Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • โค๏ธ CONTENT
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERSโœ๏ธ
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • ๐Ÿ“ฐ PRESS ๐Ÿ“บ
    • THE SOBEES ๐Ÿ
    • CONTACT ๐Ÿ“ง
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS ๐Ÿบ
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES ๐Ÿพ
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS ๐Ÿธ
    • READY TO DRINK ๐Ÿฅค
    • BEHIND THE BAR ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ
    • MENTAL HEALTH ๐Ÿง 
    • RELATIONSHIPS ๐ŸคŸ๐Ÿฝ
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY ๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE ๐Ÿงฌ
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT โ‰๏ธ
    • COMING OUT SOBER ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ
    • ๐Ÿ† CONTENT
    • โœ‚๏ธCURATED CRAFTS๐ŸŽจ
    • FASHION ๐Ÿ‘ 
    • SHOP ๐Ÿ›’
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT ๐Ÿ”ฆ
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION ๐Ÿ’ป
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT ๐Ÿ“š
    • MOVIE REVIEWS ๐Ÿฟ
    • MUSIC ๐ŸŽถ
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST ๐ŸŽง
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS ๐Ÿ“บ
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! ๐Ÿงณ
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO ๐Ÿ”ฎ
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE ๐Ÿงฌ
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • โค๏ธ CONTENT
    • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
    • DEAR READERSโœ๏ธ
    • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
    • ๐Ÿ“ฐ PRESS ๐Ÿ“บ
    • THE SOBEES ๐Ÿ
    • CONTACT ๐Ÿ“ง
  • HAPPY EVERY HOUR
    • NA BEERS AND CIDERS ๐Ÿบ
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES ๐Ÿพ
    • NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS ๐Ÿธ
    • READY TO DRINK ๐Ÿฅค
    • BEHIND THE BAR ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ
    • NA TASTING EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • BREAK FREE
    • CODEPENDENCY
    • MASTERING MENTAL FITNESS ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ
    • MENTAL HEALTH ๐Ÿง 
    • RELATIONSHIPS ๐ŸคŸ๐Ÿฝ
    • SOBER NOT SUBTLE
    • SOBER POETRY ๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ
    • SPEAK OUT! SPEAK LOUD! ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE ๐Ÿงฌ
    • WELLNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
  • LIFESTYLE
    • #ADDTOCART ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
    • ASK MRS. (W)RIGHT โ‰๏ธ
    • COMING OUT SOBER ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ
    • ๐Ÿ† CONTENT
    • โœ‚๏ธCURATED CRAFTS๐ŸŽจ
    • FASHION ๐Ÿ‘ 
    • SHOP ๐Ÿ›’
    • SOBER SPOTLIGHT ๐Ÿ”ฆ
    • SOBER CONTENT CREATION ๐Ÿ’ป
    • SOBER UNBUZZED FEED
  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • #QUITLIT ๐Ÿ“š
    • MOVIE REVIEWS ๐Ÿฟ
    • MUSIC ๐ŸŽถ
    • POPCULTURE
    • RECOVERY PODCASTLAND ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ
    • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST ๐ŸŽง
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBER SPORTS
    • TV SHOW REVIEWS ๐Ÿ“บ
  • TRAVEL & EVENTS
    • SOBER EVENTS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBER RETREATS CALENDAR ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
      • SOBER IN MINNEAPOLIS
      • SOBER IN NYC
      • SOBER IN SEATTLE
    • WHAT A TRIP! ๐Ÿงณ
  • SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
    • THE CARD DIVO ๐Ÿ”ฎ
    • CLASSY PROBLEMS
    • SOBERCAST
    • SOBERSCOPES
    • SOBRIETY IN FLOW ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ
    • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
    • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE ๐Ÿงฌ
    • STOICISM
  • RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCE GUIDE
    • BREAK FREE FOUNDATION
    • FAMILY RESOURCES
    • GLOSSARY OF ADDICTION AND RECOVERY TERMS
    • LGBTQ+ RECOVERY RESOURCES
    • RECOVERY STORIES
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
Home - SOBER SPOTLIGHT -Meet Joseph Conniff Author Of Causes And Conditions
SOBER SPOTLIGHT

SOBER SPOTLIGHT -Meet Joseph Conniff Author Of Causes And Conditions

Alysse BrysonBy Alysse BrysonAugust 24, 20216 Mins Read
Joe Conniff copy 1
Joe Conniff copy 1
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Today we are shining a Sober Spotlight on Joseph Conniff. He recently published his first book called Causes and Conditions: A Life Experience in Addiction and Recovery. This book takes a comprehensive look at both his battles with addiction and his journey to find recovery. Through his sixteen years in active substance use, Joe takes us through his experience of growing up in the prescription opioid crisis, post 9/11 military life, and eventually homelessness and despair on the streets of Seattle.

