Moving Forward After Relapse, Part OneMoving Forward After Relapse, Part One
Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery
Thom’s Nutshell: “You cannot work both sides of the serenity prayer. Choose. Commit.” Emotional sobriety is about moving forward. The key to unlocking long term recovery is learning to support ourselves internally by organizing our experience to deal with the struggle. To move through and out of relapse, we can’t collapse into a pile of “shoulds.” Relapse occurs for addicts when they haven’t accepted at an unconscious level that they are powerless. In acceptance we begin to take back our power. Our love and prayers go out to all victims of the wars raging across the entire world. Visit our website: www.emotionalsobriety.info Follow us on social media: Instagram: thomrutledge2 Joe C. Twitter: @Rebellion_Dogs Learn more about Joe C., Secular AA and Rebellion Dogs here: https://rebelliondogspublishing.com Friendly Circle Berlin workshops: https://friendlycircleberlin.org/events Allen’s book, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety: https://www.amazon.com/12-Essential-Insights-Emotional-Sobriety/dp/1955415129/ Join Allen & Thom at our Thursday night, 7pm PST Zoom meeting on Emotional Sobriety and the Steps (login information below): https://zoom.us/j/330149513 Password: 375986 For our ongoing workshop video series on Emotional Sobriety and the 12 Steps, visit our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEM2-kqLkfp3I4c0jy-X-g Also, please join our “Emotional Sobriety and Recovery” FB Group at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120450976662519 We’d love to stay in touch in between meetings. We appreciate feedback! Contact Patrick, our producer, at pndirective4@gmail.com for any questions or comments.
30:00•8 Mar 2026
Moving Forward After Relapse: Embracing Emotional Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Emotional sobriety is crucial for long-term recovery.
- Acceptance helps regain control and power.
- Self-compassion prevents self-blame after relapse.
- True humility boosts genuine self-esteem.
- Address unconscious reservations to prevent relapse.
“"You cannot work both sides of the serenity prayer. Choose. Commit."”
How can you move forward after a relapse? Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger are here to guide you through this challenging phase of recovery. They dive into the concept of emotional sobriety, highlighting its importance in long-term recovery. Thom shares a poignant reminder: "You cannot work both sides of the serenity prayer. Choose. Commit." This episode emphasises acceptance, not as a passive state, but as a powerful tool to regain control and foster inner strength. Dr.
Berger discusses the unconscious reservations that often lead to relapse, urging listeners to confront these hidden doubts. He stresses the need for self-compassion and understanding, rather than self-blame. By accepting our limitations and focusing on what we can change, we can free up energy for positive actions. Thom and Dr. Berger also tackle the tricky subject of humility, distinguishing between false pride and genuine self-esteem. They argue that acknowledging our strengths is not arrogance but a necessary step in recovery.
This episode is packed with real-life examples and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting someone who is. The hosts extend their thoughts to those affected by global conflicts, reminding us of the broader context of human struggle and resilience. Whether you're dealing with addiction personally or professionally, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt encouragement to keep moving forward.
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