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Podcast cover art for Episode #379 of Addiction Unlimited featuring Angela Pugh. Title reads “The Identity Crisis No One Talks About in Sobriety.” A photo of Angela Pugh is centered above the episode title. Call to action at the bottom says, “Listen now at addictionunlimited.com/episodes.”

You quit drinking to feel better — and you do. But you also feel… a little lost.
Your old life doesn’t quite fit, and the new one still feels unfamiliar.
Welcome to the identity crisis no one warned you about.

In this episode, we’re talking about what really happens after you get sober — the part beyond the cravings and the willpower. Because when alcohol is no longer part of your life, it takes your old routines, confidence, and identity with it.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore…” this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

  • Why feeling disconnected is actually a normal part of early sobriety
  • The 3 phases of the identity shift that every sober woman goes through
  • How to get out of the “in between” phase and build a life that actually feels aligned

Plus, I’ll give you practical tools and journal prompts to help you reconnect with who you really are — without alcohol.

This isn’t just about staying sober — it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.

 

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

 

🔥 Highlights & Time Stamps

  • [00:00] Why sobriety brings an unexpected identity crisis
  • [03:15] My personal story: Letting go of the bar scene and finding new purpose
  • [09:40] Phase 1 – The Drift: Why everything feels “off” even after you quit
  • [15:22] Phase 2 – The Discomfort: When the old life fades, but the new one isn’t clear yet
  • [21:15] Mid-roll ad: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets — sleep cooler, feel better
  • [23:20] Phase 3 – The Becoming: How to stop surviving and start becoming the woman you want to be
  • [28:40] 4 practical tools to support your identity shift this week