This book offers a perspective into the author’s experiences with addiction, trauma, the criminal legal system, and programs and spiritual practices that led him to long-term recovery. Causes and Conditions is a first-hand account of what it takes to create an addict, and what it took for this one to find freedom.

Sober Spotlight Q&A with Joseph Conniff

What’s Your Fav NA Beverage?

That’s easy. Freewave Hazy IPA by Athletic Brewing Co. I also enjoy Ritual Whiskey Alternative. When I discovered both a year ago, it really helped normalize drinking for me and enjoy my recovery in social settings.

Sober Curator Pro Tip:

Our resident NA Beer Guru Justin Lamb whole-heartedly agrees with your choice of the Freeway Hazy IPA

#ADDTOCART ATHLETIC BREWING

Athletic Brewing Lite
Athletic Brewing Lite
Cranberry Pale
Cranberry Pale
Maple Brown
Maple Brown
Athletic Light
Athletic Light
Dave’s American Dark Malt
Dave’s American Dark Malt
Rice Helles
Rice Helles
Ready Front
Ready Front
Run Wild
Run Wild
Athletic Brewing Variety Case
Athletic Brewing Variety Case
Wit’s Peak
Wit’s Peak
Upside Dawn
Upside Dawn
Rainbow Wall
Rainbow Wall
Downwinder
Downwinder
Cerveza Athletica
Cerveza Athletica
Free Wave
Free Wave

Before writing your own book, what #Quitlit were you most inspired by?

The Globalization of Addiction โ€“ It’s not a fun book and it’s not a memoir. It’s much more medical and takes the time to pick apart different ideas on how addiction shows up in society and looks at the dislocation of what individuals end up being bi-products of a hyper fast-paced society.

Whatโ€™s a piece of advice you would give someone new to sobriety?

Reflect on where you spend your time and who you spend your time with. Consider the five people you spend the most time with are who you will become.

How has recovery improved your career path?

I’ve become a Peer counselor in the drug diversion court which is the program that saved my life. Being in recovery opened a door to employment I never thought was possible again. I’m former military. It allows me to inspire hope and carry a sense of effectiveness that my program serves. It also gives me the capacity to understand what others are going through.

How do you practice self-care?

I typically start my day with meditation practice. I write. Writing is something that cultivates self-care. I practice yoga. Right before the pandemic started I sat in a 10-day silent retreat in the rural small town of Onalaska. Nine hours a day of meditation, walking mediation, no conversations, and sometimes minimal interaction with a teacher. The focus was refining my mindfulness practice, which is a very radical practice. It’s really useful for people in recovery. This is very applicable to recovery from anything, not just addiction. It’s really very interesting. It makes you re-look at how you speak, act, and engage with other people. Cultivate a space with yourself and how you think/feel.

Sober Curator Pro Tip: Joe was recently a guest at our SOBER POP Club on the Clubhouse App

Any advice for those that are new to recovering out loud, regardless of how much time they have in sobriety?

It’s good to really understand anonymity โ€“ what it is and what it isnโ€™t. What is the intention for sharing? Is it prestige or is its interest in being helpful? (Be honest.)

Whatโ€™s a piece of advice you would go back and tell your newly sober self?

I would forgive myself sooner. I donโ€™t like the word shortcomings. I’m great at forgiving other people but I’m always last on the list of forgiving myself. Self-forgiveness would be important to deepen earlier on.

Is there a Non-Profit that you support that really inspires you?

Therapeutic Health Services is where I did most of my outpatient treatment. I went from being a client to being an employee. Yoga Behind Bars is another great organization. I took yoga teacher training at the Recovery Cafe in early recovery and it helped me to understand the difference between being a white dude in recovery, navigating the criminal system, compared to what other people with different circumstances go through. Peer Washington is another great organization.

Do you have any guilty pleasures you can share with us?

I love a big bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I allow myself to engage in things without being critical of myself. This helps normalize my human experience. Some cravings are ok to give into. So much of recovery is about balance and moving away from extremes, No Bones Beach Club used to be my JAM in Ballard (fried food heaven)!!!

Have you had a significant, life-changing day in your recovery journey?

