Numb… Anxious… or Overwhelmed? What the Hell Is Going On With Your Feelings?Numb… Anxious… or Overwhelmed? What the Hell Is Going On With Your Feelings?
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Numb, Anxious, or Overwhelmed: What the F Is Going On With Your Feelings After You Quit Drinking?* The hardest part of sobriety isn’t cravings… it’s the F-word. No, not that one. (Although you know it’s a personal favorite.)
31:10•10 Sept 2025
Facing Feelings: The Real Challenge After Quitting Alcohol
Episode Overview
- Feelings can be more challenging than cravings in sobriety.
- Post-sobriety emotions include numbness, anxiety, and overwhelm.
- Understanding PAWS helps manage mood swings and emotional blunting.
- Naming emotions and moving energy are key coping strategies.
- Lowering expectations aids in managing emotional discomfort.
“"You're just getting reacquainted with your feelings after years of shutting down and numbing out."”
Ever wondered what it takes to truly feel your emotions after quitting alcohol? Angela Pugh, a seasoned life coach and recovering alcoholic, unpacks the complex landscape of feelings that surface once the booze is out of the picture. With a mix of humour and honesty, she addresses the real 'F-word'—feelings—that can leave you feeling numb, anxious, or overwhelmed. Angela draws from her own experiences, sharing how she initially struggled to articulate her emotions after getting sober.
She emphasises that these feelings are not a sign of failure but part of the healing process. Angela discusses the 'pink cloud' phase, where everything feels great post-sobriety, only to shift as emotional avoidance fades. She breaks down the neurological aspect of recovery, explaining how your brain's wiring and dopamine system need time to adjust. Angela also touches on post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), highlighting symptoms like mood swings and emotional blunting.
But fear not—Angela offers practical tools to help you cope, such as naming your emotions, moving your body to release stored energy, and lowering expectations to manage discomfort. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone navigating sobriety and seeking emotional clarity. So, are you ready to face your feelings head-on and build emotional resilience? Tune in to learn how.
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