Author: Alysse Bryson

The first of Lawrence Block’s books featuring gumshoe Matthew Scudder I reviewed was Eight Million Ways to Die, which was published in 1982. At the end of that book, Scudder introduces himself as an alcoholic in an AA meeting. So, I assumed that sobriety and recovery would be featured in the next book in the series, When the Sacred Ginmill Closes (1986). Not so. By the time I got halfway through, I gave up and acknowledged that the book was a prequel. Scudder was back to being a hardcore drunk and there is little to no mention of sobriety or…

This fall, New York City will host the highly anticipated DopeyCon IV, a live podcast and fan convention for Dopey, the candid and humorous podcast known for its frank discussions on drug addiction and life’s absurdities. This unique event, presented by the Dopey Nation and The Dopey Foundation, offers an experience where humor meets sobriety, providing an environment that is supportive, fun, and inspiring. A Night of Inspiration and Fun DopeyCon IV promises to be an evening full of thrills, chills, laughs, and delights. The event will take place at The Church of the Holy Apostle on Saturday, October 7th,…

As we move into the heart of 2023, we are thrilled to announce a pivotal event on the recovery calendar. The renowned SHE RECOVERS® Foundation is set to host its innovative three-day experience, SHE RECOVERS® in Chicago, from September 29 to October 1. Taking place at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel, this event follows the resounding success of previous programs in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. It’s a gathering that celebrates resilience, diversity, inclusion, and innovation, designed by women for women, and non-binary individuals who identify with women’s communities. An Invitation to Healing and Community Whether you’re…

This is our 3rd year at The Sober Curator covering Sober October and Halloween Mocktails. Please enjoy this curated post of Halloween mocktail recipes and garnish & glass decor ideas from Tonix Mocktails. Sober Pop Mock of the Week: True Blood Throwback to the Sober Pop Mock(tail) recipe that @Tonix.Mocktails created in the Spring of 2021. Nik created this clever beverage for the Sober Pop Club TV-themed night, where we discussed our favorite TV series that had addiction as an underlying storyline. We thought Sober October was the perfect time to bring this one back out of our sober archives. HAPPY…

Dear resilient souls and recovery advocates, mark your calendars and get ready for a day of inspiration and connection like no other. On Friday, September 15th, from 12 to 2 PM, the heart of Seattle’s Sodo district will come alive with the spirit of recovery at the Recovery Cafe Resource Connection and Recovery Celebration. Hosted by a powerhouse collaboration between the Recovery Cafe, Recovery Cafe Network, King County, Washington Recovery Alliance, King County Recovery Coalition, and the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network, this event is a testament to the strength of community and the unwavering commitment to healing. At 1…

Sober in Seattle and LOVE to play pinball? Welcome to The Dry Ice, where flippers meet sobriety in an electrifying collision of skill and resilience! I’m thrilled to announce an exhilarating event that’s sure to keep the spirits high without a drop of alcohol in sight. As a passionate advocate for the sober lifestyle, I couldn’t be more excited to share this unique experience with you. On the second Sunday of every month, sober pinball lovers will gather at the iconic Ice Box Arcade, not just to tilt machines but to tilt perceptions. The Dry Ice is not your typical…

Here’s to Zero-Proof Partying! We taste-tested the DRY Spiced Chai Apple Botanical Bubbly recipe. If you are looking to replace the Pumpkin Spice Latte, then you’ll want to add these delicious alcohol-free beverages to your next Happy Every Hour. Here’s to bouncy houses! That’s what you’ll find on the packaging of DRY Fuji Apple Botanical Bubbly: Four ingredients plus a winning personality. We’ll drink to that! The Sober Curator’s glass is always half full and alcohol-free. SPICED CHAI APPLE RECIPE CARD: DIRECTIONS: Rim a lowball glass with cinnamon sugar. Add ice, a dash of bitters, spiced simple syrup, and very cold DRY…

In the tumultuous year of 2020, the world found itself in the grip of a pandemic that reshaped lives and perspectives. For Jeremy and Tera, a couple with a thirst for adventure, this global crisis became the catalyst for an unexpected journey—one that ultimately led to the birth of ODAAT Apparel, a clothing line with a powerful message of sobriety and hope. A New Beginning in Japan The couple’s story began when they left their familiar surroundings and embarked on a life-altering adventure by moving to Japan. As the world around them grew still, stripped of its normalcy and engulfed…

In today’s digital age, our iPhones have become our trusty companions, always within arm’s reach, ready to assist us in various aspects of our lives. For those of us navigating

Are you ready to embark on a memorable girls’ trip in Vancouver, BC, while staying true to your commitment to sobriety? Vancouver offers a wealth of incredible experiences that don’t require a drop of alcohol to have a blast. Join us as we explore two days of sober fun in this picturesque Canadian city! Sober Curator Pro Tip: If you are driving into Canada from the United States – give yourself lots of time to cross the border! Especially if it’s a holiday weekend #doh #facepalm Sober Adventure Day 1: Check in at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver Known…

