I Keep Finding the Next Thing That Could Go Wrong

I Keep Finding the Next Thing That Could Go Wrong

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This Sober Friends episode centres on something many people in recovery know all too well: that restless feeling of "I keep finding the next thing that could go wrong." Matt and Steve chat openly about anxiety, avoidance, and the urge to control outcomes, from stressful work trips and travel delays to family responsibilities and money worries.

Steve shares his recent work trip to Las Vegas, where old triggers like airport bars at 9:30 a.m. and open-bar conference parties once meant carefully managing his drinking. Now, with years of sobriety and a solid programme, he focuses on preparation, support from AA friends, and simply accepting what’s out of his hands.

He talks about progress as "not acting out badly" and how being less of a "jerk" in stressful moments has broken the old cycle of resentment and drinking. Matt opens up about his own pattern of anxiety, especially around his son going to college and career changes. Even when things start to fall into place, his brain hunts for the next potential disaster.

He shares how exercise and taking small, practical actions—like finally sorting out old savings bonds—give him a healthy dopamine hit instead of the quick fix alcohol used to provide. Throughout the conversation, they keep returning to the relief alcohol once gave and the far bigger chaos it created later. Now, tools like meetings, honest sharing, asking for help, careful planning and accepting uncertainty help them stay grounded without a drink.

The heart of the episode comes down to a simple idea from their friend Jim: "You don't have to drink today if you don't want to. And you don't have to drink today even if you want to." If anxiety keeps sending your mind to worst-case scenarios, could it be time to try some of the sober tools Matt and Steve lean on instead of reaching for a drink?