Drunk Love: Melissa Stoeltje's Journey to Sobriety
Episode Overview
Alcohol can deeply affect personal relationships. Honesty is crucial for healing in recovery. Rediscovering joy without alcohol is possible. Sobriety can transform one's life and relationships. Friendships may change after quitting alcohol.
"Can you ever have fun as a sober person?"
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli chats with Melissa Stoeltje, the author of 'Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence'. Melissa shares her compelling journey through alcoholism, recovery, and the impact it had on her marriage. With over 15 years of sobriety under her belt, Melissa provides a candid look at how alcohol shaped her relationship and how sobriety transformed it.
As a former journalist, she brings a unique perspective to the conversation, discussing the challenges of high-functioning alcoholism and the secretive nature of her drinking habits. Melissa recounts the turning point in her life when a significant blackout led her husband to pack his bags, prompting her to finally seek help. Her story is a testament to the power of honesty and connection in healing relationships affected by addiction.
Through light-hearted anecdotes and genuine reflections, Melissa emphasises the rediscovery of joy without alcohol and the importance of having fun in sobriety. The conversation touches on the struggles of maintaining friendships after quitting alcohol and the liberating feeling of living life without it. Melissa's journey highlights the importance of making amends and nurturing relationships with family, especially her son, who witnessed her battle with addiction.
Whether you're contemplating sobriety or are already on your journey, Melissa's story offers hope and inspiration. You'll find yourself questioning what truly makes life enjoyable and realising that unfiltered life can be surprisingly abundant. Dive into this engaging episode to explore how sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.