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theleahpodcast@gmail.com

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My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode, I talk about how changing my relationship with alcohol—and moving toward sobriety—quietly cost me a lot of friendships. Even without being fully sober, drinking less and stepping away from partying exposed which relationships were real and which were built around convenience, alcohol, or using me. Using an article from DitchTheDrink.com as a guide, I reflect on several friendships that ended painfully, including one long-term friend who took advantage of me financially and emotionally. Losing those people hurt, but it also forced me to confront how unhealthy those relationships really were.

I also share how watching friends fall deeper into addiction, especially when children were involved, pushed me toward fostering and toward a more purposeful life. While some friendships faded, others became stronger—particularly the few people who have always shown up for me without alcohol being involved. I talk honestly about how hard it is to make new sober friends, how volunteering has helped give me a sense of belonging, and how regret and guilt continue to shape my choices. This episode is messy and emotional, but it’s about accepting loss, protecting your growth, and believing that healthier connections are still possible—even if they come later.

00:00 — Topic Setup: Losing Friends as You Change Your Life

00:43 — Why You’re Using Articles Right Now + Disclaimer

01:27 — Article: “What Nobody Tells You About Friends in Sobriety”

02:11 — Friendship #1 (“Demon”): Old Friend, Addiction, Moving In

03:18 — Being Used: Money, Alcohol, Games, Eviction, Insurance Threats

07:52 — Friendship #2 (“Sam & Kay”): Drinking Days → Wreck → Harder Drugs

10:08 — Loyalty vs Drinking Friends: Your Core Friends + Dad’s Losses

14:13 — Their Kids + Why This Pushed You Toward Fostering

15:03 — Isolation After Cutting Back: Missing the “People Who Get It”

21:15 — New Sober Connections + AA Thoughts + Closing

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