Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator

Over eighteen months ago, my business partner, Susie Streelman, founder of Zeroproof Experiences (ZPE), told me she had decided to arrange an alcohol-free trip to Bali. I thought, “Oh, that’s nice,” deciding then and there that this would be one event I would most definitely pass on. After all, as the Chief Connections Officer for ZPE, I was fully immersed in the events we had already hosted and planned to host all over the US, but traveling to a country more than halfway around the world had no appeal to me whatsoever. This was a place way outside of my…

Our UK Sober Curator, Eve Michell, was invited to watch a preview of Shower Chair. Written and performed by Ben Fallaci, the solo performance orbits around the eponymous shower chair set in the middle of the stage, a device the audience later learns is necessary as the narrator has a broken ankle. Here’s what Eve thought… Ben Fallaci’s one-man comedy show, Shower Chair, presents a bold, vulnerable, and frequently hilarious exploration of a life shaped by the unique milieu of Cape Cod – and the people who party there. This autobiographical performance bravely enacts the trials of growing up as…

Did you know that roughly 20% of college students meet the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? That’s about one in five students who could be struggling with serious drinking issues. Also, about 60% of college students aged 18 to 22 admitted to drinking. Of those drinkers, nearly two out of every three engaged in binge drinking. What’s also astounding is that the average age at which young people (aged 12-20) first try alcohol is about 13.9 years. It’s a topic that often stays under the radar and rarely makes headlines, but ignoring it doesn’t diminish the urgency to address…

Summer can be a real test, especially when you’re trying to stay cool without reaching for a drink. But hey, there’s no need to sweat it! We’ve got some great tips to keep you chilled out right from the comfort of your own home. Think DIY mocktail, a refreshing dip in the pool, or even just kicking back with a good book in the shade. Here’s how to make this summer a blast—without the booze! Beat the Heat with Cool Eats Summer is the perfect time to switch up your eating habits with lighter, cooler meals. Instead of hot dishes,…

Do you desire MORE now that you have been sober for longer? Alysse got sober before all the “sober luxuries” that are available now just weren’t available. She was still very young, and her social and professional life revolved around drinks. Thankfully, immediately, she enjoyed some of the benefits of not drinking. However, she still made many of the same bad decisions in dating and managing life. After a few years of not drinking, she knew she didn’t want to go back to substances, but the depression she was experiencing set in deeply. She experienced a sober bottom of around…

I remember the first time I came across Kristi Coulter’s essay, “Enjoli,” the second essay in her book, “Nothing Good Can Come From This.” It took me right back to when the Enjoli commercial debuted on television. I was only thirteen then, and I couldn’t help but dream of becoming a version of the twenty-four-hour woman portrayed in the ad – flashy, skilled in the kitchen, and oozing with sex appeal. I’d watch the commercial, then unfairly compare the glamorous model to my mother, who took us to the grocery store in curlers.  I figured out quickly which woman I…

Sarah Michaud’s *Co-Crazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction* is a compelling blend of memoir and self-help that invites readers into the profoundly personal journey of a psychologist grappling with her struggles with codependency and addiction. Through a quick-witted and relatable narrative, Dr. Sarah Michaud shares her story and provides readers with the tools to embark on their paths of self-discovery and healing. Michaud’s writing is strong because she balances vulnerability with professional insight. As she recounts her experiences, readers are given a raw and unfiltered look into the life of someone who has faced significant challenges yet emerged…

I never heard of Grayson Murray until a few days ago. I’m not a golfer. The last time I picked up a golf club heavier than a putter was in the eighth grade. I took a five iron and chunked a divot from the Urban Middle School gym floor. Grayson Murray was a two-time PGA Tour winner. According to social media, he had just gotten his card back shortly after he became sober, on May 1st, 2023. So, he had just about a year in. But one thing we do have in common, besides our alcoholism, is that we are…

First things first, let me tell you about this book: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl is a transformative book that offers insights into the human experience and the search for purpose and meaning in life. This book is always on the MUST-READ lists of all the self-help gurus and book recommendation accounts I follow on various social media platforms, so of course, I had to read it. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, explores his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and how he managed to find meaning and purpose even in the most dehumanizing circumstances. He argues…

Hosted by Carrie May, Founder of Brave and Mary Tilson, Founder of Sun & Moon Sober Living  Both Carrie and Mary are Certified Recovery Coaches through the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC) with She Recovers Designations. We are a dynamic team combining our professional training with our long-term individual sobriety, extensive history of retreat hosting and a shared passion to continuously empower sober women. We will be gathering in a luxurious mountain home in Evergreen, Colorado for a long weekend of hiking, nourishing meals, awe-inspiring natural beauty, restorative yoga, guided meditation, sound healing, workshops, hot tubbing, laughter…

