Addiction Unlimited Podcast

Angela Pugh
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May 28, 2025 • 23min

5 Things to Do Instead of Drinking Tonight

You don’t actually want the drink.You want relief.You want to quiet your mind, slow your breath, and feel just a little more okay. But here’s what you may not realize:You don’t need alcohol to get there.You need tools—tools that work with your brain and your body, not against them. In this episode, I’m giving you 5 powerful, science-backed things you can do instead of drinking tonight—things that soothe your nervous system, break the craving loop, and help you feel proud of yourself when your head hits the pillow. Whether you're fresh on your sober journey, struggling with nightly cravings, or just need a plan that actually works when the witching hour starts whispering, this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why movement interrupts cravings and resets your nervous system The surprising reason eating something nourishing can make cravings disappear How to rewire your habit loop (without overhauling your whole life) The power of casual connection and why it regulates your brain instantly One simple mindset shift that builds your self-respect and makes drinking less appealing You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through tonight.You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan. Let’s build it together. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🎁 Download the FREE Daily Plan Worksheet + Video WalkthroughYour craving survival plan in one simple tool 📺 Episode 333: The Science Behind Making and Breaking HabitsDive deeper into how habits form—and how to break the cycle 🛏️ Cozy Earth – Use code ANGELA for [discount]% off their ridiculously soft bedding and loungewear 🤝 Schedule a Free Call with AngelaIf you’re ready for structure, support, and real transformation
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May 21, 2025 • 22min

When Family Triggers You in Sobriety: How to Stay Sane, Set Boundaries, and Protect Your Peace

Do you feel like your sobriety gets harder the second a family event hits the calendar? You’re not imagining it—family is one of the most powerful and underestimated sobriety triggers. The roles, the judgment, the pressure to be “fine”—it all adds up to stress, emotional regression, and the urge to escape. In this episode, we break down why family triggers hit so hard (even years into recovery), how your nervous system gets hijacked by old conditioning, and what to do before, during, and after those emotionally loaded moments. You’ll learn how to: Spot mental, emotional, and social triggers early Set boundaries without guilt or people-pleasing Create an exit plan that protects your peace Use real-life tools to reset your energy and stay grounded Plus, I’ll share my own experience with family dysfunction and how I use a simple strategy I call “Don’t poke the bear” to keep my sobriety strong—especially when emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt like the confident, grounded version of yourself disappears around family, this episode will help you reconnect with your power and protect your recovery like your life depends on it—because sometimes, it does.   🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 🎧 Episode 114: Understanding and Managing Triggers – A deep dive into emotional, mental, and social triggers + practical tools to protect your sobriety 💻 Work with Me – Coaching, courses, and support for your sobriety journey: addictionunlimited.com/call 🧠 Join the Addiction Unlimited Facebook Group – Your sober support tribe is waiting: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited 💬 Let’s Connect on Instagram – DM me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode: @addictionunlimited   ⭐️ Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you loved this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the show—it helps more amazing women like you find the support they need in sobriety. Here’s how: Open the Addiction Unlimited podcast in Apple Podcasts Scroll to the bottom Tap to rate with 5 stars Select “Write a Review” and share what you loved most And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. I’ve got bonus content dropping all the time, and I don’t want you to miss a thing. 🎧 Thank you so much for being part of this community—super grateful for you. 💛
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May 14, 2025 • 22min

The Real Reasons You Self-Sabotage Your Sobriety (and How to Stop)

You’ve probably been here before… You say this time will be different. You make a plan, set your intentions, tell yourself you’re really going to do it. You’ll say no to the wine night. You’ll go to the meeting. You’ll open the journal, start the morning routine, follow through. But then… you don’t. And you tell yourself you’ll start tomorrow. Again. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep sabotaging your own progress — even when you desperately want to succeed — this episode is for you. We’re not just talking about self-sabotage on the surface. We’re going deeper into the hidden emotional pattern underneath it all: broken self-trust. Because self-sabotage isn’t just procrastination or giving in to cravings — it’s what happens when you’ve made so many promises to yourself (and broken them) that you no longer believe your own word. And when you don’t believe yourself, it becomes almost impossible to stay sober, feel confident, or keep showing up. In this episode, we’re breaking down: Why guilt turns into shame — and how that spiral fuels self-sabotage What it really means to “break your own trust” (and why that matters in sobriety) The lightbulb moment most people miss when they keep starting over And how to start healing this cycle with one small, powerful shift: micro-promises If you’re tired of starting over, if you’re stuck in the “I’ll do better tomorrow” loop, or if you’re ready to feel proud of yourself again — this conversation is going to feel like exhaling for the first time in a while. It’s time to stop quitting on yourself — and start building a version of you that feels strong, steady, and in control. So grab your green tea and ear buds… and let’s get into it.     🔗 Links & Resources: Schedule a call for private coaching: addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited #223 Unlock the Meaning of Self-Sabotage and Helpful Ways to Overcome It:  addictionunlimited.com/223
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May 7, 2025 • 20min