Yes. It was the day President Trump was elected. My father passed away that day. I was in my first year and a half of recovery. Everything in life felt like it was going to be unknown. Some people’s worst fears were coming true and then to receive an email from mom that my father had passed…the entire world shifted for me. It was a profound moment. The rubber really hit the road in my recovery journey at that point.

What’s on your Playlist right now?

The Gits, The War on Drugs, Rancid, Social Distortion, and The Replacements

How do you regularly practice mindfulness?

I try not to turn to my phone in the morning. I spend 20-40 minutes sitting on a cushion and yoga mat. Focusing on my breath and paying attention to my thoughts. I work on letting those go and just be. Addiction and alcoholism are the full flight from reality. It’s vital that I start off my day in recovery. I actually started it in jail before even getting โ€œsoberโ€. The capacity to sit in my own skin is the most centering thing.

Describe a Superhero you admire?

Someone who encourages people to get to know people with lived experience. You donโ€™t need to be in recovery to be worthy of compassion and kindness. People everywhere are exhausted. People that are not getting the support and services they need. The community needs to come together and stop segregating. In the age of the ability to connect, we are so unconnected. The world could use more Superheros right about now.

Anything else you think our readers should know?

It’s all in the book!


SOBER SPOTLIGHT: This section of our site highlights extraordinary people in recovery. Sober small business owners doinโ€™ their thing gives us all the feels. Who is making a difference in your recovery community? If you know someone we should spotlight please connect with us at thesobercurator@gmail.com or DM us on social media. 

Resources are available

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

#quitlit addiction memoir alcohol free living Causes and Conditions Causes and Conditions: A Life Experience in Addiction and Recovery Freewave Hazy IPA Joseph Conniff meditation memoir no bones beach club peer counselor peer washington quitlit rancid recovery memoir recovery memoirs seattle Seattle local sober curator sober in seattle sober lifestyle sober spotlight sober spotlight by the sober curator the globalization of addiction the sober curator the sober spotlight the wars on drugs therapeutic health services yoga behind bars
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Alysse Bryson
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. "I'm just a laid-back old school Seattlite...with sober superpowers. You can take the girl out of the party, but you can't take the party out of the girl."

Related Posts

From Barstools to Boundaries: Americaโ€™s Therapist Kelley Kitley Gets Real About Sobriety

From Barstools to Boundaries: Americaโ€™s Social Worker Kelley Kitley Gets Real About Sobriety

October 29, 2025
Sober Dad Crew Episode 80: Alysse Bryson โ€“ Building a Sober Pop Culture Movement

Sober Dad Crew: Alysse Bryson โ€“ Building a Sober Pop Culture Movement

October 21, 2025
HECK CANS NA Beer Portland OR

Sober Spotlight: Andy McMillan of Heck Brewingย 

October 18, 2025

1 Comment

  1. Stefy Graff on October 4, 2021 2:47 am

    Fabulous Blog.

    Really clearly explain all the points very well regarding causes and condition happend in recovery process.

    Especially, I like the piece of advice of recovery.

SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma
The Sober Curator Podcast now streaming
Top AF Sober Travel Companies USA Today
Sober City Mobile App
SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
May the sober force be with you
Sober Events at The Sober Curator
7 events found.
  • Week of October 27
  • Previous week
  • Next week
Notice
No events scheduled for October 27, 2025.
7:00 pm
Suzanne Warye w/ Casey McGuire Davidson | Seattle
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT

Suzanne Warye w/ Casey McGuire Davidson | Seattle

Elliott Bay Books Seattle
$28.00
BigVision Halloween Fright Night
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

BigVision Halloween Fright Night

BigVision 309 Social Club 309 East 49th Street @ 2nd Ave, New York
$15.00
Notice
No events scheduled for October 29, 2025.
Notice
No events scheduled for October 30, 2025.
7:00 am
Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class
October 31 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 am PDT

Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class

$72.00
6:00 pm
Gay & Sober Presents:  HALLOQUEEN DANCE PARTY | MUSIC BY DJ E.N.
October 31 @ 6:00 pm PDT

Gay & Sober Presents: HALLOQUEEN DANCE PARTY | MUSIC BY DJ E.N.

