E262: Do You Miss Drinking or Do You Miss the Relief?E262: Do You Miss Drinking or Do You Miss the Relief?
Sober Friends
Matt and Steve explore whether people miss alcohol itself or the relief it provides, discussing sustainable replacements and the role of AA in recovery.
31:02•27 Jan 2026
Do You Miss Drinking or Just the Escape It Offers?
Episode Overview
- Identify whether it's the drink or the escape you miss.
- Replace alcohol with meaningful, sustainable activities.
- Understand the importance of community support like AA.
- Use the 12 steps to uncover underlying reasons for drinking.
- Find internal changes rather than just external replacements.
“I love to do things that will give me temporary comfort, that will make me very uncomfortable somewhere down the road.”
What do you really miss when you give up alcohol? This episode of 'Sober Friends' tackles the age-old question of whether it's the drink itself or the temporary escape it offers that people long for. Matt and Steve chat about the struggle of removing alcohol from one's life without replacing it with something meaningful. It's not just about quitting; it's about finding sustainable alternatives that bring genuine comfort.
They share personal stories of how they navigated early sobriety, often feeling like outsiders at social gatherings. The duo dives into the importance of replacing old rituals with new ones, such as finding solace in AA meetings or exploring new hobbies like hiking or gardening. They highlight how the 12 steps can help uncover the reasons behind drinking and how understanding these can lead to lasting change.
With a sprinkle of humour and heartfelt anecdotes, this episode is perfect for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or seeking guidance on what comes next after putting down the bottle. So, what do you miss most when you stop drinking—the drink or the relief it brings?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.