How to Stay Sober When Everyone Around You Still Drinks

Here’s what to do when you're trying to stay sober… and everyone around you is still drinking like nothing’s changed. Whether it’s your partner having a glass of wine with dinner, your friends pouring cocktails on the summer trip, or your coworkers heading out for happy hour—being the only one not drinking can feel isolating, awkward, and downright exhausting. And if you’ve quit drinking before (maybe more than once), you might be thinking, “I don’t even want to tell anyone this time.” If that’s where you are, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down how to stay sober in a world that doesn’t always see your struggle—so you can feel strong, clear, and proud of your decision without isolating or explaining yourself to death. I’ll walk you through: How to set boundaries without guilt (even if you’ve “been here before”) What to say when people ask why you’re not drinking Emotional prep and restore strategies to keep your cravings in check before, during, and after events And don’t worry—I’ve put everything into a free download you can grab right now: 🎁 The Sober Social Survival Guide. You’ll get: 5 boundary-setting scripts 3 quick exit strategies A simple emotional prep checklist A sneak peek at the Weekly Overview from my 90-Day Focus PlannerThis is the stuff I use with my clients (and myself!) to stay grounded, confident, and in control. 👉 Grab your copy HERE. So whether you’re heading to a family gathering, a dinner with friends, or just feeling the pressure of people not “getting it”—this episode has your back. Let’s get into it. Links Mentioned in This Episode: 🎧 Episode 75: Are You Depositing in Your Sober Bank? 📘 Download the Sober Social Survival Guide 📞 Book a Free Coaching Call 🗓️ The 90-Day Focus Planner   Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you found this episode helpful, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to rate and review the podcast. It helps more people—just like you—find this show and get the support they need. ✅ Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about this episode! And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a bonus episode or tool drop. Follow now!
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Apr 30, 2025 • 24min

How to Build a Daily Sobriety Routine That Reduces Cravings and Eases Anxiety

Early sobriety can feel like emotional whiplash—your brain is loud, your body is anxious, and you’re constantly wondering how to make it through the day without drinking. That’s why creating a daily sobriety routine isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. In this episode, we’re digging into the power of routine and how building just a few small, calming habits into your day can help reduce cravings, lower anxiety, and give you back a sense of control—without overwhelm or perfectionism. Whether you’re a few days in or still thinking about taking the leap, this episode will help you build a structure that supports your recovery, your nervous system, and your peace of mind. 🔗 What You’ll Learn: Why your anxiety feels out of control in early sobriety (and how routine helps) The science behind why structure soothes your nervous system What to include in a calming sobriety routine (morning, midday, and evening) How to stick with it even when you’re unmotivated or “not in the mood” A real-life client story of how simple routines created massive change Get the free companion guide that walks you through everything we cover in this episode—plus journaling prompts, calming routine ideas, and support to help you follow through even on the hard days. 👉 addictionunlimited.com/daily   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Your Daily Sobriety Reset:  addictionunlimited.com/daily Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.”
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Apr 23, 2025 • 25min

Who Are You Without Alcohol?

Navigating life after sobriety can be a journey of self-discovery. You'll explore the emotional challenges of redefining your identity without alcohol. Loneliness often accompanies growth, but understanding your true energy can help. Discover how to embrace new activities and relationships that resonate with your authentic self. The conversation highlights what it means to evolve and reassures you that it’s okay if that process feels clumsy at times. This discussion speaks to anyone pondering, 'What happens next?'
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Apr 16, 2025 • 20min

How to Get Sober Without AA (And What’s Really Holding You Back)