Living my best sober life isn’t just about staying grounded, improving myself, and having sober fun. It’s also about respecting and loving my body, mind, and spirit. It’s about running towards myself and with myself, not away, not trying to escape the experience of living. Nothing could revive my whole self the way road races have, like the Philadelphia Love Run Half Marathon (13.1 miles) I just raced in April. There’s something magical about the whole experience, from training through to the finish line and even as I hobble on painful legs into the Coffee Corner for my after-race brunch…

Here in Chicago, spring is springing! I am loving the longer days, sun and flowers poking through the fresh ground. I am one of those people who is energized by the joy of spring. I also recognize that some of you may still have the darkness of winter on your shoulders. Chinese Medicine honors both the dark (yin) and light (yang) that lies within each of us and in nature. You have all seen the Yin/Yang symbol, right?  Do you really know what it means? The Yin-Yang theory is a concept from ancient Chinese philosophy that describes how opposite forces…

Sarah Hepola’s “Blackout: Remembering The Things I Drank To Forget” is less like a stroll down memory lane and more like a bumpy ride through a colorful life punctuated with potholes (not plot holes, mind). Hepola shares a spectrum of stories in her award-winning memoir, some familiar to your everyday drinker—think college parties and boozy dinners. Some, though, might not be so familiar—think stealing beer as a pre-teen to drink alone or waking up in a Parisian hotel just hours before a flight and no passport. Blackout drinking is not reserved for the alcoholic. Plenty of us have experienced a…

This #Quitlit review features This Naked Mind, by Annie Grace, which has ignited a movement across the country, helping thousands of people forever change their relationship with alcohol.

April Serenity Point #1 It’s Officially SPRINGTIME! Time to AWAKEN your Recovery through Acupressure! What does Spring mean in Chinese Medicine? In Chinese Medicine, springtime represents the Wood element and is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs. It’s a time of renewal, growth, and cleansing, both physically and emotionally. During the Spring, I see a lot of people who tell me they feel like they are coming out of the fog of winter. This is a common response to longer days, more sun and a little more warmth (depending on where you live). However, while some people THRIVE when…

Something I’ve been struggling with lately is staying up too late. It’s a vicious cycle. I wake up in the morning feeling exhausted after telling myself I’m going to bed at a reasonable time so I can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on my day. I’ve noticed that my lack of productivity is directly related to staying up too late either working, scrolling social media channels, binging Netflix shows (that I might not even like), or going down the YouTube rabbit hole. Regardless of what I’m spending my time on, I’ve been stuck in the insanity of…

Facing the aftermath of a relapse can feel like walking through a once serene forest that has been touched by storm. Trees might be down, and the path may not be as clear as it once was, but the beauty of the forest remains, ready to flourish again with a bit of care and time. Dr. Henry Cloud once said, “Trust is the fuel for all of life,” highlighting how essential trust is in nurturing and sustaining our relationships. When a loved one relapses, it’s as though a storm has passed through, and the clearing up process involves mending that…

Welcome to the World of Acupressure for Recovery. I am so grateful to share this healing practice with you each month! This will be a bi-weekly section on The Sober Curator! What to expect:  Each month I will cover 2 points that you can do at home to support your recovery. Let’s start with the basics. What is Acupressure? Acupressure is a small part of traditional Chinese Medicine that involves applying manual pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture but uses pressure instead of needles.…

For some odd reason I have been thinking about this Keep On Truckin’ t-shirt I had in the late 70’s during the heyday of the roller-skating era. I had it made at the mall, at a store called Shirt Barn where all the cool kids went. I remember waiting while they put the decal on the front of the shirt and my name on the back. I wore that shirt every Saturday to the USA Roller Rink. All I needed was that t-shirt, my skates, and a disco ball to make me happy. And a ride. I needed a ride. …

When you’re journeying through sobriety, the path isn’t just long—it’s often winding, sprinkled with both bright days and dark nights. For those navigating this road, a strong, understanding relationship can be a beacon of hope and strength. But…keeping that relationship healthy and beneficial for both parties involves understanding a simple, yet profound truth: relationships are rarely ever a perfect give-and-take. Especially in sobriety, where one’s energy and emotional reserve can fluctuate dramatically, the concept of 50-50 can seem like a distant ideal. The secret is recognizing the importance of clear, open communication and valuing alone time becomes crucial in creating…

