Podcast cover for Addiction Unlimited with Angela Pugh — a sobriety podcast for people navigating recovery, emotional triggers, and personal growth. Bold modern text with a warm, confident photo of Angela, a certified recovery coach helping people quit drinking and reclaim their lives.

Do you feel like your sobriety gets harder the second a family event hits the calendar?

You’re not imagining it—family is one of the most powerful and underestimated sobriety triggers.

The roles, the judgment, the pressure to be “fine”—it all adds up to stress, emotional regression, and the urge to escape.

In this episode, we break down why family triggers hit so hard (even years into recovery), how your nervous system gets hijacked by old conditioning, and what to do before, during, and after those emotionally loaded moments.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Spot mental, emotional, and social triggers early
  • Set boundaries without guilt or people-pleasing
  • Create an exit plan that protects your peace
  • Use real-life tools to reset your energy and stay grounded

Plus, I’ll share my own experience with family dysfunction and how I use a simple strategy I call “Don’t poke the bear” to keep my sobriety strong—especially when emotions run high.

If you’ve ever felt like the confident, grounded version of yourself disappears around family, this episode will help you reconnect with your power and protect your recovery like your life depends on it—because sometimes, it does.

 

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

 

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If you loved this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the show—it helps more amazing women like you find the support they need in sobriety.

Here’s how:

  1. Open the Addiction Unlimited podcast in Apple Podcasts
  2. Scroll to the bottom
  3. Tap to rate with 5 stars
  4. Select “Write a Review” and share what you loved most

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Thank you so much for being part of this community—super grateful for you. 💛