You’ve said it before: “I don’t want to do AA,” or “I’ll figure this out on my own.” But if you’re stuck in the cycle—making promises, breaking them, and wondering why nothing sticks—this episode is your wake-up call. In this powerful conversation we break down the real reasons your past attempts to quit drinking haven’t worked… and what it actually takes to get and stay sober—with a program or without one. You’ll learn: Why success rates are low across all recovery paths (and what most people miss) The three conditions addiction needs to thrive (and how you're unknowingly feeding them) What’s really behind the fear of joining a program like AA Why removing alcohol means removing relief—and what you need to replace it with The truth about connection, vulnerability, and being seen Whether you’re trying to quit alcohol without AA, searching for sober coaching, or just starting to question your drinking, this episode will give you the clarity, truth, and motivation you need to stop managing and start healing. 👉 This isn’t about the program. It’s about the work.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited Cozy Earth promo code ANGELA for 40% off:  CozyEarth.com   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.”
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Apr 9, 2025 • 23min

What to Do When Sobriety Feels Like a Constant Battle

You quit drinking. People congratulated you. Maybe you posted your day count, joined a group, downloaded a tracker, even started journaling… But deep down, it still feels like you’re just barely holding it together. This is white-knuckling—where you’re sober, but not free. Surviving… not thriving. And what no one tells you is: that’s not recovery. That’s emotional burnout. You’ve heard me say this before: sober is quitting the substance. Recovery is healing so you don’t go back to the substance. If you don’t have tools to regulate your stress, manage your emotions, and reset your nervous system… Then every single day will feel like an uphill battle. We're getting into the biological and emotional reasons behind why you still feel overwhelmed after quitting alcohol, including how post-acute withdrawal and anhedonia can hijack your healing. You’ll also get the 7 emotional triggers that sabotage sobriety and simple, powerful tools to help you respond rather than react. This is about more than just staying sober—it’s about feeling free, in control, and proud of your life again. 🔗 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “white-knuckling” sobriety isn’t a long-term solution What anhedonia is and how it impacts your motivation in recovery How post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) keeps your brain foggy The 7 emotional triggers that lead to cravings (and how to disarm them) How to build real emotional coping skills without alcohol What emotional sobriety really looks like—and how to start living it   Links mentioned in this episode:  Download your Emotional Sobriety Survival Kit: addictionunlimited.com/emotionalsobriety Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.”
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Apr 2, 2025 • 17min

Relapsed Again? How to Start Over Without Shame and Reclaim Your Sobriety

If you’ve relapsed recently or had a drink after a solid streak of sobriety, I want you to take a deep breath and hear this: ✨ You are not broken.✨ You have not failed.✨ And you are absolutely not alone. Whether it’s a one-time slip or a full-on spiral, relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s feedback. And it’s fixable. If you're feeling stuck in guilt, shame, or that voice in your head telling you, “You blew it,” this episode is your safe space to breathe, regroup, and move forward. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why relapse happens (even to strong, smart, capable women) How to stop the shame spiral and take back your power What to do right now to recommit to your sobriety Why you're NOT starting from scratch—and how to build a better foundation You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and real-life tools to help you rise stronger and more grounded than ever. 🎯 PLUS—I’m inviting you to join my Alcohol-Free April 21-Day Challenge, starting soon. This challenge is your step-by-step reset: Daily structure Real-time tools Accountability And the community you need right now You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck. 👉 Click here to join the challenge now You’re not starting over.You’re starting from experience.And this time, you’re ready. 💪 Links mentioned in this episode:  Alcohol-Free April 21-Day Challenge: https://addictionunlimited.com/april Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.”
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Mar 26, 2025 • 19min

The Secret to Feeling Strong and Staying Sober Through Stress

People often ask me, “How do you stay sober when life gets stressful?” And my answer is always the same: I don’t just work on staying sober—I work on managing stress and anxiety every single day. Because here’s the truth: Your brain doesn’t actually want alcohol—it wants relief. When you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious, your first instinct is to reach for something that changes how you feel. And if alcohol has been your go-to coping mechanism for years, of course your brain still thinks that’s the solution. You might be here because: You still crave alcohol when stress hits, and it frustrates you. You’re white-knuckling your sobriety and it still feels like a constant battle. You’re overwhelmed and just want simple, doable ways to actually feel better. No matter where you are, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m sharing the real strategy that helps you: ✅ Reduce alcohol cravings✅ Build emotional strength✅ Stay sober even when life feels hard✅ Stop using alcohol as your only stress relief This is the heart of emotional sobriety—managing stress before it manages you. 🎧 Press play to learn the tools, habits, and mindset shifts that can help you stay sober and feel strong, calm, and in control—no matter what life throws your way. Links mentioned in this episode:  Get support with Angela: addictionunlimited.com/call Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Angela & Addiction Unlimited Podcast.”

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