Americans’ alcohol consumption rates today look a lot like they did in 1939. Men’s Journal reported on a Gallup poll of adults across all fifty states, and it found that more than six in ten, or 65%, drink alcohol. Meanwhile, the number of nearsighted Americans has ballooned to 41.6% of the population, and nearly 20 million suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Given these numbers, it’s safe to say that there is an overlap between alcohol drinkers and those with ocular conditions. However, in terms of drinking and eyesight, does correlation equal causation? And can leaving alcohol behind create room…

The American Society of Pharmacovigilance bookmarks March 24 as the National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day. The reason why this day holds much significance is because it’s shining a spotlight on the often dangerous side effects drugs can have. For someone dancing the sobriety tango, this day holds extra weight because (as you may know) navigating medication while keeping one’s sobriety intact is pretty much like walking a tightrope. Drugs, even the ones doctors prescribe, can have reactions that are not just about the physical side of things but can tug at the emotional and mental stability that is so…

Ahhh, St. Patrick’s Day. It’s every active alcoholic’s wet dream. It’s the one day a year when getting drunk is celebrated rather than scolded, where everyone around you is guaranteed to be as much of a sloppy mess as you are, and shots are handed out like lollipops at the doctor’s office. For an alcoholic in recovery, however, it can be the day that most fill you with dread, with the first one most certainly being the hardest. The brain busts and the heartaches at what to do to grapple with this Kelly-green 800-pound gorilla of a sobriety nightmare. While…

When I walked into rehab, I had no idea that a simple task that THEY MADE ME DO would change the trajectory of my life.  For the first couple of days at the facility where I was, they let me decompress and not have a daily unit chore, BUT I had to make my bed every day, and yes, it was checked by staff.  I have no memory of my parents telling me to make my bed or even if I did before getting into recovery. I remember thinking, “What a stupid thing these people are making me do! Why…

March 2nd marks World Teen Mental Wellness Day, a day dedicated to transforming the way society approaches teen mental health conversations and breaking down the barriers of stigma that often shroud these discussions. This pivotal day shines a spotlight on the importance of acknowledging and addressing the mental health challenges faced by teens, which are more rampant than ever. With pressures coming from all sides–be it social media, academic expectations, or personal relationships–it’s no wonder the American Psychological Association labels Gen Z’s mental well-being as being in a precarious state. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope. Teens…

Starting on the journey to kick an addiction is tough for anybody. But imagine doing that while you’re also dealing with ongoing health issues. It’s like trying to climb a huge hill, and halfway up, a storm hits. You’re not just battling the urge to slip back into old habits, but you’re also wrestling with whatever health curveballs life’s thrown at you. It’s a two-front war that needs a battle plan tailored just for you, heaps of patience, and a truckload of determination. The Complexity of Managing Two Fronts Tackling sobriety when you’ve also got chronic illnesses or mental health…

Taking the leap into sobriety is a monumental step. It’s not just about giving up a substance; it’s about reclaiming your life, one day at a time. Amidst this journey, seemingly mundane tasks like commuting can either become stumbling blocks or stepping stones. But believe it or not, your daily drive can play a pivotal role in your sobriety journey. Mindful Commuting for the Win On the sobriety path, every second counts. That daily drive? It’s not just dead time. It’s untapped gold for grounding and growth. Turning your commute into a mindful moment means hitting pause on autopilot and…

As The Sober Curator’s UK correspondent, it’s a joy to share some influencers from across the pond to add to your regular dose of sobriety content. As a sober gal in her first year of abstinence, social media has been a massive lifeline for seeking inspiration and support and adjusting the balance of hedonistic vs. holistic posts in my feeds. Here are my five favorite influencers to add some British accents to your collection of sober friends in your pocket. Abi Feltham Powerlifting, TikTok vlogging badass Abi Feltham takes the top of this list for her raw, honest accounts of…

Can you imagine walking into a house where every little thing is in its right spot—no stacks of papers on the counter, no clothes draped over chairs? It feels like a deep breath for the eyes. For someone working on staying sober, this kind of calm isn’t just nice to have; it’s like a secret weapon in a way. It’s all about making a space that feels good, where someone can be their best self, keep their head clear, and stay focused on what matters most. Tidying Up as Good for the Soul Now, think about the actual job of…

When you embark on a journey of sobriety, it’s like starting a brand-new chapter in your life. As you transform yourself, it makes sense that your living space reflects your new direction. This isn’t just about redecoration–it’s about crafting an environment that echoes the new commitments you’ve made to yourself. By refreshing your surroundings, you’re setting the stage for the new, sober you. At the end of the day, however, it boils down to one simple thing: removing the triggers and temptations that former habits might have left behind and surrounding yourself with a space that’s brimming with positivity and…