt, and Robbie share the real and practical ways they’ve discovered joy, connection, and meaning in sobriety - along with the things they’ve had to let go of.

It’s about learning to live fully awake, present, and grateful for the moments - big and small - that make life worth showing up for.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why connection is the foundation of a meaningful sober life
• How concerts, adventures, and family experiences feel richer without alcohol
• The surprising truth about activities that aren’t as fun when you’re sober - and why that’s okay
• The power of small joys, like a cup of tea, nature, or laughter with friends
• How sobriety changes the way we feel emotions - making both the hard and beautiful moments deeper
• Why removing clutter, noise, or old habits can be just as important as adding new experiences
• Stories of rediscovering hobbies and passions with fresh meaning in sobriety

Whether you’re early in recovery or years into your journey, this conversation is filled with encouragement, laughter, and real talk about building a life that feels vibrant, fulfilling, and most importantly - like your own.

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Learn more about our guests by visiting the full show notes on our website: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/enjoy-life-after-quitting-drinking/

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• Full podcast episode library
• Free Zoom virtual support group
• Affordable one-on-one recovery coaching
• The No Alcohol Needed blog by Julie Miller

Welcome to Season 4 of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast!

After taking a longer summer break than normal, we're back with some real conversation about burnout, rest, and why this podcast matters so much to us. In this episode, we catch up, reflect on a summer filled with grief, joy, persistence, and adventure, and share how recovery tools continue to carry us through real life.

From moments of heartbreak to moments of magic, this conversation reminds us that recovery is about learning to face everything life throws at us without numbing. And with that comes deeper joy than we ever imagined possible.

Takeaways:

• Taking breaks is essential for mental health and creativity.
• Vulnerability leads deeper connections with others.
• Managing stress requires tools and strategies.
• Grief is a process that cannot be rushed or prepared for.
• Simple moments of joy can be healing and transformative.
• Recovery is about facing life's challenges with clarity and strength.
• The journey of sobriety continues to reveal deeper levels of joy.
• Sharing experiences can help others feel less alone in their struggles.

We’d love to hear from you! Send us your feedback at throughtheglassrecovery@gmail.com or connect on Instagram. And if this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe to our new YouTube channel to watch the conversations in action.