For a lot of people, AA is the only recovery path they’ve ever heard of. But what happens when you walk into a meeting and it just doesn’t feel right? What if you tried it, didn’t connect with it, or couldn’t see yourself adopting the identity or structure it requires? On this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with returning guests Alexandra McRobert and Barclay Mullins to talk honestly about how to get sober without AA, what worked for them, and what to do when you need a different path.

• What each person expected AA to be and what their real experience was
• How to know when AA isn’t the right fit for you
• The pressure and identity struggles that can come with the program
• Why some people thrive in AA and others don’t
• The role of language, labels, and self-identity in recovery
• How to build your own recovery path without meetings
• Community options outside AA and why connection is still essential
• Internal work, spiritual practices, and tools that supported early sobriety
• Alternative resources like quit lit, apps, online groups, yoga, journaling, and coaching
• One small step you can take today if you want to get sober without AA

If you’re new here…

Through the Glass Recovery is a podcast for people who want a life that feels happy and full, not miserable. We talk about emotional wellness, sobriety, self worth, and building a life you don’t wish you could escape from.

Learn more about us: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com

For full show notes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/getting-sober-without-aa/

Sign up for Julie's values workshop - https://createalifesofull.com/values-workshop-for-sobriety/

–SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES–

WORK WITH US - Personalized private coaching

Redesign a life without alcohol - with support.

https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM

Real conversations. No judgment.

https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG

Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.

https://createalifesofull.com

FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES

Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/

The holidays can feel overwhelming when you are sober. Family dynamics, financial pressure, busy schedules, and old memories all collide. For many people in early sobriety, this season brings up fear, loneliness, and the anxiety of navigating everything without a drink.

In this episode, Julie and Steve sit down with guests Janice Johnson Dowd and Kristian Nylund to talk honestly about what sober holidays look like. They share real stories about their own first alcohol-free Christmases and Thanksgivings, how uncomfortable those early days felt, and what eventually made the season easier and more meaningful.

In this episode:

- Why the holidays felt so tied to alcohol - The worry of feeling left out or judged when you stop drinking - What the first sober holiday is really like - Why triggers are not failure and what they are trying to show you - How to handle family gatherings when people expect you to drink - The power of preparation and having a plan - Letting go of old expectations and creating new traditions - Watching other people drink and why it can change your perspective - How presence becomes the best part of sober celebrations - Why community support matters during the holidays - What makes the holidays feel magical again in sobriety - How to find peace, connection, and meaning even if the season looks different now

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Check out all the resources we offer:

- Full podcast episode library : https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/ - Free Zoom virtual support group : https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/ - Affordable one on one recovery coaching : https://createalifesofull.com/support-options/ - Julie’s blog for alcohol free living : https://createalifesofull.com/category/blog/

Socializing without alcohol is possible - and full of connection, fun, and real confidence. In this episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, we dig into how to rebuild your sober social life, stop relying on “liquid courage,” and rediscover joy in gatherings, friendships, and parties - without the booze.

We’ll cover how to handle those awkward first outings, what to say when people ask why you’re not drinking, how to find new friendships in sobriety, and how to show up confidently without the drink in your hand. Whether you’re newly sober or still figuring out what happens after quitting drinking, this is for you.

What you’ll get in this episode:

• A deep look at socializing without alcohol and the fear that “everyone’s watching me.”
• Honest stories from women in long-term recovery about rebuilding a sober social life.
• Practical strategies to make friends, attend parties, and feel comfortable in social settings while staying sober.
• How to shift from relying on alcohol for confidence to showing up as your true self- finding confidence without alcohol.
• Tips for meaningful connection and authentic belonging - because sobriety doesn’t mean isolation.

For full show notes, visit

throughtheglassrecovery.com/how-to-socialize-without-alcohol/

---SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES---

WORK WITH US – Personalized private coaching

Redesign a life without alcohol - with support.

throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE SUPPORT GROUP ON ZOOM

Real conversations. No judgment.

throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

JULIE’S SOBER LIVING BLOG

Stories and reflections on rebuilding life after alcohol.

createalifesofull.com

FULL LIBRARY OF PODCAST EPISODES

Explore every Through the Glass Recovery conversation. throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/