
Episode #3
5 Years Alcohol-Free: Laurel on Addiction, Mental Health & Finding Community
Laurel is five years alcohol-free, and in this conversation, she opens up about what it took to get there. From growing up as a military brat and constantly having to rebuild friendships, to navigating family history with alcohol, trauma, mental health, and the challenges of moderation, Laurel shares an honest look at her journey into sobriety. We talk about therapy, support systems, community, self-care, finding new passions like crochet, and what can happen when you stop drinking and start creating a life that feels authentic to you. Whether you're thinking about taking a break from alcohol, questioning your relationship with drinking, or simply want to hear what long-term sobriety can look like, Laurel's story offers plenty to think about. In this episode: • Reaching five years alcohol-free • Growing up as a military brat and its impact on relationships • Family history and addiction • Understanding addiction as a progressive disease • Why moderation isn't always the answer • Therapy, mental health, and recovery • Finding community and visibility in sobriety • Using hobbies and self-care to support mental health • Letting go of guilt and embracing a new life • Advice for anyone considering sobriety Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Laurel's story 00:11 Growing up as a military brat 00:16 Family, culture, and alcohol 00:45 Moving frequently and making connections 00:52 Laurel's journey into sobriety 00:59 Moderation and understanding addiction 01:15 Therapy, mental health, and genetics 01:46 Trauma, pregnancy, and choosing sobriety 02:02 Support systems and community 02:17 Crochet, hobbies, and self-care 02:37 Changing perceptions of mental health and sobriety 02:55 Advice for anyone considering sobriety 03:20 Life after alcohol 03:49 Upcoming sober community events 04:00 Closing thoughts If Laurel's story resonates with you, share your experience in the comments and let us know what part of the conversation stood out to you. #Sobriety #AlcoholFree #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #SoberCommunity #LGBTQ #Recovery






