Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this episode, we reconnect with Brian, who first joined us back on episode 361 while he was enrolled in our treatment program. Today, Brian is 14 months sober and has since transitioned back home to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He shares in detail what that transition was like—the challenges he faced, the emotional and environmental hurdles he had to overcome, and what he did to stay grounded in his recovery. Brian opens up about the habits, mindset shifts, and support systems that have helped him maintain sobriety over the past year.

This episode is full of real talk about life after treatment and what it takes to keep going when the structure of treatment is no longer there. If you’re wondering what long-term recovery looks like after the program ends, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Here is the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648483976?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FBWH79TGE0EW2XYVVBX&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FBWH79TGE0EW2XYVVBX&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6FBWH79TGE0EW2XYVVBX&bestFormat=true

Study: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/789115115/dr-frederic-luskin-and-lyndon-harris-launch-the-forgive-for-good-recovery-workbook-available-now

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this episode, we explore a topic that holds incredible weight in recovery—forgiveness. We’re joined by two guests who’ve done extensive research on how forgiveness impacts not just our emotional health, but our overall well-being, especially in sobriety. We dive into the science behind forgiveness—how holding onto resentment, guilt, and shame can keep us stuck, and how choosing to forgive (ourselves and others) can actually lead to measurable improvements in mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Our guests share real-life examples and research-backed insights that show how forgiveness plays a critical role in long-term recovery. Whether you’re early in your sobriety or years into it, this episode offers tools and perspective to help you let go of what’s been holding you back—so you can truly move forward.

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

One of the biggest things that keeps recovering addicts and alcoholics stuck in the cycle of relapse and self-destruction is victim mentality. It’s that mindset of "Life is out to get me," "No one understands what I’ve been through," or "I can’t succeed because of my past." In this episode, we’re digging deep into: What victim mentality looks like in recovery – the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways it creeps in.

Why this mindset is dangerous – how it leads to resentment, isolation, and relapse. How to shift from self-pity to accountability – practical steps to take control of your sobriety. Why service work and gratitude are the ultimate antidotes to victim thinking. We also discuss how family members, sponsors, and recovery communities can help someone recognize when they’re stuck in a victim mindset—without enabling their excuses.

At the end of the day, your recovery is YOUR responsibility. No one is coming to save you, but the good news is—you don’t need saving. You just need to take action. If you’re ready to move from blaming to thriving, this episode is for you!

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

Relapse doesn’t happen overnight—it starts long before someone picks up a drink or a drug. In this episode, we’re breaking down the three biggest warning signs of relapse so you can recognize them early and take action before things spiral out of control.

We will cover:

Emotional relapse – When someone starts isolating, bottling up emotions, and neglecting self-care.

Mental relapse – The dangerous inner battle of cravings, romanticizing the past, and rationalizing use.

Behavioral relapse – The shift in actions, avoiding accountability, and making reckless choices.

Whether you're in recovery or supporting a loved one, knowing these warning signs could be the difference between staying sober and falling back into addiction. Tune in to learn how to catch relapse before it happens and what steps you can take right now to prevent it.

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

On this episode, we sit down with Ian Fee, who shares his powerful story of getting sober and what ultimately led him to make the change seven years ago. But Ian’s path to sobriety wasn’t the traditional route—he opens up about the unconventional way he got sober and how it shaped his journey in recovery.

We dive into what’s worked for him, the challenges he’s faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re new to sobriety or have been on this journey for a while, Ian’s story is proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting clean—but there is always hope. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

Andrews Music!

https://andrewace.irmbooking.com/home

https://open.spotify.com/track/7hoRmf17o6MjKF0hQePXIP?si=15b9606ca7f94709

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

On this episode, we sit down with Andrew “Ace” Greenspan, who opens up about his sobriety journey over the past nine months and what ultimately led him to make this life-changing decision. Diagnosed with autism at 18, Andrew shares how that impacted his addiction and the unique challenges he faced along the way.

He also talks in detail about the serious health consequences he suffered due to his substance use and how he’s working to rebuild his life. But what truly stands out in Andrew’s story is his deep connection to music—he explains how it has shaped his recovery and how he’s using his musical talents to inspire and impact the recovery community.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the role that creativity plays in healing. Don’t miss it!

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

Struggling to quit drinking but can’t go to treatment? In this episode, we discuss the exact strategies we’d use to stop drinking while living at home.

From building a solid support system to reshaping daily habits, we break down practical, real-world steps to help you take control of your sobriety. Whether you’re cutting back or quitting for good, these tips can help you on your journey. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

Not all alcoholics fit the stereotype of someone whose life is falling apart. In this episode, we dive into the reality of functional alcoholism—what it looks like, how it goes unnoticed, and why it’s still a serious problem. We break down the key signs of a functional alcoholic, including:

✔️ Justifying or downplaying their drinking habits

✔️ Hiding alcohol or lying about how much they drink

✔️ Experiencing mood swings and irritability when they can’t drink

✔️ Using alcohol as a way to cope with stress or emotions

✔️ Gradually increasing their alcohol consumption over time

For family members and loved ones, we discuss how to recognize the warning signs and the best ways to approach someone who may be struggling. Just because someone holds a job or keeps up appearances doesn’t mean they’re not battling addiction. If you’ve ever questioned whether someone you love (or even yourself) might be a functional alcoholic, this episode will help bring clarity and guidance. Don’t miss it!