Author: Alysse Bryson

Writers In Treatment and The Guest House are proud to present The 2023 REEL Recovery Film Festival. This multi-day event celebrates film, the arts, writing, and creativity. They showcase filmmakers who make honest films about addiction, alcoholism, behavioral disorders, treatment, and recovery. Slated for screening is an eclectic lineup of contemporary and classic films, documentaries, and shorts from American and international first-time filmmakers and industry veterans. When: October 27 – 28 – 29 Opening Night Networking Party: Friday, October 27 Where: Laemmle NoHo Cinema, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 Ticket Price: $10-$39 SOBRIETY IN THE CITY: Sober in LA, Sober…

The journey towards sobriety can be a lonely and daunting path, but it doesn’t have to be. Recovery Elevator, an innovative platform that provides support and accountability for those seeking a life without alcohol, is here to help. Founded by best-selling author Paul Churchill, Recovery Elevator started as a podcast1 but has since grown into a vibrant community where like-minded individuals come together to fight against the addiction that is alcohol. This community, known as Café RE, is a private and unsearchable online space where members work together to stay sober1. Whether you’re years into your sobriety or just days…

Join Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis in the United States, in New York on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Together, let’s walk to end the devastation caused by addiction in America. When: Saturday, October 28th, 2023 Where: Pier 84 – Hudson River555 12th Ave.New York, NY 10036 Why: Because you want to recover out loud As a Sober Curator, I am deeply committed to raising awareness about the devastating impacts of addiction and advocating for effective solutions. That’s why I am excited to share with you an upcoming event that holds great promise in our…

Hello, my sober friends and followers! Get ready to join me for a night on the town in the city that never sleeps – New York City! As a Sober Curator, I am always on the lookout for fun, engaging activities that promote connection and camaraderie without alcohol. I’m flying into the BIG Apple to take my adorable nephew Trick-or-Treating AND see one of my very best sober besties perform in an off-Broadway show she also wrote. This is an ALL TREATS no tricks trip for me, and it would be sweeter than a drug store bag of candy corn…

MEXICO – ‘HOLD THE SAUCE IN SAYULITA’ – Come explore the health habits MEXICO has to offer with us!  Hooked has found the perfect Oceanside Villa only steps away from Sayulita. Together we will be ziplining, hiking, dancing, painting, snorkeling, boating, paddle boarding and diving   For those that dare… a full sensory hot sauce challenge will take place! Hooked on Travel: A Sober Adventure in Mexico This November, join Hooked on Travel for a unique and family-friendly adventure to the vibrant lands of Mexico. This trip is not just about exploring a new culture and its beautiful landscapes, but it’s…

Join us for the Break Free Gala on Wednesday, October 25th at the Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. The evening opens with mocktail hour from 6 – 7pm. The Break Free Gala celebrates and uplifts anyone who walks the road of recovery. With motivational speakers, a runway show, a silent auction, an award ceremony, and networking opportunities, this is an evening for anyone passionate about mental health and recovery awareness. The breathtaking views of the New York City skyline will serve as the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable event. ???? Get ready to mingle with fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and influencers…

Host Heather Venegas has a conversation with Chris about his recovery journey; he shares what he’s learned about what it takes to get and stay sober, the difference between sobriety and recovery, and why he doesn’t see relapse as a failure. In a touching exchange, Chris’s mom Maureen joins them to share her role in Chris’s recovery, alongside her own awareness and health. “It’s really up to me to be healthier, and it’s up to Chris to be his own healthy,” she says. “It’s not up to us to make the other person healthy.” Heather also welcomes Hazelden Betty Ford…

Kick off Sober October with a feast! Join us on October 4 and 5 at Modern Love Brooklyn in Williamsburg for our first ever 2-day restaurant mocktail pop-up. In addition to fantastic vegan comfort food by chef, cookbook author, and absolute LEGEND Isa Chandra Moskovitz, you’ll also be able to order from a special drinks menu of five different non-alcoholic cocktails developed by Sam of Third Place Bar. Toast with a spritz or a chai espresso martini, spice it up with a jalapeño prickly pear margarita, sip on a smokey no-groni, or treat yourself with a frothy blueberry cardamom sour.…

In this episode of King County Recovery Conversations, host Heather Venegas is joined by podcast contributor Alysse Bryson, founder of The Sober Curator, and Sober Curators Kate Vitela and Tamar Medford. Alysse shares her journey to sobriety and how she turned her passion for content creation into a hub for all things sober. From beverage reviews to fashion columns, The Sober Curator covers various aspects of the sober lifestyle and is the ultimate resource for all things related to recovery and zero-proof living. Kate and Tamar joined the team as content contributors in September 2021 and March 2022, respectively. Discover…

Greetings, fellow seekers of wellness and joy! I am beyond excited to share an upcoming event that promises to elevate your spirits and energize your soul. If you’re in Seattle on October 15th, mark your calendars because something extraordinary is about to take flight at the Museum of Flight. Picture this: a breathtaking sunrise, a backdrop of vintage aircraft, and a morning filled with invigorating yoga and electrifying dance. Yes, you heard it right! Daybreaker, the beloved global phenomenon, is making its way to the Emerald City, and it’s set to be an experience like no other. So, if you’re…

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…