Matt J

Sober Friends

Matt J

  • E259: You Can Still Be Sober and Have Bad Days

E259: You Can Still Be Sober and Have Bad Days

Tuesday 6th January 2026

Explore how Matt and Steve handle bad days in sobriety, from surgery recovery to holiday stress, without reaching for a drink.
Explicit
31 minutes
Honest
Inspiring
Supportive
Informative
Engaging

About this podcast

Sober Friends
Author:
Matt J
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
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Sober but Not Always Sunny: Embracing Bad Days

Episode Overview

  • Sobriety doesn't eliminate bad days; it's about managing them.
  • Having a plan and using support systems can help navigate tough times.
  • Prescribed medication can be used safely with awareness and support.
  • Physical activity and meetings can serve as effective coping mechanisms.
  • Embrace feelings instead of reaching for alcohol to numb them.
"You don't have to drink today if you don't want to, and you also don't have to drink today even if you want to."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode of Sober Friends, Matt and Steve tackle the misconception that sobriety equals perpetual happiness. They candidly share their personal experiences of staying sober through life's inevitable rough patches, like surgery recovery and holiday stress. Matt talks about his post-surgery anxiety and how he managed prescribed pain medication without falling back into old habits.
Meanwhile, Steve reflects on how holidays can still trigger stress, but he’s learned to manage these feelings without reaching for a drink. A key takeaway is the importance of having a plan and utilising tools such as meetings, talking to friends, and even just going for a walk to get through tough times. Their discussion underscores that sobriety isn't about eliminating bad days but learning how to cope with them without alcohol.
So, if you're struggling with the idea that sobriety should mean constant bliss, this episode might just change your perspective. How do you handle bad days while staying sober?
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