On King County Recovery Conversations this week: finding freedom from addiction. The Sober Curator founder Alysse Bryson joins host Heather Venegas for an inspiring conversation with Joe Conniff. Joe’s journey into and out of addiction is a powerful one. At his lowest point, Joe was homeless and dealing drugs on the streets of Seattle. He eventually landed in jail, where he knew he needed to change. Behind bars, Joe learned the power of meditation and used it to better understand himself and his substance use disorder. He went on to learn and eventually teach yoga and became a small business…

Host Heather Venegas interviews two prominent figures in the local recovery community and learns how loss brought them to where they are today – and how their loss has empowered them. Meet Milli Milli Militi-Jigamian lost her son Giancarlo to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. He had battled depression, anxiety, and addiction for years, but at 20 years old, it looked like he had turned the corner—clean for six months, in a treatment facility and looking forward to returning to his family. That’s when one small pill took his life. Milli and her family felt lost and helpless, but she…

Sober in Seattle? Join in the fun at T-Mobile Park for Recovery Day on Sunday, August 27! Start your day with a pregame rally at Occidental Square at 10:30 a.m., then march to the ballpark and enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon of baseball. With this offer, you can score specially priced tickets and pick up a limited-edition Mariners-themed Recovery Day T-shirt! Plus, there will be a resource fair on the 306-310 concourse through the 3rd inning and $3 of every ticket sold will benefit the Washington Recovery Alliance. Redeem your limited-edition Mariners-themed Recovery Day T-shirt (while supplies last) by bringing…

Since 2008, AAHAA Supportive Housing has been leading the way in South King County at the forefront of Addiction Recovery. They employ a modern and flexible approach to combating the ravages of addiction. They have learned through shared experiences that the most effective way to fight this disease is with integrity and honesty – and with a willingness to come together under a common purpose to hold each other accountable. AAHAA is built on the foundation of coming together as a group – their cornerstone concept is as powerful today as it was at their founding – we work together.…

Stand Up 4 Recovery and Atlanta Comedy Theater is proud to bring you a laughter filled day of experience, strength & jokes at the 2nd Annual Stand Up 4 Recovery Comedy Fest! The Stand Up 4 Recovery initiative is dedicated to presenting a lineup of esteemed comedians from across the nation who have embarked on their personal journeys of recovery. This event is designed to engage audiences within the recovery community, as well as their allies. While maintaining a steadfast commitment to the principles of recovery, the event organizers embrace a balanced approach that allows for a touch of lightheartedness. Recognizing the profound therapeutic…

As someone who has experienced the tumultuous journey of long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs, “Push Off From Here” by Laura McKowen resonated with me on a deeply personal level. This unflinching self-help guide of sorts captures the harrowing struggles and ultimate triumphs of a woman seeking redemption from the clutches of addiction and what life looks like on the other side. From the very first page, McKowen’s raw and candid storytelling drew me in, vividly reminding me of my battles with alcohol use disorder. Her description of the insidious grip of addiction paints a painfully accurate picture of the…

As someone with long-term recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders, reading Laura McKowen’s ‘We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life’ felt like an intimate heart-to-heart with a dear friend who truly understands the journey. McKowen’s book is not just a memoir and how-to —it’s a raw, honest, and profound exploration of life in sobriety. The title itself, ‘We Are the Luckiest,’ powerfully asserts that sobriety isn’t a punishment—it’s a gift. As I turned each page, I found myself nodding enthusiastically in agreement. Yes, we are indeed the luckiest. Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances;…

“Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze” by Tawny Lara is a must-read for those seeking practical advice and guidance on the joys of sober sex. Fans of Lara’s work and new readers will appreciate the real-life stories and straightforward advice throughout this book. It offers a frank, honest, and enjoyable look at all aspects of sober sex, making it an essential read for anyone looking to explore their sexuality without fear or judgment. Her short descriptions of phrases commonly used in recovery/sober communities, in addition to helpful lists of tips for navigating a…

Painkiller, a fictionalized telling of real events, explores some of the origins and aftermath of the opioid crisis in America, highlighting the stories of perpetrators, victims, and truth-seekers whose lives are forever altered by the invention of OxyContin. In an era where storytelling has the power to shed light on critical societal issues, Netflix’s new TV series, “Painkiller,” emerges as a poignant and captivating narrative that delves into the heart of the opioid crisis in America. Seamlessly blending fact and fiction, this show offers viewers an intimate look at the origins and aftermath of one of the most devastating health…

Netflix’s 2023 documentary, “Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me,” provides a deeply empathetic exploration of a troubled icon’s life. As someone who has walked the path of recovery from drugs and alcohol, viewing this documentary offered me a unique perspective. Anna as the Guess girl, was an icon I aspired to in my younger not-so-sober years. The film transcends tabloid narratives and presents the complex, ambitious woman behind the public persona. For many, Anna Nicole Smith was a model, reality TV star, and media personality. Yet, beneath the fame and glamour, she was a woman grappling with her own…

