Tim
Tim Phillips
#138: Starting Over in Sobriety (Without Starting From Zero)
#138: Starting Over in Sobriety (Without Starting From Zero)
#138: Starting Over in Sobriety (Without Starting From Zero)
Thursday 18th December 2025
Explore how to turn relapse into a stepping stone rather than a setback in sobriety with Tim Phillips' expert insights.
12 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Informative
Supportive
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Tim
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
141 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Rebuilding After Relapse: Finding Strength in Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Relapse is not a reset but an opportunity to learn.
- Emotional narratives post-relapse can overshadow progress.
- Self-reflection helps break the cycle of self-punishment.
- Real change involves breaking old patterns with tangible actions.
- Building self-trust comes from changing behaviours, not intentions.
"You're not starting from zero. You're starting from experience."
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Tim Phillips, with over a decade of experience, unpacks the often misunderstood concept of relapse in this episode of The Sober and Happy Podcast. Relapse can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, where all the progress seems to vanish overnight. But as Tim points out, starting over doesn't mean starting from scratch.
He explains how the emotional story our brains tell us after a relapse can overshadow the lessons learned and the growth achieved. Tim shares how crucial it is to shift the narrative from self-punishment to self-reflection, encouraging listeners to view relapse as a learning opportunity rather than a personal failure.
He highlights common patterns leading up to a relapse, such as emotional buildup or drifting away from supportive routines, and stresses the importance of breaking these cycles with real, tangible changes. By focusing on the power of self-awareness and incremental changes, Tim offers practical advice for rebuilding trust in oneself. He suggests that confidence comes not from intentions but from changing behaviours and breaking old patterns.
This episode is a comforting reminder that each attempt at sobriety builds on past experiences, not erases them. If you're feeling stuck in your recovery journey or grappling with a recent setback, Tim's honest and compassionate approach might just offer the perspective shift you need. Remember, you're not starting from zero—you're starting from experience.