Matt J
Matt J, Steve C
E257: I Tried for Three Days and I Couldn’t Cope
E257: I Tried for Three Days and I Couldn’t Cope
E257: I Tried for Three Days and I Couldn’t Cope
Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Explore why quitting alcohol feels like standing at a cliff's edge and discover ways to cope without it in this engaging Sober Friends episode.
Explicit
35 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Encouraging
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Author:
Matt J
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Sobriety Toolkit
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Get the buttons here!Standing at the Edge: Coping Without Alcohol
Episode Overview
- Alcohol often feels like a solution rather than a problem.
- Community support is crucial in overcoming addiction.
- Understanding brain chemistry helps in recognising alcohol's impact.
- Professional help may be necessary for safe detox.
- Finding your tribe can aid in maintaining sobriety.
"Alcohol wasn't my problem; it was my solution."
How can someone who’s tried to quit drinking for just three days feel like they’re standing at the edge of a cliff? That’s the haunting question explored in this episode of Sober Friends, where hosts Matt and Steve reflect on the tragic story of Pete Axthelm, a sports writer who struggled with alcohol and died at 47. For many, alcohol isn’t just a problem—it’s a solution, a coping mechanism for life’s unmanageable stresses.
Matt and Steve candidly share their own experiences, acknowledging that quitting alcohol can feel like facing a daunting cliff edge. The discussion touches on the common sentiment that alcohol serves as a crutch, providing temporary relief but ultimately preventing real coping skills from developing. They emphasise the importance of community and support systems, like AA meetings, where individuals can lean on each other and find guidance through shared experiences.
The episode also highlights the physiological impact of alcohol dependency, explaining how it alters brain function and creates a false sense of coping. Steve brings in insights from books on brain chemistry, offering a deeper understanding of why alcohol feels necessary to some. Listeners are encouraged to consider professional help when necessary, especially if detoxing alone poses health risks.
The hosts underscore the importance of finding a supportive tribe, whether through AA or other means, to help navigate the journey to sobriety. So, what does it take to truly cope without alcohol? This episode suggests it’s about finding your tribe, taking one step at a time, and embracing the discomfort as part of the healing process. Are you ready to take that step and find your own path to sobriety?