Addiction Unlimited Podcast

Practical tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and stay sober during the most overwhelming time of year. In this episode, we’re talking about why the holiday season is such a perfect storm for stress, exhaustion, and relapse risk — and what actually helps you stay grounded, calm, and sober when everything feels like too much. This isn’t about “just don’t drink” or powering through with willpower. It’s about planning ahead, setting real boundaries, managing your energy, and protecting your sobriety like it actually matters — because it does. These tools are timeless and incredibly relevant right now — especially as we head into the final stretch of the year. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Holiday Stress Isn’t the Problem — Lack of Planning Is The holidays don’t sneak up on us. They come at the same time every year. When you plan ahead — for your schedule, your energy, and your triggers — you dramatically reduce overwhelm and vulnerability. 2️⃣ Boundaries Are a Sobriety Tool, Not a Personality Flaw Boundaries around time, conversations, commitments, and how long you stay at events aren’t selfish — they’re how you stay regulated, present, and sober when stress is high. 3️⃣ Rest, Connection, and Support Are Non-Negotiable Sleep deprivation, emotional exhaustion, and isolation make cravings louder. Staying connected to your sober support and refueling your energy keeps you strong when willpower runs out. We’re days away from Christmas. If your energy is low and your stress is high, that doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means it’s time to slow down, simplify, and protect what matters most. Take what you learn today and use it. Planning, boundaries, rest, and connection aren’t optional extras. They’re how sobriety lasts. Links Mentioned in This Episode: 👉 Dry January Bootcamp If you’re done white-knuckling your way through the holidays and into January, Bootcamp gives you structure, support, and a clear plan to protect your sobriety and start the new year strong. 👉 Book a CallIf you want personalized support and clarity on next steps, book a call to talk through your options. 👉 Join the Free Facebook GroupConnect with others who get it — support, encouragement, and real conversations about sobriety.

If you’re a high-functioning drinker waiting for rock bottom to give you permission to quit, this episode will change everything. Most people think rock bottom is an external event—a DUI, job loss, or divorce. But that’s not what rock bottom actually is, and this misunderstanding is keeping you stuck in a cycle that never ends. In this episode, I break down the real meaning of rock bottom and why waiting for external proof is preventing you from taking action on what you already know. You’ll learn why comparing your life to other people’s disasters keeps you drinking longer, what to listen for in recovery meetings (hint: it’s not the external details), and why the question “Do I really need to quit?” is actually your answer. What You’ll Learn: Why high-functioning drinkers misunderstand rock bottom and how it keeps them stuck The “I’m not that bad” fallacy and why comparing external circumstances is the wrong measuring stick What rock bottom actually is (internal, not external) and why it changes everything How to recognize rock bottom moments before they become major disasters Why people who don’t have a drinking problem never wonder if they need to quit The real reason your brain keeps offering alcohol as a solution when things get uncomfortable How lowering the bar and rationalizing red flags keeps the cycle going Why you don’t need to wait for things to get worse to make a change Key Takeaways: Rock bottom is internal, not external. It’s not about what happens to you—it’s about the moment you realize you can’t live like this anymore, even if your life still looks good from the outside. You’re comparing the wrong things. When you compare your life to other people’s disasters, you’ll always feel like you’re “not that bad.” But when you compare your internal experience—the exhaustion, the mental gymnastics, the constant negotiation with yourself—that’s when you recognize the real problem. External events don’t create clarity—they force action. Most dramatic rock bottom moments are years in the making. There are a million smaller red flags that get rationalized away before the big event happens. You don’t have to wait for the big event. If you’re asking the question, that’s your answer. People without drinking problems never wonder if they need to quit. They don’t think about alcohol constantly, plan their days around it, or spend energy managing and moderating it. If you’re here listening to this, you already know. Episode Highlights: [00:12] The common misunderstanding about rock bottom that keeps high-functioning drinkers stuck [02:00] Why “I’m not that bad” only works if rock bottom is external (spoiler: it’s not)   [05:50] The AA meeting trap: comparing external details instead of internal feelings [09:33] What rock bottom actually is: internal, emotional, and the moment you realize you can’t live like this anymore [11:00] My two-year rock bottom and why I waited so long to take action [14:42] If you want to wait until things get worse, they will (and here’s what that looks like) [16:30] The small red flags we rationalize away that lead to bigger disasters [17:50] A client’s rock bottom moment: choosing a drink over playing with his son [19:19] Why asking “Do I really need to quit?” is actually your answer [21:31] The takeaway: You already know. Stop waiting for permission.   🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 💥 Dry January Bootcamp (Free!) Get structure, support, and a clear plan to start your alcohol-free life with power. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp 🎯 Book a Private Call Ready to stop screwing around and get real results? Let’s talk. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/call 🧣 Cozy Earth – My Favorite Gift to Give (and Receive!) Bedding + loungewear that calms and elevates your space. Use code ANGELA 👉 cozyearth.com

