Brad McLeod

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories

Brad McLeod

  • How Jess Finally Quit Drinking After Years of Blackouts

How Jess Finally Quit Drinking After Years of Blackouts

Thursday 5th March 2026

Jess shares her raw journey from alcohol blackouts to over 20 months of sobriety. Discover her story of resilience and transformation.
86 minutes
Inspiring
Raw
Honest
Hopeful
Engaging

About this podcast

Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories
Author:
Brad McLeod
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Links:
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Jess's Journey: From Blackouts to Sobriety

Episode Overview

  • Jess's early exposure to alcohol led to years of blackouts.
  • Her mother's death intensified her reliance on drinking.
  • A move to Chicago was pivotal in seeking sobriety.
  • Therapy and yoga became key components of her recovery.
  • Jess is now over 20 months sober and thriving.
"I'm going to become an alcoholic, and I don't care, and I will deal with it later."
What drives someone to finally quit drinking after years of blackouts and chaos? Jess's story is a raw, emotional journey from teenage drinking to a life transformed by sobriety. Growing up in a family where alcohol was a regular fixture, Jess had her first taste at just 13. Her teenage years were marked by rebellion, sneaking drinks, and blackouts, setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship with alcohol.
The death of her mother at 19 was a pivotal moment that sent Jess deeper into the bottle as a means to cope with grief and responsibility. Jess recounts how her music career, initially an escape, became intertwined with her drinking habits. The bar scene offered a sense of belonging but also fuelled her addiction. Multiple DUIs and hospital visits were wake-up calls that she initially ignored, convinced she could handle it.
It wasn't until she found herself alone in a new city, Chicago, that she hit rock bottom. A chance encounter with a stranger who helped her home after a blackout served as a stark reminder of the dangerous path she was on. Determined to change, Jess sought therapy and finally admitted to being an alcoholic—a confession that marked the beginning of her true recovery journey. She embraced yoga and writing, using them as tools to build a new life.
Today, Jess is over 20 months sober, a testament to the power of resilience and the support of those around her. Her story is one of hope and transformation, proving that even in the darkest moments, change is possible. What will you take away from Jess's journey? Her story might just be the inspiration you need to make a change.
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