Vegas Stronger is a non-profit delivering compassionate behavioral healthcare to the Las Vegas valley. Their mission is to reduce homelessness in Las Vegas through treating its root causes – substance-abuse disorders and mental illness. Through their diverse staff, they educate the public on best-practices in addressing our homeless crisis and utilize our thirteen strategies for treatment to free our city’s most underserved citizens from addiction and mental illness. Through the application of their Credo, every opioid (and/or any other drug) addicted person, will be provided an easily accessible pathway to seek out, find and live their own best life through…

Welcome to the future of cocktail culture, where the line between wellness and indulgence is beautifully blurred. Enter Crisp & Crude, an innovative brand shaking up the beverage scene with their non-alcoholic hemp and botanical-infused cocktails. Crafted in Austin, Texas, these ready-to-drink concoctions offer a refreshing twist on traditional cocktails. Infused with 20mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract and mood-lifting botanical terpenes, they’re designed to elevate your drinking experience. The secret behind their unique flavor profiles lies in aromatic terpenes found in hemp. Paired with flavor notes inspired by classic cocktails, Crisp & Crude offers a sensory journey that taps into…

Dominate The Globe follows the journey of Alex “King Roach” Montañez through alcoholism and addiction, conquering demons down the rough road to superstardom, and the everlasting artistic pursuit of global domination. This raw and powerful story of triumph over adversity will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. In a world filled with diverse talents and unique personalities, Alex “King Roach” Montañez stands out as a shining example of determination, perseverance, and passion. His incredible journey from a humble beginning to becoming who he is today is nothing short of inspiring. “Dominate The Globe” is not just a motto for Alex; it encapsulates his…

This week Sober Not Mature podcast hosts Mike and Bill interview Alysse, founder of The Sober Curator. You may have read some of the Sober Not Mature posts as far as how they all became acquainted and if not, they get into it briefly. Alysse is truly “one of us” and she has 17 years sober. She has had her ups and downs, successes and failures and she does a great job of walking us through her story. In this episode you’ll hear a lot of things that we have all heard before, such as trying to control drinking, meetings…

Are you ready for a Sober Safari? Think of all that money you’ve been saving because you haven’t been spending it on booze and drugs! Why not treat yourself to a luxury safari with like-minded sober friends in Africa! The Mission of Africovery The mission of Africovery is to provide boutique Safari experiences for sober people (regardless of why they are sober), creating rare opportunities for rejuvenation and transformation through immersion of Africa’s awe-inspiring nature. Why Africa? For those lucky enough to experience the raw beauty of Africa, they will have felt its incredibly calming effect on mind, body, and…

Guilty Prayer, a collection of poems by Steve Henn, may be short in length, with only 40 pages, but its message is anything but small. Initially apprehensive when approached to review this book due to my limited knowledge of poetry, I was captivated by Henn’s writing and deeply moved by the themes he delved into. The poems within Guilty Prayer are imbued with raw emotion, skillfully expressing pain, religious introspection, suicide, and the gripping clutches of addiction. Carrying the book everywhere in my MTV sequined handbag, I began to follow Henn on Instagram (@indiana_sad_man), intrigued by the insights he shared.…

The New York Mets today announced a new permanent mocktail menu across Citi Field, in partnership with national non-alcoholic pop-up Absence of Proof. The introduction of the mocktail menu is just one of the many ways the Mets are creating a more inclusive and accessible fan experience. Earlier this month, the Mets hosted a four-day non-alcoholic experience in partnership with Absence of Proof, presented by Cadillac and Dunkin’. Following the success of the event and feedback from fans, the team decided to integrate the most popular mocktails around the ballpark. The mocktails will be available at bars found in the DeltaSky 360 Club, Piazza 31 Club,…

The fashion industry is known for its glamour and style. It is not usually associated with social issues like mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. That’s why Break Free is breaking the mold with an immersive runway experience that combines art, design, fashion, and social awareness on the runway. On Monday, September 11th, the Break Free Foundation returns for their fourth NYFW designer charity showcase at the iconic 230 Fifth Empire Ballroom. This immersive runway experience features live entertainment, designers showcasing the latest styles, red carpet interviews, and networking with designers, creatives, and industry experts. Save the Date! Monday, September 11th, 2023,…

Are you on the hunt for some fun and playful sober swag and merch? Then you are going to want to check out The Sober Frootcake on Etsy. Located in the UK with shipping around the world, this is your one-stop-shop for all of those sweet and sassy sober celebrations. Since shopping is my cardio, I’m going to save you some time and curate my list of favorites offered up by Ellie aka the Sober Frootcake, on Etsy in each category of products that she offers. Sober Freebies from the Sober Frootcake Sign up for your FREE set of four…

Are you Sober in Seattle? Do you know someone in recovery in the Emerald City that is living their best life? Listen to real stories of people who are in recovery and be inspired to share your own! King County Recovery Conversations podcast episodes will focus on personal experiences, resources, and supports available for those who are seeking to overcome substance use and mental health challenges. Our goal is to inspire hope, foster community, and promote recovery in the King County area and beyond. Call for Recovery Stories and Behavioral Health Experts in King County! We are looking for people…