Author: Alysse Bryson

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…

The New Bar, the LA-based and Latina-owned alcohol-free drinks destination has teamed up with some of its pals, including pickleball pro & coach Matt Manasse, to throw one heck of a pickleball tournament. The New Bar, which opened its retail shop and online marketplace in July 2022, will host a full day, ticketed event at Santa Monica Pickleball Center on July 29th to celebrate its first birthday. Players are invited to join the pickleball tournament, casual free-play, or simply sip and cheer. Guests can expect sport, music, bites, prizes, and an open bar – plus the opportunity to get some tips from…

At The Sober Curator, we love supporting sober musicians and artists that are recovering out loud. If you have recommendations, please slide into our DMs because we have a serious case of sober fomo. (*fear of missing out, in case you’re not in the acronym-know) Check out this new single from Jon Jeremy, known to his fans on Instagram as @jonjeremyraps. He also hosts a podcast called The Sober Fanboy and is working on a cool crowd funding project called the Dead Poets Sobriety. (See what he did there?) DEAD POETS SOBRIETY – Help Fund This Project: Hi! my name…

The Wellest., now open in Long Beach, California, is a modern mercantile that’s a hybrid retail and community space where people can explore and discover brands that champion sustainable, ethical, and health-positive living. The vision of Long Beach native Brandi Andres, The Wellest, is to revolutionize conscious shopping offering a curated selection of booze-free beverages (and a lounge where guests can enjoy them), clean beauty collections, eco-home essentials, fair trade accessories, and more. Building a Brand “I’ve spent years researching and using brands that contribute to living a mindful life,” says Andres, who began investigating the ingredients in her skincare, household cleaning products, and food…

After a public flame-out at a New York media company, 20-something alcoholic Samantha Fink is forced to seize the only chance she has to sober up and avoid jail time: moving back home with her overbearing mother, Carol. Back in Greater Boston, Samantha restarts her life, working at the local grocery store while surrounded by all of the triggers that made her drink in the first place. Confronted with remnants of her old life, including run-ins with her perfect former best friend, who is now dating her ex, Samantha sets out on a path to move past her worst self…

Miranda Hobbs is an Alcoholic and I’m not sure how I feel about it. In the opening trailer of Season Two of “And Just Like That” on Max, formerly known as HBO, we hear Carrie Bradshaw saying the following words… “You don’t move on because you’re ready to. You move on because you’ve outgrown who you used to be.” — Carrie Bradshaw. And Just Like That, Season Two As a die-hard Sex and the City fanatic, I can confidently say that I am Carrie Bradshaw’s long-lost, plus-sized sister. Even when an episode misses the mark or one of the movies…

Sober Not Mature is a newish podcast that shares recovery stories and other unscripted fun. Basically, they take all of those things we are all thinking about and actually talk about them out loud and unfiltered. With two sober hosts at the helm, Bill is the CEO – Chief Egotistical Officer and Mike is the COO – Chief Obscenity Officer. Those titles alone ought to tell you everything you need to know about the irreverent tone this recovery podcast takes. Episode 72 Show Notes: This week we talked with Dr. Sarah Michaud (Author “Co – Crazy”) Website ⁠www.DrSarahmichaud.com⁠ YouTube -…

The greatest voice of our time has an even greater story. 🌟🎤 Discover the Whitney Houston you never knew in I Wanna Dance with Somebody, available on demand to view from the comfort of your home. I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten, produced by legendary music executive Clive Davis, and starring BAFTA Award® winner Naomi Ackie, the film is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of…

Are you tired of scrolling through mundane content and coming up empty-handed in your search for recovery-related inspiration? Look no further, my sober friends! We’ve scoured the depths of YouTube

When his former law partner is killed, hotshot Los Angeles lawyer Mickey Haller is left to take over the firm, including a high-profile murder trial. With the biggest case he’s ever had to tackle out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, Mickey discovers there may be more at stake than he thought. Based on the bestselling novel by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer premiered on May 13 on Netflix. It’s already hit the top ten list on Netflix, and according to Forbes, Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Review: Probably Worth Your Time. Alright, Alright, Alright The Lincoln Lawyer,…

THE RADICAL SKETCHBOOKING COLLECTIVE is a new micro-community where you will have the space to connect with other women and engage in group coaching as you move along on your journey. The SKETCHBOOK will be the main tool used in this process, but Krysty, the Founder @PurpleDogSober, will introduce other tools and strategies as needed. It’s a place where you can take those big emotions, thoughts, and feelings and get them down on the page, using paint, words, and images. The RADICAL SKETCHBOOKING STARTER KIT includes: You get access to the Purple Dog Sober super powerful digital guide: WHAT IF?…

At The Sober Curator, we strive to provide our readers with the most informative and engaging content on sobriety, wellness, and living a fulfilling life without alcohol. To ensure that we are meeting the needs and expectations of our readers, we are conducting a short readership survey and we need your help! By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, you can provide us with valuable feedback on what you enjoy about our content, what you would like to see more of, and how we can improve our website. Plus, as a thank you for participating, you will…

Welcome to the Sans Bar pop up in Seattle! Join in the sober fun on Thursday July 20th, 2023, at The Lab at Ada’s in the heart of Capitol Hill’s 15th Avenue. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a night of fun without the pressure of alcohol. Sans Bar serves only non-alcoholic beverages, so you can relax and have a good time with friends old and new. Come experience the Sans Bar experience and discover a new way to socialize and unwind. Big thanks to their featured sponsors: Amethyst NA Spirits and Jøyus…

Sober support groups have long been valuable for individuals seeking to overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. These groups provide a safe and inclusive space for people to share their struggles, gain support from others who understand what they’re going through, and develop the skills and strategies necessary to maintain their recovery. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of sober support groups and why they can be essential to the journey toward lasting sobriety. Plus, we’ve curated a list of our favorites to make it easy to find the ones that work with your recovery. 5 Benefits of Sober…