Sobering Reality with Christy Osborne Part 2

• Alcohol serves different functions for different people, such as relaxation, coping, celebration, and connection.
• It’s important to evaluate the benefits and jobs assigned to alcohol and determine if they are truly beneficial or if there are healthier alternatives.
• Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t have to be a permanent decision, but rather an experiment to see how one feels without it.
• Counting the benefits of sobriety and focusing on how alcohol affects the fruit of the spirit can be more helpful than counting glasses of alcohol.
• Finding supportive communities and resources can be crucial in navigating social situations and communities that revolve around alcohol.
• Finding a supportive community is crucial for those navigating a sober lifestyle.
• Being vulnerable and open about alcohol-related concerns can create a safe space for others to share their struggles.
• Practical strategies like playing the tape forward and setting timers can help manage cravings and make conscious choices about alcohol consumption.
• Alcohol can increase cortisol levels, contributing to stress and overall well-being.
• Approaching the topic of alcohol with others requires sensitivity, non-judgment, and compassion.

Quotables

• “We don’t have to hit rock bottom to back up and think about our relationship with certain things.”
• “Alcohol honestly does the opposite of what we drink. It disconnects us. It makes us more tired. It makes us more stressed out.”
• “Alcohol disrupts our sleep. It ruins our REM sleep. It also spikes our cortisol. So it makes us more anxious.”
• “There is community and you’re not alone.”
• “There’s also an incredible thing about being the first mover and being the person that gets to be the change maker.”
• “There is potential for not having the desire to drink, which is something that I literally never in a million years thought possible.”

*Transcription can be found on most podcast platforms.