In Episode 08 of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in the alcohol-free journey:

👉 The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety: it’s connection.

Fresh from a powerful weekend together in Leeds, the conversation flows from laughter to deep reflection as they explore how isolation fuels addiction and how authentic connection can be the lifeline that keeps us grounded and growing.

They explore:

• Why addiction loves isolation, even when alcohol is framed as social
• How society sells us the lie that we need alcohol to connect and what happens when we challenge that
• The shift from relying on alcohol for confidence or stress relief to relying on real human connection
• How over-consumption shows up in unexpected places, like self-improvement or even running and can become another form of escape
• The danger of using sobriety as a badge of honour and the risk of judgement in alcohol-free circles

This is a conversation about being human, messy, emotional, striving, stuck and how the way through isn’t perfect sobriety, but honest, vulnerable relationships with ourselves and others.

If you've ever questioned how to stay connected without alcohol, or felt that loneliness creep in during your AF journey, this episode will speak to your soul.