In this episode of the "Eternally Amy" podcast, Amy Liz Harrison introduces her guest, Claire Hatwell, a wife, mother of four, and author. Claire shares her journey of overcoming addiction and challenging the stigma around recovery. Claire thinks about how she used alcohol to deal with stress at first, and then gradually started drinking three bottles of wine every night. She talks about how she was alone, felt ashamed, and had problems, including health problems, before she got help. Claire talks about how important it is to recognize addiction, get help, and see how recovery can change your life so that you can eventually find new meaning and connection in a sober life. She also shares how to find strength in vulnerability and authenticity, the benefits of a sober lifestyle, and how she developed self-acceptance and self-compassion. These and many other topics are discussed during the episode, listen to learn more!
In this episode, we also talked about:
The UK's drinking culture and its impact on mental health
The slippery slope of alcohol dependence
The challenge of moderation and seeking help
The role of counseling and medication in recovery
The challenges of getting sober alone
Can online support groups be a lifeline?
Overcoming fear of sharing a personal journey
The power of empathy and understanding
The impact of negative comments and criticism
Finding strength in vulnerability and authenticity
The importance of diverse recovery options
Empowering oneself to overcome addiction
What are the benefits of a sober lifestyle?
Keeping sobriety in check while dealing with other problems
Taking progress and personal growth into account
How connections with other people help people get better
Getting past common misconceptions about sobriety
Developing self-acceptance and self-compassion
The road to sobriety helped me find my inner strength
