If you’ve been sober for a bit, you know that “burnout” feeling that we’re talking about. It’s that feeling of, “I don’t want to have to think about alcohol and sobriety all the time. I don’t want to have to feel like every ounce of energy is going toward this. I just want to live my life!” In case no one has told you – it’s totally normal to feel that way.
We’re here with Amber, Michael, and Collin today to talk about what to do when you get to that burnout point – and even better, how to avoid it. It’s all about finding a balance between doing the work of recovery, and giving yourself space to enjoy that freedom you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
“When I made my sobriety my identity, that’s when I started feeling burned out.”
Key topics in this episode:
- People who struggle with addiction often struggle with moderation in ALL things – including sobriety work
- Trial and error: figuring out what works, and what is just wasted effort
- Keeping the work of recovery enjoyable
- Processing the fear that if you give yourself space that you’ll fall back in
- Taking on “recovered” as your entire identity has the potential to cause burnout
Hello, my name is Amber and I just recently celebrated 3 years alcohol free on Christmas Eve. I live alone with my cats in Rhode Island and work a FT and PT job, saving money, rebuilding my credit and learning how to live an honest and full life.
Growing up as an only child in a toxic family dynamic with alcoholism and undiagnosed mental health disorders running the show, I developed complex trauma that I wouldn’t be aware of until the day I took my last drink and began to uncover the lies that alcohol had me believing for so long. I lacked self love and self worth and believed I was just not built for the kind of life that I desired.
Come to find out I had the power to build that life all along, but alcohol robbed me of the ability to see it. Sobriety has allowed me to see an alternative path in life and recovery is providing the tools that enable me to walk that path. I am in the process of finding my voice and discovering where I can be of service to others who are still stuck in the lie. I hope to someday run a sober living community on a working farm where others can unplug from their toxic environments and truly heal.
- The Ultimate List of Sober Songs: 223 Songs About Sobriety - May 17, 2024
- Navigating Through the Waves of Grief: A Personal Journey of Loss and Perseverance - April 7, 2024
- Our Sobriety Podcast is a Year Old!! - September 24, 2023