Freedom isn't just a concept we celebrate on July 4th—it's something we can experience in our relationship with alcohol too. If you've found yourself drinking more than intended at social gatherings or automatically reaching for that glass of wine after a long day, this episode offers a practical pathway to greater independence.

What if this Independence Day became your personal liberation celebration? I'm sharing a complete freedom plan that helps you approach holiday gatherings with intention instead of anxiety. This isn't about deprivation—it's about choosing peace, presence, and clarity on your own terms.

We walk through seven practical steps that make all the difference. Each step builds your confidence and reconnects you with your authentic self.

The most transformative insight? You're not missing out by drinking less—you're gaining something profoundly more valuable.

Whether you're curious about moderation, taking a break from alcohol, or seeking resources for a sober-curious friend, this episode provides gentle, practical guidance rooted in faith and neurological understanding. Every small step you take is building new patterns that lead to greater freedom. We're walking this journey together, one joyful, sometimes awkward, totally Holy Spirit-led step at a time.

Check out my latest YouTube video: Quit Explaining Your No" - 5 Secrets High-Achieving Midlife Catholic Women Use to Refuse Drinks https://youtu.be/LcTuAupJup0?si=Bvvogl3WzspVUjXu

Also, Here's the freebie I mentioned in this episode!

50 Ways to Creatively Decline a Drink: https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/50-ways-to-decline-a-drink

Save it, print it, keep it in your back pocket for any social situation. You've got this!

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

After nearly 28 years of sobriety and countless inquiries, I'm finally sharing my honest thoughts about Alcoholics Anonymous. This deeply personal episode explores why, as a Catholic woman, I ultimately needed something beyond what AA could provide.

AA gave me structure, language, and community when I desperately needed it. God used it to guide me toward sobriety when I had nowhere else to turn, and for that, I'll always be profoundly grateful. Yet as my faith deepened, I began noticing disconnects that I couldn't ignore – the vague "higher power" language, the continuous self-identification as "an alcoholic," and the repetition of powerlessness that eventually wore on my spirit.

This isn't about choosing sides or claiming one path is universally better than another. There are thousands of ways to recover from addiction - and the best one, is the one that works for YOU!

AA serves vital purposes for countless people. But if you've felt uncomfortable or questioned whether there's room for your Catholic faith in your recovery journey, you're not alone. Asking these questions isn't a betrayal – it might be the Holy Spirit inviting you into something deeper, more aligned with who God created you to be.

Visit thecatholicsobrietycoach.com to learn more about faith-centered approaches to sobriety or connect on Instagram @thecatholicsobrietycoach to continue this important conversation.

Resources:

Sister Ignatia: The Nun behind Alcoholics Anonymous:
https://aleteia.org/2017/09/22/sister-ignatia-the-catholic-nun-behind-alcoholics-anonymous/

Deliriants and Spirituality: AA Founder Bill Wilson’s Path to Sobriety
https://www.samwoolfe.com/2024/03/aa-founder-bill-wilson-psychedelic-sober.html

Alcoholics Anonymous has it origins in the occult
https://carm.org/alcoholics-anonymous/alcoholics-anonymous-and-the-occult/

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

Ever found yourself anxious about how you'll handle summer gatherings without overdoing it on alcohol? You're not alone. That mental game of "How will I manage vacation drinking?" or "What will people think if I skip the wine?" plagues many Catholic women who are trying to be more mindful about their relationship with alcohol.

In this honest conversation, I share why summer can feel particularly challenging for those working to drink less. Drawing from both personal experience and client stories, I explore how those seemingly reasonable plans to "just enjoy a few drinks" can quickly spiral into broken promises, guilt, and missed moments with loved ones. One client powerfully described her vacation experience: "I thought I was supposed to be relaxing, but instead I felt completely out of control."

The good news? Having thoughts about drinking doesn't mean you must act on them. Through building awareness and resilience, it's possible to notice those urges without spiraling or panicking. This discovery led me to create a new (SUPER affordable!) Summer Challenge for Catholic Women—a structured yet grace-filled approach to drinking less without sacrificing joy or connection.

Summer truly can be both sacred and fun—and you absolutely can drink less while being more present more. Visit thecatholicsobrietycoach.com to secure your spot today - or click on the link below.

Join the Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic women!
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

Drop us a Question or Comment

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

Have you ever battled that sinking feeling of discouragement while trying to change your relationship with alcohol? That overwhelming sense that maybe your efforts don't matter, that progress seems impossible, or that your excuses are simply too powerful to overcome?

In this deeply vulnerable episode, I share my recent struggle with discouragement in my own ministry. Despite years of helping women find freedom from alcohol dependence, I found myself questioning if my work was making any difference—if anyone even cared about the message of alcohol freedom. This raw conversation reveals how discouragement functions not just as an emotion, but as one of the enemy's most powerful weapons against our growth and freedom.

Discouragement thrives on fear, doubt, and obstacles. It zeroes in on our vulnerabilities and tries to blind us to the truth of who we are and whose we are. The enemy wants us to fixate on our failures, forget God's goodness, and believe we're incapable of meaningful change. But there's profound hope in recognizing this spiritual attack for what it is.

Whether you're just beginning to question your relationship with alcohol or you're well along your sobriety journey, this episode offers comfort, solidarity, and practical wisdom for those moments when discouragement threatens to derail your progress. Remember: God's grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in weakness, and with His help, you can push through even the toughest days.

Walking with Purpose Catholic Women’s Bible Study: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/bible-study/

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

"How much can I drink before it becomes a mortal sin?" This provocative question, posed by a young man to his priest, opens a doorway to profound spiritual reflection about our relationship with alcohol. The priest's answer was transformative: drink as much as you want, provided it's compatible with loving God with your whole heart and loving your neighbor as yourself.

