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.

• 🧠 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 Call
If you want personalized support and clarity on next steps, book a call to talk through your options.

👉 Join the Free Facebook Group
Connect 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.