Here’s something nobody tells you about long-term sobriety: your brain doesn’t forget its relationship with alcohol just because you stop drinking. After 19+ years sober, I can still walk into a restaurant and automatically glance at the bar. I can spend 10 minutes with my best friend analyzing five drinks in a hotel cooler. I notice who’s drinking at parties when my non-alcoholic mom never does. And that’s exactly how I know – even after almost two decades – that I still can’t drink. In this episode, I’m breaking down the ONE thing that tells you with 100% certainty whether you can drink again after sobriety. Spoiler: it’s not about time. It’s not about willpower. It’s about how much mental real estate alcohol still occupies in your brain. What You’ll Discover: The “mind space test” – how aware are you of alcohol even when you’re not drinking? Why “normal” drinkers never think about alcohol (and why you can’t stop) How alcohol becomes your higher power without you realizing it Real stories from my own journey – including that champagne bottle I saved to celebrate 30 days sober (yep, I did that) The difference between your brain and a non-alcoholic brain – and why it matters more than sobriety time Why the fact that you’re even asking “can I drink again?” is actually your answer The Bottom Line: Non-alcoholic people don’t wonder if they drink too much. They don’t count down to their next drink. They don’t notice the bar when they walk into restaurants. They don’t plan their social lives around alcohol availability. If you’re still hyperaware of alcohol – whether that’s craving it, avoiding it, or constantly thinking about it – your relationship hasn’t changed. Time doesn’t fix this. Only honesty with yourself does. Struggling with the starts and stops? Book a free call with Angela to explore your options (not a free coaching session, but a real conversation about what might help): addictionunlimited.com/call Connect: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Instagram: @addictionunlimited

Why 5pm Feels Impossible (And What To Do About It) Let’s talk about the hardest part of early sobriety: that predictable window of time when the craving hits like a wave and you’re not sure you can ride it out. Maybe it’s 5pm on a Tuesday. Maybe it’s Friday night when everyone’s posting their wine glasses on Instagram. Maybe it’s standing in the parking lot at your kid’s soccer game watching all the other moms with their Stanley cups. In this episode, I’m breaking down what I call the witching hour—that specific time when staying sober feels almost impossible. But here’s the truth: it’s not about the drink. It never was. The drink was the solution you were using for something else—exhaustion, overwhelm, loneliness, anxiety, boredom. I’ll walk you through the four different types of witching hours, what you’re really craving during each one, and most importantly—what to actually DO about it. Because willpower alone won’t get you through this. You need a plan. And if you’re doing nothing, you’re planning to drink. 3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:  1️⃣ The Drink Was Never the Point — When you say “I want a drink,” what you’re actually saying is “I’m exhausted and need to turn my brain off” or “I’m anxious and need relief right now.” Understanding what you’re really craving changes everything. 2️⃣ Different Witching Hours Need Different Tools — The daily 5pm decompression requires different strategies than weekend FOMO or emotional overwhelm. Once you know your type, you can prepare accordingly. 3️⃣ Doing Nothing IS a Plan—It’s a Plan to Drink — If you know your hardest time is Friday at 5pm and you’re sitting back with no strategy, you’re not being neutral. You’re setting yourself up to give in. Proactive planning is non-negotiable. And, if you’re struggling with that daily 5pm crash? I did an entire episode on breaking that specific habit: How to Break the 5PM Drinking Habit Without Losing Your Mind Want structured support to actually implement these strategies? My Recovery Starter Kit walks you through exactly how to set up your environment, calm your mind when triggers hit, build real support, and create a daily rhythm that makes sobriety feel steady instead of shaky. It’s $197 for instant access—plus 30 days free in my Sober Society community. Perfect if you’re white-knuckling it through the holidays and need more than just willpower. And this Friday, a bonus drop from the Unlimited Life Starter Series — the 10 most powerful episodes to rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.   Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram @addictionunlimited