This question frames our thoughtful exploration of Catholic teaching on alcohol consumption. Drawing from the Catechism, we discover that while the Church doesn't condemn alcohol outright, it emphasizes temperance and warns against the dangers of drunkenness. We examine when drinking might cross the line into mortal sin, requiring grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent.

Scripture offers us a balanced perspective, acknowledging both wine as a gift that "gladdens the heart of man" and the warnings against drunkenness that "leads to debauchery." Through the wisdom of saints like Augustine, Benedict, and Thomas Aquinas, we gain insights into how temperance isn't about restriction but about freedom—saying yes to the greater joy of union with God rather than temporary pleasures.

This isn't about judgment or shame but discernment and living in alignment with God's call. I invite you to reflect on how your drinking affects your relationships with God, others, and yourself. Are you making an idol of alcohol, or is it serving as a substitute for the peace only God can provide?

Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or seeking deeper understanding, remember you're not alone on this journey. Visit thecatholicsobrietycoach.com to explore resources that can support your path toward spiritual freedom.

Article: How much can I drink before it becomes a mortal sin? by Dr. Christopher Kaczor - Word on Fire https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/how-much-can-i-drink-before-it-becomes-a-mortal-sin/

Video: Catholics, Alcohol, and Drinking with Fr. Mike Schmitz
https://youtu.be/5OMO0JDxuPU?si=IjnsKuxLgm1akIcB

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

Have you ever found yourself asking "Is my drinking really that bad?" You're not alone. That question haunted me for years before I finally found freedom from alcohol. But everything changed when I flipped the script and started asking different questions!

In this episode, I share the five transformative questions that helped me gain clarity about my relationship with alcohol. These aren't questions designed to label or judge you—they're invitations to honest self-reflection that can illuminate alcohol's true role in your life.

What makes these questions so powerful is that they work regardless of where you are on your journey. Whether you're simply curious about drinking less, struggling with moderation, or considering sobriety, these reflections will help you understand what level of alcohol involvement brings you peace. I share my own experiences throughout, including how I discovered my path and how freedom from alcohol transformed my life in ways I never imagined possible.

Ready to gain clarity about your relationship with alcohol? Grab your journal, find a quiet space, and join me for this conversation that could change everything. Whatever you discover through these questions, know that you're not alone—there's a community of Catholic women walking this path together, finding joy and freedom one day at a time.

Drop us a Question or Comment

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

Far beyond mere willpower, true freedom comes through supernatural strength.

What if I told you that you already possess "supernatural superpowers" specifically designed to help you break free from alcohol's grip? This special episode takes you inside a transformative workshop from my Sacred Sobriety Lab, revealing how the Holy Spirit serves as your ultimate ally in the battle against cravings and temptation.

We explore the distinct roles the Holy Spirit plays in your life - as comforter when you're distressed, counselor when uncertain, helper providing support, intercessor bridging differences, and strengthener during temptation. I break down the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and explain how each directly empowers your sobriety journey.

Perhaps most importantly, I share how to distinguish God's loving voice from the enemy's vicious cycle of temptation followed by shame. When you recognize whose voice you're hearing, everything changes. You'll learn practical ways to cultivate genuine intimacy with God through prayer, scripture, adoration, and spiritual practices that strengthen your connection to divine guidance.

This episode offers a powerful perspective on alcohol freedom that addresses the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. I invite you to commit to a nine-day novena to the Holy Spirit, opening yourself to the supernatural strength that transforms struggling into thriving.

Ready to discover how God's power dwelling within you can accomplish what willpower alone cannot? Listen now, and please share this episode with someone who might need these words of hope and practical spiritual guidance.

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com

Freedom isn't just about willpower—it's about healing the deeper wounds that drive us to unhealthy attachments. In this illuminating conversation, certified spiritual director and Unbound prayer minister Deanna Bartalini reveals how spiritual healing can break the chains that keep us bound to alcohol and other dependencies.

"Jesus reveals to heal; the evil one brings shame," shares Deanna as she unpacks the powerful five-key approach of Unbound Prayer Ministry—a Catholic-approved method that addresses the root causes of our struggles rather than just the symptoms. Through repentance, forgiveness, renouncing lies, commanding evil influences to leave, and receiving the Father's blessing, countless people have found freedom from wounds they've carried for decades.

What makes this approach unique? It's not about digging painfully into your past or requiring endless sessions. Instead, trained prayer ministers create a safe space where Jesus himself can reveal what needs healing. Unlike conventional conversations where people minimize our pain or try to "fix" us with advice, Unbound Prayer emphasizes compassionate listening without judgment.

Ready to explore how Unbound Prayer might support your journey toward alcohol freedom? This episode is for you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabartalini/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveNotLukewarm
Heart of the Father (Unbound Website): https://heartofthefather.com/
Unbound: A Practical Guide to Healing and Deliverance by Neal Lozano

Drop us a Question or Comment

Want to feel more present, less anxious, and more in control?

Then join me for the Sober-ish Summer Challenge: Take Alcohol or Leave it With Peace

This 62-day Sober-ish summer challenge for Catholic women helps you drink less and live more—with faith and support.

Things kick-off on July 1st! https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

I'm here for you. I'm praying for you. You are NOT alone!

Please subscribe to this podcast so you won't miss a thing!

☀️ 62-Day Sober-ish Summer Challenge for Catholic Women:
https://courses.drinklessornotatall.com/courses/soberishsummer62

👉🏻 JOIN THE FREE 5-DAY KICK START
https://the-catholic-sobriety-coach.myflodesk.com/5-day-sobriety-kick-start

👉🏻 Join The Sacred Sobriety Lab
https://sacredsobrietylab.com

Visit my Website: https://thecatholicsobrietycoach.com