Matt J
Matt J, Steve C
E260: Lowering the Bar - Why 'Just Staying Sober' is a Championship Win
E260: Lowering the Bar - Why 'Just Staying Sober' is a Championship Win
E260: Lowering the Bar - Why 'Just Staying Sober' is a Championship Win
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Explore the challenges of 'January Gloom' and Anhedonia in early sobriety with Matt and Steve's honest advice on staying sober.
Explicit
32 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Encouraging
Honest
Inspiring
About this podcast
Author:
Matt J
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
281 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Lowering the Bar: Why Staying Sober is a Win
Episode Overview
- Anhedonia is a common challenge in early sobriety as your brain heals.
- Lowering expectations can help manage recovery stress.
- Simple achievements like not drinking today are significant victories.
- Having a plan for difficult times is crucial for maintaining sobriety.
- Meetings offer essential support and connection in recovery.
You aren't depressed because life's boring. You're depressed because your brain is healing.
How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober? In this engaging episode of Sober Friends, Matt and Steve tackle the infamous 'January Gloom' and the lesser-known phenomenon of Anhedonia, a temporary inability to feel pleasure that many in early recovery experience. With the festive 'Pink Cloud' gone, the duo explores how the cold, dark days can be particularly challenging for those new to sobriety.
They stress that feeling numb or down isn't a sign of failure but rather a normal part of your brain healing. Steve shares his personal struggles with instant gratification, reflecting on how his past drinking habits were all about chasing quick highs. He emphasises the importance of patience and lowering expectations, especially during early recovery.
The hosts remind listeners that just staying sober is a massive win, encouraging them to focus on simple achievements like not drinking today or attending a meeting. They also discuss the importance of having a plan for difficult times, such as attending meetings or reaching out to fellow sober individuals. This episode offers practical advice for newcomers and veterans alike, advocating for manageable goals and understanding that recovery is a journey, not a sprint.
As they wrap up, Matt and Steve remind everyone that even when life feels drab, it's all part of the healing process. So, are you ready to lower the bar and celebrate your small victories?