Courtney Friel - Surviving Addiction and a Pandemic as a News Anchor

Aug 7, 2020

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Courtney Friel: Surviving Addiction and a Pandemic as a News Anchor

Courtney Friel is news anchor,best selling author and sobriety warrior who's been in recovery for more than 10 years. I first met Courtney when I was interviewing different individuals for my book The Heart of Recovery.

Courtney’s recovery journey.

It was a 15 year party lifestyle for Courtney when she was working as a news anchor and reporter.

Courtney had a work hard play hard identity. The parties she attended were characterised by alcohol, cocaine and pills.

It was through an intervention of her husband (now ex) and other friends that she accepted getting into rehab.

But before the intervention, Courtney, having already witnessed so many celebrities die from drug abuse, had already contemplated the thought of sobering up, but lacked the strength to do so.

It was during the aftermath of a party she had attended in Florida where she had passed out half naked on the floor that she finally got the strength and support she needed to attend rehab.

Courtney decided she deserved more than who she had become, and still had so much to give to the world. With one last drink, she said goodbye to the party life and hasn’t looked back ever since.

Staying sober.

The one thing that has helped Courtney in her 10 year sobriety journey is that she has a lot to draw from in life.

Through meditating, journaling, yoga, church, parenting, social programs and self-help books, Courtney has enough to keep herself busy and occupied.

One thing that got drilled into her belief system at the rehab program is that alcohol or substance abuse doesn’t help solve any situation. You’re only going to wake up to the same problem, only this time, feeling worse than before.

The best way to fight life’s adversities is to find and practice new tools to manage the stress and anxiety. In time, these tools shape your habits and build your character.

Managing job related stress.

Working as a news anchor and field reporter can be very draining. For Courtney, she’s had to find ways to connect to herself and press refresh when she’s overwhelmed by sad and depressing news stories.

She’s already had newsmayers and emotional hangovers related to the sad stories that she has to report. Stories that have only grown by the numbers during the current pandemic.

But through her different sobriety tactics, Courtney has learnt to live in the present moment and practice gratitude for all that she’s been blessed with.

Having interviewed so many people for both my book and podcast, there’s one common theme surrounding people that have gotten and stayed recovered. The theme surrounds fitness, spirituality, healthy relationships and self-awareness.

Connect with Courtney

Website - http://www.courtneyfriel.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyFriel/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/courtneyfriel/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/courtneyfriel

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Courtney-Friel/e/B083M4JW9Y%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Connect with Doug

Instagram: @dougbopst

Facebook: Doug Bopst

Website: www.dougbopst.com/gift