Dating after giving up alcohol is a whole new world - one that needs you to show up with honesty, self-awareness, and a little bit (or a lot!) of courage. How do you meet people without the bar scene? What if you feel awkward or anxious? And how do you navigate intimacy without dulling the nerves?

In this week’s episode of Through the Glass Recovery Podcast, Julie, Steve, Amber, and Matt open up about the messy, hilarious, and very human experience of dating sober. From rediscovering emotional and physical intimacy to recognizing red flags, this brutally honest conversation reminds us that healthy relationships start with the relationship we have with ourselves.

Whether you’re newly sober, sober curious, or just working on showing up more authentically in your connections, this episode will leave you feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to keep growing.

In this episode:

• How to tell if your sobriety is solid enough to start dating
• Navigating dating apps and the questions about drinking alcohol
• Red flags to look for that could threaten your sobriety
• How sober dating reveals your emotional triggers and teaches you to listen to your gut, not your anxiety
• What it means to feel safe with someone emotionally, and how honest communication changes every part of a relationship
• Why sex without alcohol can be awkward at first - and ultimately more connected, present, and real
• Taking responsibility for your patterns and growth instead of blaming past partners
• How heartbreak can lead to growth, and why meaningful relationships start with showing up for yourself first
• Releasing the fear of being alone

For full show notes and more information about this week's guests visit https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/sober-dating-101/

• Full podcast episode library
• Free Zoom virtual support group
• Affordable one-on-one recovery coaching
• Julie's blog for alcohol-free living

Are you feeling isolated after quitting drinking? This is one of the most common challenges expressed by people in early sobriety. In this episode, we explore the challenges of losing friends when you quit drinking and what you can do to rebuild meaningful connections.

In this episode:

• Why friendships often change after getting sober
• How to invite people into your struggles without fear
• The importance of patience and giving your social life time to adjust
• How strangers and sober communities can become your strongest support
• Real stories of hope, vulnerability, and reclaiming your friendships

If you’re wondering, “I lost all my friends when I quit drinking - now what?” this episode is for you. You’ll hear firsthand experiences from people who rebuilt their lives, created authentic relationships, and found joy in sobriety.

Join our free Monday night Zoom support group to talk to people who truly understand your journey: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

Read the full show notes here: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/lost-friends-when-i-quit-drinking/

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• Full podcast episode library
• Free Zoom virtual support group
• Affordable one-on-one support services
• Julie's blog about alcohol-free living

When anxiety sets in, it can feel like there’s no way to escape the spiral - especially if you used to rely on alcohol to take the edge off. In this honest, practical conversation, Julie Miller and Steve Knapp sit down with Nadine, Melissa, and Ryan to talk about what anxiety really feels like in recovery, why it shows up, and how to navigate it without falling back into old coping patterns.

This episode is packed with real life stories and lessons learned, with actionable tools that actually help when your mind won’t stop racing. If you get frustrated with anxiety and have a hard time coping without turning to drinking, this one is for you!

In This Episode:

• How to recognize when your anxious thoughts are lying to you
• Why anxiety often gets louder after you quit drinking - and what to do about it
• The connection between boundaries, routines, and emotional regulation
• Small daily habits that can help reduce anxious spirals
• Why “talking it out” can instantly quiet the noise in your head
• When to consider medication or professional support
• Grounding techniques that help bring your body back to calm
• How to build emotional resilience so anxiety doesn’t control your sobriety

View the full show notes and learn more about our guests: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/anxiety-after-quitting-drinking/

SOBRIETY SUPPORT & RESOURCES:

Work with us (coaching): https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/recovery-coaching/

FREE Support Group on Zoom: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/meeting-faqs/

Julie’s Sober Living Blog: https://createalifesofull.com

Full Library of Podcast Episodes: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/podcast/