In this episode of The Alcohol Recovery Show, I’m joined by Austin Rampt, author of One Last Hit, for an honest and powerful conversation about addiction, alcohol, recovery and the long road back to yourself.

Austin shares his backstory, the reality of living with serious addiction, and what finally helped him begin to rebuild his life. We also talk about hope, honesty, relapse, finding purpose in recovery, and practical tips for anyone who is struggling with alcohol — whether they feel they have a serious problem or are simply sober curious.

This is a raw, compassionate and encouraging conversation for anyone who needs to know that recovery is possible, change is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.

Follow Austin and find out more about One Last Hit:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelasthitbook/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onelasthitbook
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneLastHitBook/
Website: https://onelasthitbook.com/

In this inspiring and refreshingly practical episode, I’m joined by Amber Hollingsworth, founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center and the hugely popular YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down.

Amber is a Master Addiction Counsellor with years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the reality of addiction and recovery with more compassion, clarity and hope. What I loved about this conversation was Amber’s ability to take some of the big, loaded questions around addiction and make them feel human, doable and hopeful.

We talked about whether “tough love” is really necessary, whether people are truly powerless over alcohol, and whether someone really has to hit rock bottom before change is possible. Amber also shared practical wisdom on dealing with cravings, coping with difficult feelings in sobriety, and what not to do when someone you love is in denial about their addiction.

This is a warm, honest and empowering conversation about recovery, family, boundaries, self-compassion and the possibility of change. Amber is a real inspiration, and I absolutely loved talking with her.

Amber’s links

Website / Hope for Families Recovery Center:
https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/

YouTube — Put The Shovel Down:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hg

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/addictionrecoveryhope

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hopeforfamilies

X / Twitter:
https://x.com/addicthope

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hollingsworth-833111b8

Most of us know what addiction looks like when it's alcohol, drugs, gambling, or food.

But what if one of the most common addictions is so socially accepted that we don't even recognise it?

In this episode, we're talking about approval addiction—the tendency to base our self-worth on what other people think of us.

Do you feel great when someone praises you but crushed when they criticise you? Do you find yourself constantly seeking validation, reassurance, likes, compliments, or recognition? Does your mood rise and fall depending on how others respond to you?

If so, you're not alone.

Many people in recovery discover that while they have stopped drinking, they are still dependent on external validation to feel okay. The need for approval can become just as exhausting as any substance, leaving us vulnerable to disappointment, people-pleasing, and emotional ups and downs.

In this episode, we'll explore:

✅ Why approval can become addictive
✅ The difference between self-esteem and external validation
✅ Why good moods aren't the same as genuine confidence
✅ How to stop handing other people control of your emotional wellbeing
✅ Practical ways to build self-respect from the inside out

We'll also discuss why real self-esteem isn't something that can be given to you by a partner, employer, friend, or social media audience. It grows when your actions align with your values, when you keep promises to yourself, and when you learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

If self-doubt, people-pleasing, overthinking, or fear of judgment are holding you back, I highly recommend Stop Doubting Yourself by Lewis David. This practical guide, available as an audiobook, eBook and in print, explores the hidden habits that undermine confidence and provides straightforward tools for building self-trust, setting healthy boundaries, making confident decisions, and developing genuine self-esteem from the inside out. It's particularly relevant for anyone in recovery who is learning to live without relying on external validation for their sense of worth.

Stop Doubting Yourself by Lewis David

If you've ever felt trapped on an emotional rollercoaster driven by other people's opinions, this episode will help you step off the ride and start building a more stable foundation for recovery.

Because your worth is not up for debate.

Your value isn't determined by applause.

And the most important approval you'll ever receive is your own.