Recovery Language and Labels

Recovery Language and Labels

Tiny Bubbles: Recovery Inspiration

Are you intentional about the language you choose to talk about recovery? The same phrases that feel accurate and comfortable in some situations can be misunderstood by a wider audience. Does being a non-drinker mean a person is sober? Does sobriety...

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17:4312 Apr 2023

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Choosing Your Words: The Power of Language in Recovery

Episode Overview

  • The episode delves into the nuances of recovery language and the significance of sobriety labels
  • Jean McCarthy shares insights from her book 'Unpickled' and discusses the ambiguity surrounding the terms 'sober' and 'alcohol-free'
  • Greg Williams highlights the power of language in recovery, emphasising the importance of clear communication with the wider audience
  • Ruby Warrington shares her journey of embracing the term 'sober curious' and the diverse impact of language on individuals' recovery paths
  • Listeners are encouraged to explore the Addictionary, a resource for intentional and effective recovery language
The words you choose to describe yourself should feel helpful and motivating. You might consider yourself a non-drinker, sober curious, or dry. You can apply the term alcohol-free in the same way some people refer to themselves or their diets as gluten-free or dairy-free.

Ever wondered how the words you choose shape your recovery journey? In this episode of Tiny Bubbles, Jean McCarthy dives deep into the importance of language in sobriety. Drawing from her book 'UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free', Jean examines how terms like 'sober' and 'alcohol-free' can mean different things to different people. She questions whether being a non-drinker always equates to being sober and whether sobriety always means recovery.

This thought-provoking discussion is enriched by insights from Greg Williams, director of 'The Anonymous People', and Ruby Warrington, author of 'Sober Curious'. Greg shares his experiences with clear communication in recovery, while Ruby delves into the concept of being 'sober curious' and how it opens up new perspectives on sobriety. The episode also highlights the 'Addictionary', a resource from the Recovery Research Institute that helps you find the right words for your journey.

If you're looking to understand the nuances of recovery language and want to express your sobriety authentically, this episode is a must-listen.

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