You Put Down the Drink, But Now You Can’t Stop Thinking About Food. Here’s Why. If you’ve traded your nightly wine for nightly ice cream binges, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not just about willpower or “getting your act together.” In this episode, I sit down with Ali Shapiro, creator of the Truce with Food methodology, to unpack the real reasons we turn to food and sugar in recovery—and it goes way deeper than you think. Ali shares her personal journey from childhood cancer and pesticide exposure to developing a complicated relationship with food that mirrored so many of the patterns we see in addiction. We dive into the difference between food addiction and disordered eating, why belonging (not hunger) drives most of our food choices, and the four emotional triggers that send us straight to the pantry. This conversation will change how you think about food forever. We talk about the TAIL framework (Tiredness, Anxiety, Inadequacy, Loneliness), why protein is your secret weapon against sugar cravings, and how self-trust—not perfection—is the real foundation of recovery from any substance. If you’ve ever felt crazy around food, ashamed of your eating habits, or wondered why you can’t just “eat normal,” this episode is for you. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Food Isn’t the Problem—Belonging Is —  Understanding this invisible string changes everything. 2️⃣ The TAIL Framework Reveals Your True Triggers — When you can identify what job food is doing for you, you can address the real need underneath. 3️⃣ Protein Is Your Anti-Craving Superpower — It’s not about willpower—it’s about physiology.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Ready to get serious about transformation?  Book a free consultation call to explore how we can work together. Join the Addiction Unlimited Facebook Community —  facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Explore Angela’s Programs + Tools — From courses to coaching, find the right support for your recovery journey. Related Episode: What No One Tells You About Your Eating Habits — Food and fitness expert, Adam Gilbert, sets the record straight on the most common pitfalls of making lifestyle changes and how to overcome them.

How to Stay Sober When You Can’t Control Your Family The holidays don’t threaten your sobriety. Your addiction to control does. In this episode, we’re tossing out the traditional holiday survival guides — no more tips about mocktails or leaving early. Instead, we’re talking about the real threat to your peace: the compulsive need to manage everything and everyone around you. Because if you’re honest, it’s not just Uncle Bob at the punch bowl stressing you out — it’s your internal pressure to make everything go just right. This isn’t about avoiding triggers. It’s about mastering yourself.You’ll learn 8 things you need to STOP trying to control this season — and the ONE thing you can control that changes everything. If you’re ready to protect your peace and stop abandoning yourself in the name of keeping the peace, this is your guide. 🎯 In this episode: • How trying to control others’ drinking is still an addiction behavior• The emotional cost of managing everyone’s comfort but your own• How to set boundaries without apologizing or backtracking• Why “perfect holidays” are a trap — and what success actually looks like• The ONE thing you can control that makes sobriety sustainable This is your permission slip to let go of chaos and reclaim your sanity.You don’t need a strategy. You need ownership. 🎁 Free Resource:Grab the Sober Holiday Podcast Playlist — your go-to episodes on cravings, boundaries, family dynamics, and sober socializing.👉 addictionunlimited.com/holidayplaylist 👥 Join the Facebook Group:A private space for high-level support, real conversations, and structure after sobriety.👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited 📞 Book a Free Call with Angela:Ready to stop starting over and get serious about relief and recovery? Let’s talk about your next best step.👉 addictionunlimited.com/call 🚨 BONUS: Don’t miss this Friday’s drop from The Unlimited Life™ Starter Series — 10 powerful episodes to rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace before the New Year.

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 EmotionalPAWS (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 DisguiseThat 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 RequirementYou 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 PlannerBuilt 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

