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Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery
Having returned from the second annual Recovery Reimagined conference in Dublin, Patrick reflects on the passing of a longtime sober friend who took his own life. Allen and Thom offer their own professional and personal experiences with suicide, depression and “anti-self”, which maximizes our life’s problems while minimizing the resources we have to deal with them. To participate in Thom’s Inner Child Workshop on Saturday, June 21st @ 10am CST, email him here: thomrutledgeauthor@gmail.com Some of R.T. Castleberry’s poetry: https://mockingheartreview.com/archives/volume-5-issue-1/poems-to-start-the-decade/r-t-castleberry/ https://writingdisorder.com/r-t-castleberry-poetry-2/ The closing song “No Other Choice to Choose” is by Herman Kluge & Paul Boedeker from Society of Little Friends From our last episode, Carl Erik Fisher’s Flourishing After Addiction podcast: https://pod.link/1581713114 Learn more about Joe C., Secular AA and Rebellion Dogs here: https://rebelliondogspublishing.com Follow us on social media. Podcast Twitter: @EmSobrietyPod Instagram: thomrutledge2 Joe C. Twitter: @Rebellion_Dogs Friendly Circle Berlin Workshop Group meets every Monday @ 7:30pm (Berlin), 6:30pm (Ireland & UK), 1:30pm EST, 10:30am PST Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5505019905 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.
35:33•30 May 2025
Emotional Sobriety: Tackling the Anti-Self
Episode Overview
- Emotional sobriety is key in dealing with life's challenges.
- 'Anti-self' can overshadow one's ability to see solutions.
- Community support is crucial in recovery.
- Commitment to act against destructive thoughts is vital.
- Hope and help are always available.
“"The anti-self is wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong."”
In this poignant episode of 'Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery', hosts Dr. Allen Berger and Thom Rutledge dive into the challenging topics of depression, suicide, and the 'anti-self' concept. Fresh from the Recovery Reimagined conference in Dublin, Patrick shares a heartfelt reflection on losing a long-time sober friend to suicide, sparking a deep conversation with Allen and Thom about the struggles many face even after years of sobriety.
The hosts share their professional and personal experiences, shedding light on how emotional sobriety plays a crucial role in dealing with life's challenges. The episode unpacks the idea of the 'anti-self', a destructive force that can overshadow one's ability to see solutions, often leading to tragic outcomes. With anecdotes and metaphors, they explore how this 'anti-self' maximises problems while minimising our resources to cope.
It's a raw and honest discussion that doesn't shy away from the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery. Thom and Allen emphasise the importance of community and reaching out for help, reminding us that isolation can be dangerous. They discuss strategies for maintaining emotional sobriety, including the commitment to act against one's own will when faced with destructive thoughts. For anyone navigating their own recovery journey or supporting someone else, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and practical advice.
It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and help available. Why not give it a listen and see what resonates with you?
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