6 Sobriety Traps That Trigger Relapse in Early Recovery

Avoid these traps so your recovery doesn’t become a revolving door.

Sobriety is just the beginning… and these 6 traps are the exact reason why so many people relapse even when they’re trying to stay sober.

In this episode, Angela Pugh breaks down the most common early recovery mistakes that sabotage your progress, wreck your structure, and chip away at your confidence. You’ll learn how to shift from barely hanging on to leading yourself with clarity, consistency, and personal power.

Whether you’re 2 weeks in or 2 years sober — this is a must-listen if you want long-term peace without chaos.

🔑 HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1️⃣ Recovery Is Biological — Not Just Emotional
PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) can hijack your energy, mood, and motivation for months. Learn how to support your brain and body so you stop spiraling and start stabilizing.

2️⃣ Bartering = Relapse in Disguise
That inner voice that says “just one won’t hurt”? That’s not logic — that’s addiction bartering. You’ll learn exactly how to shut it down with truth and structure.

3️⃣ Fun Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Requirement
You won’t stay sober if you hate your life. This episode gives you permission (and strategy) to build joy into your routine — so recovery feels rewarding, not restrictive.

💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🎁 Free Recovery Recipe™
  Your personal structure for strong sobriety — built around life domains.
  Download here → addictionunlimited.com/recipe

• 🗂️ The 90-Day Focus Planner
  Built on the life domain structure you heard in this episode — this is your tool for clarity, consistency, and follow-through in sobriety and life.
  👉 Grab your planner → addictionunlimited.com/planner
• 🎧 Related Episode:
  Are You Being Private About Your Recovery… or Keeping It a Secret?
  Learn the difference between protecting your peace and hiding your truth — and how secrecy can sabotage your growth.
  👉 Listen here → addictionunlimited.com/are-you-being-private-about-your-recovery-or-keeping-it-a-secret

• 🧠 Google This Term:
  Anhedonia — the inability to feel pleasure after quitting drinking. Knowing this one word could explain everything you’re experiencing.

• 🛠️ Want Support?
  Book a call with me for private coaching, check out my online course or join the Sober Society community.
  Learn more → addictionunlimited.com/coaching

 

🔁 More from Angela:

• Follow Angela on Instagram → @addictionunlimited

• Listen to more episodes → addictionunlimited.com/episodes