Addiction Unlimited Podcast

If you’re getting sober in 2026, make it your only focus—everything else can wait. Here we are, in that weird part of early January where everyone’s trying to overhaul their entire life at once. New year, new you, right? Quit drinking AND hit the gym AND change your diet AND meditate AND deal with your trauma… all at the same time. But…  when you try to transform everything simultaneously, you’re not being ambitious—you’re sabotaging the one thing that actually matters. Today is my 20th sobriety birthday, and I’m sharing something that helped me get from one day to the next in early recovery: making sobriety my ONE thing. This simple approach allowed me to start accumulating time, finding relief, and building belief in myself—one day at a time. Because sobriety isn’t 10% of your energy. It’s 100%. In this episode, we dive into: >> The hard truth about alcohol: it worked as your relief system, and you have to replace that relief >> Why early sobriety is a full-time job disguised as “just not drinking” >> How to do an inventory of your pain points and build a new survival toolkit >> The ONE question to guide every decision: Is this getting me closer to sobriety or closer to a drink? Early sobriety means managing cravings, sitting with unbearable feelings, rewiring every social situation, and learning to survive without your only coping mechanism. That’s not a side project. That’s the entire project. If you’re getting sober in 2026, or recommitting to sobriety, make it your sole focus. Do this one thing well. Master it. And when it becomes stable, you can add something else. But right now? Just stay sober. Everything else comes from that. Listen in, and remember: sobriety IS the transformation. Links mentioned in this episode:  Is Angela the right Coach for you? Book A Call Here to find out : addictionunlimited.com/call Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/addictionunlimited

Why January 1 Isn’t the Answer — and What Actually Moves You Forward It’s New Year’s Eve, and if you’re feeling that familiar pressure—that maybe-this-year-will-be-different energy—I want you to take a deep breath and listen up. Whether you’re planning to drink tonight (even though you don’t really want to), or you’re already sober but looking at 2026 like it’s some kind of test you have to pass… I see you. And here’s what I need you to know: You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just in a stage. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the Stages of Change—a professional framework used in psychology and addiction recovery that’s going to help you figure out exactly where you are in your journey. Because once you know your stage, you’ll know exactly what to do next. No more spinning your wheels. No more beating yourself up. Just clarity, action, and a path forward. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The 5 stages are: Pre-Contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance (Spoiler: If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re already past stage 1. But where are you really?) Why people get stuck in contemplation (and the one thing that moves you forward—hint: it’s not more research) The difference between preparation and action (and why support is the bridge between the two) Why January 1st isn’t going to save you (but action will) How to avoid burnout in maintenance (and why my 90-Day Focus Planner is built to help you actually make progress) 🎉Why This Episode Matters Right Now If you’ve been beating yourself up for “not having it figured out yet,” this episode is going to shift everything for you. You’re not failing. You’re not lacking willpower or motivation. You’re just doing the wrong work for the stage you’re in. And once you understand that? Everything changes. 🔗Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dry January Bootcamp – 31 days of structure, support, and figuring out who you are without alcohol. 90-Day Focus Planner – Built for people who want to make real progress without burning out. Three goals at a time. Coaching with Angela – If you’re ready to stop effing around with starts and stops, book your consultation call and let’s get you the support you need. Join the Facebook Group

Healing, growth, and personal transformation — with or without a label. This episode is the final conversation in The Unlimited Life™ Starter Series —The 10 most powerful episodes from the Addiction Unlimited archives to help you rebuild your rhythm, structure, and emotional peace. And I saved this one for last for a reason. Because what Ian Morgan Cron and I talk about here goes beyond sobriety…Beyond addiction…Beyond labels. This is about transformation. The truth is, everyone has patterns.Whether it’s alcohol, perfectionism, food, control, or people-pleasing — we all have behaviors we use to cope.And the 12 steps offer a framework to heal the emotional root — not just the habit on the surface. You don’t have to be an alcoholic to feel overwhelmed.You don’t have to be a drug addict to crave peace.And you don’t need a label to want something more. This episode is your reminder that you belong in the work of healing — no matter how it looks on the outside. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why the 12 steps work for any human — not just those in addiction What it means to transform your character, not just your habits The truth about higher power — and why you might already have one without realizing it What to do when you feel like you’re “not sick enough” to belong How the 12-step framework helps with emotional sobriety, identity work, and deep personal growth In this episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Fix, to talk about how the 12 steps aren’t just for addicts — they’re for humans. 🔥 Links Mentioned: 🧠 Join the Dry January Bootcamp — Start your year with structure, clarity, and support 💬 Book a Call — For coaching, structure, and real transformation 📖 Ian’s Book: The Fix — How the 12 Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation 🎧 Original episode post:→ addictionunlimited.com/healing-growth-and-freedom-the-12-steps-for-everyone

Exhausted from overthinking everything before you even start? You’re not alone. Well, my friend, I’m going to be really honest with you today – after 400+ episodes, I had absolutely no idea what to talk about for this one. And you know what? That’s actually the most honest thing I could share with you on Christmas Eve. Here’s the truth: Even after 20 years sober, I’m still an alcoholic. I still overthink everything. I still doubt myself. My brain still goes to worst-case scenarios sometimes. The only real difference between me and someone newer to recovery? I’ve had more practice—and I know that everything will be okay. So if you’re exhausted from trying to have it all figured out before you start, if you’re burnt out on constant self-improvement, or if you’re just… tired—this episode is for you. No five-step plan. No worksheets. Just real talk about what it actually looks like to show up when you don’t have all the answers. In this episode, you’ll hear all about: 00:13: Why I had no idea what to talk about today (and why that’s the most honest thing I could share) 02:30: What showing up actually looks like when you’re tired, confused, and a little bit lost 05:40: THE REAL WORK – How we burn through all our energy overthinking before we even start 07:34: Taking it one minute at a time with you, me, and my microphone 09:45: What long-term recovery actually looks like – not the absence of doubt, but the absence of panic about it Listen in, and remember: you’re allowed to just be tired. You’re allowed to not have the answers. And you’re allowed to show up anyway. Welcome to the club, my friend – you’re in great company. Links Mentioned in This Episode:  • Dry January Bootcamp – Facebook group opens next week! Get structure, support, and direction one day at a time.  addictionunlimited.com/bootcamp (VIP upgrade option available for weekly group coaching) • Book a Call with Angela – Tired of the BS? Tired of crying? Ready for real relief? Let’s talk about working together: addictionunlimited.com/call

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.