Waiting to Feel Ready? Why Confidence Follows Action — Not the Other Way Around Still waiting to feel ready before you take that next step?Spoiler alert: that moment may never come — and that’s exactly why this episode is here to shake you out of hesitation and into momentum. Inside this powerful episode of Addiction Unlimited, we’ll break down: Why readiness is a myth (and how to stop waiting for it), How confidence is built through action, not preparation, And the daily discipline of doing what needs to be done — even when you don’t feel like it. You’ll walk away with clarity, practical tools, and a renewed sense of ownership over your goals, your emotions, and your next move. This episode is your call to stop waiting, start building, and trust that the path reveals itself as you move. 💡 3 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Readiness is Built, Not FoundIf you’re waiting to feel ready — for sobriety, a hard conversation, or your next big step — you’re stuck in a cycle that won’t break itself. Readiness comes after action, not before. 2️⃣ Confidence Follows ActionConfidence doesn’t come from thinking. It comes from doing. And the only way to feel more capable is to show up and prove it to yourself, one action at a time. 3️⃣ Discipline is the BridgeMotivation is fleeting. Discipline is how you stay consistent. Angela shares how to build the muscle of follow-through — even when your brain is throwing every excuse in the book. 💬 Mentioned In This Episode: Book a Coaching Call – In honor of Black Friday, I’m offering exclusive bonuses for those ready for serious transformation.🎁 Mention “Black Friday Bonuses” when we talk!👉 addictionunlimited.com/call Cozy Earth Holiday Picks – Use code ANGELA to stack up to 40% off the world’s softest pajamas, blankets, and gifts.👉 Shop Now 🎧 Bonus Drop This Friday:Don’t miss the next drop from the Unlimited Life Starter Series — 10 powerhouse episodes to rebuild rhythm, structure, and emotional peace.

Sobriety gets you stable — emotional intelligence gets you unstoppable. If you’ve ever felt like you got sober… then life got louder, messier, and more emotionally demanding — this episode is your roadmap. I’m joined by my friend and emotional intelligence powerhouse, Noble Gibbens, to break down why EQ isn’t a nice-to-have in recovery — it’s the foundation of building a life you’re actually proud to live. Noble’s story is wild: military, high performer, “business cult,” decades of people-pleasing… and then a full-blown wake-up call that forced him to confront emotional immaturity head-on. What he learned rebuilt his marriage, rewired his relationships, reshaped his career, and transformed his entire identity. And listen — if you’re sober, even for a day, you know exactly why this matters.Alcohol numbed everything. Sobriety brings all of it back.EQ is how you handle it. This episode is loaded with tools, book recommendations, emotional vocabulary tips, and straight-up truth bombs to help you grow stronger, calmer, and more resilient in your day-to-day life. Plus, I created a full companion guide for you — every resource mentioned in this episode is inside it. Here are 3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:  1️⃣ Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill — Not a Personality Trait You weren’t born knowing how to navigate emotions. No one handed you a manual. EQ is learned, practiced, strengthened, and refined over time — and it becomes your competitive advantage in sobriety and in life. 2️⃣ Self-Awareness Is the First Step (and It’s Usually the Hardest) Most people think they’re self-aware… until they start naming their emotions, tracking their triggers, and seeing how much of their behavior is fueled by fear, people-pleasing, or old survival patterns. Awareness is the doorway to freedom. 3️⃣ Growth Requires Discomfort — But Discomfort Builds Power You can’t emotionally mature without running straight into the stuff you’ve been avoiding for years. But the moment you start doing the work, everything shifts — your relationships, your confidence, your boundaries, your entire sense of self. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Download the EQ Resource Guide: addictionunlimited.com/eq Book a Free Call with Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

The Hard Truth About Being “The Helper” (And Why It’s Keeping You Stuck) In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood patterns in relationships: codependency. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from being “the strong one,” guilty when you prioritize yourself, or frustrated when someone doesn’t take your advice, this conversation is for you. I break down how codependency masquerades as love but is actually a hidden form of control—and how the need to be needed keeps both you and the people you care about stuck. You’ll learn to recognize the subtle daily patterns that signal codependency, from checking your phone for someone else’s emotional weather to canceling your own plans when someone seems “off.” Then, I walk you through the practice of detachment with love—caring deeply while releasing your grip on outcomes. This isn’t about being cold or distant. It’s about trusting that others have their own path, their own lessons, and their own capacity to grow. I share practical steps like setting real boundaries (yes, you can not respond to every text), tolerating discomfort, and offering support without attachment. Finally, we dive into personal responsibility and emotional independence. You’ll discover how to build your own sense of meaning that doesn’t depend on being needed, practice self-compassion with the same kindness you give others, and reclaim the energy you’ve been pouring into everyone else’s lives. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Related Episode: Why Your Inner Voice Is So Mean — And How It Affects Your Recovery 💬 Coaching with Angela: Book a Free Solution Call 👥 Community: Join us in the Facebook group