The Manhattan Mirage 265 W. 37th Street at 8th Avenueย , New York City
See website
Soberoke Costume Party at Couve Collective Downtown Vancouver Recovery Cafe
October 31 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Soberoke Costume Party at Couve Collective Downtown Vancouver Recovery Cafe

1009 West 13th Street Vancouver, WA 98660 1009 West 13th Street, Vancouver
Free
Ongoing
Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats
November 1 @ 7:00 am - November 8 @ 1:00 pm PDT

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

$3445 โ€“ $4995
7:00 am
Sober AF Entertainment: Army Black Knights vs. Air Force Falcons @ Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy โ€“ CO)
November 1 @ 7:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT

Sober AF Entertainment: Army Black Knights vs. Air Force Falcons @ Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy โ€“ CO)

Falcon Stadium 4900 Stadium Boulevard, Air Force Academy
See website
All Day
Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai with Bigger Life Adventures
November 2 - November 9

Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai with Bigger Life Adventures

$1999
Capetown, South Africa
November 2 - November 9

Capetown, South Africa

$4700
Ongoing
Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats
November 1 @ 7:00 am - November 8 @ 1:00 pm PDT

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

$3445 โ€“ $4995

Week of Events

Mon 27
Tue 28
Wed 29
Thu 30
Fri 31
Sat 1
Sun 2
November 1 @ 7:00 am - November 8 @ 1:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

November 1 @ 7:00 am - November 8 @ 1:00 pm PDT

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats If youโ€™re in recoveryโ€”whether newly sober or years into your journeyโ€”and ready to reconnect with your purpose, build meaningful connections,

$3445 โ€“ $4995
November 1 @ 7:00 am - November 8 @ 1:00 pm <span class='timezone'> PDT </span>

Rediscover Peace & Purpose in Antigua with Sober Travel Retreats

November 2 - November 9

Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai with Bigger Life Adventures

Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai with Bigger Life Adventures

November 2 - November 9

Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai with Bigger Life Adventures

Thailand Yoga, Culture, & Adventure Retreat in Chiang Mai Join us for a rejuvenating week-long yoga retreat near Chiang Mai, Thailand. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area

$1999
November 2 - November 9

Capetown, South Africa

Capetown, South Africa

November 2 - November 9

Capetown, South Africa

Capetown, South Africa Luxury reset, sightseeing, sobriety and safari in South Africa.

$4700
October 28, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Suzanne Warye w/ Casey McGuire Davidson | Seattle
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT

Suzanne Warye w/ Casey McGuire Davidson | Seattle

Suzanne Warye w/ Casey McGuire Davidson Wellness writer Suzanne Warye discussesย The Sober Shift: A Modern-Day Guide to Living an Abundant Sober Life, alongside life and sobriety coach Casey McGuire Davidson.

$28.00
October 28, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
BigVision Halloween Fright Night
October 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

BigVision Halloween Fright Night

BigVision Halloween Fright Night Get ready for a spooktacular evening at 309 Social Club! Join us for Halloween Fright Night, a special movie night guaranteed to bring the chills and

$15.00
October 31, 2025 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class
October 31 @ 7:30 am - 9:30 am PDT

Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class

Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class Sober October Herbal Mocktail Class

$72.00
October 31, 2025 6:00 pm
Gay & Sober Presents: HALLOQUEEN DANCE PARTY | MUSIC BY DJ E.N.
October 31 @ 6:00 pm PDT

Gay & Sober Presents: HALLOQUEEN DANCE PARTY | MUSIC BY DJ E.N.

Gay & Sober Presents: HALLOQUEEN DANCE PARTY | MUSIC BY DJ E.N. TICKETS:ย  OCTOBER: $30 DAY OF/AT THE DOOR: $40ย  โ€‹ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, 2025 Mark your calendars for aย night

See website
October 31, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Soberoke Costume Party at Couve Collective Downtown Vancouver Recovery Cafe
October 31 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Soberoke Costume Party at Couve Collective Downtown Vancouver Recovery Cafe

Soberoke Costume Party at Couve Collective Downtown Vancouver Recovery Cafe Get ready to rock your favorite costume and sing your heart out at our Soberoke Costume Party - a night

Free
November 1, 2025 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sober AF Entertainment: Army Black Knights vs. Air Force Falcons @ Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy โ€“ CO)
November 1 @ 7:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT

Sober AF Entertainment: Army Black Knights vs. Air Force Falcons @ Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy โ€“ CO)

Sober AF Entertainment: Army Black Knights vs. Air Force Falcons @ Falcon Stadium (Air Force Academy โ€“ CO)

See website
View Calendar
The Sober Curator
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • LINKS DISCLAIMER
  • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • REFUND POLICY
  • DON’T SELL MY INFO
  • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
  • CONTACT US
© 2025 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.