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In episode 246 of the Sober Vibes Podcast, I sit down with Melissa McKinney, licensed addictions counselor, artist, and author, to talk about what truly keeps recovery strong, especially as sobriety evolves over the years.

Melissa shares what changes from year seven to year thirteen alcohol-free, and we dive into the four most important areas that help you stay grounded, self-aware, and emotionally connected long after you quit drinking.

From burnout and art-driven healing to boundaries, trusted circles, and emotional sobriety, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and hope.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Lessons from 13 years alcohol-free and how clarity replaces chaos
• Healing a mental breakdown through art, reflection, and self-compassion
• Boundaries as a form of protection, peace, and integrity
• How self-awareness helps you recognize triggers, body cues, and old patterns
• Connection-building and clear, kind communication
• Accountability without shame using “I” statements

If you’re ready to strengthen your recovery, protect your peace, and continue growing beyond early sobriety, this conversation will inspire you to keep showing up for yourself in new ways.

🎧 Listen now: The 4 Most Important Areas to Focus On in Sobriety with Melissa McKinney: Boundaries, Emotional Growth, and Healing Beyond Year 7

Connect with Melissa:

Website

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners, sign up HERE and claim our $100 Enrollment Bonus.

This episode is sponsored by ExactNature, a trusted holistic tool for anyone navigating recovery and sobriety. Use code SV25 at checkout to save on your order. Click here to shop and save.

Grab my Masterclass for Free:

Gain access to my Masterclass when you submit a review on iTunes. Email me sobervibes@gmail.com with a screenshot of the review, and I

🎙️ Ready for your Fall Reset?
The Sobriety Circle is where women come together to quit drinking, stay sober, and build emotional sobriety that actually lasts in an extremely supportive community that gets it.

✨ Join now and get:
💛 $10 off your first month (monthly plan only — use code FALLRESET)
🎥 Free Sober Breakthrough Session + 📖 Free Sober Vibes book when you join the 6-month membership

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book

Text Me!

Feeling anxious after a drink or even the next morning? You’re not imagining it. Alcohol might feel calming in the moment, but it actually triggers your body’s stress response and keeps you stuck in an anxiety loop.

In episode 245 of the Sober Vibes Podcast, I break down the science behind alcohol-induced anxiety and share practical ways to soothe your nervous system without reaching for a drink. You’ll learn how to replace the alcohol ritual with nourishing, calming alternatives that truly bring relief.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Why alcohol spikes cortisol and worsens anxiety
• How drinking to relax creates a cycle of stress and poor sleep
• Calming, healthy drinks that actually help—herbal teas, adaptogenic tonics, CBD seltzers, and electrolyte mocktails
• Simple daily habits to shift from anxious to grounded
• How support inside the Sobriety Circle helps you build real calm and confidence

If you’re ready to break free from the alcohol-anxiety cycle and find peace that lasts, this episode will give you the science, the swaps, and the support to do it.

Listen now: From Alcohol-Induced Anxiety to Calm: What to Drink Instead of Alcohol for Anxiety Relief.

Resources Mentioned:

Electrolyte- ReLyte, use code "sobervibes" at checkout to save

In the Flow Book

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners, sign up HERE and claim our $100 Enrollment Bonus.

This episode is sponsored by ExactNature, a trusted holistic tool for anyone navigating recovery and sobriety. Use code SV25 at checkout to save on your order. Click here to shop and save.

Grab my Masterclass for Free:

Gain access to my Masterclass when you submit a review on iTunes. Email me sobervibes@gmail.com with a screenshot of the review, and I will send you the code to unlock my Masterclass for free!

Hope thi

🎙️ Ready for your Fall Reset?
The Sobriety Circle is where women come together to quit drinking, stay sober, and build emotional sobriety that actually lasts in an extremely supportive community that gets it.

✨ Join now and get:
💛 $10 off your first month (monthly plan only — use code FALLRESET)
🎥 Free Sober Breakthrough Session + 📖 Free Sober Vibes book when you join the 6-month membership

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book

Text Me!

Have you ever tried to quit drinking and thought, “Why is this so hard? Shouldn’t it be easier?” You’re not alone. Quitting alcohol often feels harder than it should not because you’re weak, but because alcohol changes your brain chemistry, your coping patterns, and the way you deal with stress.

In episode 244 of the Sober Vibes Podcast, I’m breaking down the real reasons quitting feels so challenging and what actually makes it easier. Whether you’re sober curious, in your first 30 days without alcohol, or stuck in the stop-start cycle, this conversation will help you see that you don’t need more willpower, you need better tools and support.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How alcohol impacts your brain and fuels alcohol-induced anxiety
• Why drinking to cope with alcohol and stress makes quitting feel impossible
• How relying on alcohol speeds up alcohol and aging in your body and skin
• Why trying to stop drinking with willpower alone often fails
• The freedom that comes when you stop drinking every night and start building new habits
• How a sober coach can help you break the cycle and finally follow through

If you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to do this alone, this episode is your reminder: you’re not broken, you just need the right support.

Listen now: Why Quitting Alcohol Feels Harder Than It Should (and Real Help to Finally Stop Drinking)

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners, sign up HERE and claim our $100 Enrollment Bonus.

This episode is sponsored by ExactNature, a trusted holistic tool for anyone navigating recovery and sobriety. Use code SV25 at checkout to receive a discount on your order. Click here to shop and save.

Grab my Masterclass for Free:

Gain access to my Masterclass when you submit a review on iTunes. Email me sobervibes@gmail.com with a screenshot of the review, and I will send you the code to unlock my Masterclass for free!

Hope this episode helps you today, and thank you for tuni

🎙️ Ready for your Fall Reset?
The Sobriety Circle is where women come together to quit drinking, stay sober, and build emotional sobriety that actually lasts in an extremely supportive community that gets it.

✨ Join now and get:
💛 $10 off your first month (monthly plan only — use code FALLRESET)
🎥 Free Sober Breakthrough Session + 📖 Free Sober Vibes book when you join the 6-month membership

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book