E85: Exploring the Link Between Alcohol and Social Anxiety (And Empowering You To Overcome It!)

When your liquid courage goes away, how do you get past the social anxiety when you get sober? First, just know you're not alone. So many people struggle with this! Remember when you walk into a situation that a lot of other people there are feeling just as awkward as you are.

We gathered some folks together who have all struggled with social anxiety, and they share their experiences and their wisdom, so hopefully you walk away with some more confidence and a deeper understanding of what it takes to move through social anxiety without alcohol. Join us as we chat with Robbie (host of Golden Hour Adventures podcast); Gina (also known as rapper Modern Day Monk); and Through the Glass regular Matt, as we wade into all those feelings of awkwardness and insecurity.

"The only way to get comfortable doing things sober... is to do things sober."

In this episode:

• Actionable tips to help you change your thought patterns in social situations
• How some of our guests made social anxiety go away completely
• Learning to make friends in sobriety
• Recognizing (and learning) your lacking social skills
• How to embrace the awkward
• Insecurity about appearance
• How Covid affected drinking, sobriety, and social interactions
• Overcoming the cycle of anxious thoughts
• Anxiety over how people are going to react to your decision to stay sober
• Facing the fear by pushing through it
• Letting people get to know the new, sober version of you
• Connection and vulnerability are the key to social anxiety (I mean, aren't they basically the key to everything?)
• Most people aren't hyper aware of others. I promise.
• Getting comfortable with yourself will give you the confidence to be comfortable with others

"Alcohol worked for me... until it didn't."

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Hello my people! 

My name is Gina Murillo also known as Modern Day Monk. I'm a strong woman in long term sustained recovery and I live a wonderful life as a result of that. I consider myself a vibe influencer, a recovery rapper, and recovery speaker. I teach Muay Thai kickboxing and train Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the best gym in Grand Junction called Grand Valley Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I'm also a full time student at Colorado State University and spend my free time helping others in all kinds of ways. My intention is to share my experience, strength, and hope with the world to help empower those around me. You can find some of the life lessons that I have learned on my social media, as I share them to inspire others. Thank you for taking the time to check out my journey. All love. 

https://moderndaymonkmusic.com

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Robbie: I started my sobriety journey due to being sick of the same old story I would put myself though. I found my cannabis and alcohol use getting worse as the years went on. I used them to cope with everything and anything. I'm now nine months sober, I couldn't be happier with my decision to take on this new journey 

https://www.podbean.com/pa/pbblog-ua75n-e24517

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Matt, a 39 year old father of two from Burnt Hills, New York is14 and a half months sober.  He always believed he would get sober but at the same time feared it may never come.  The past five and half years have been a battle with alcohol that he wishes upon no one.  Along the way he has had the constant support of his family, friends and so many he has met along the way to help him achieve sobriety.  He wants to thank you all for sticking with him through all this. 

He'd like people to know that substance abuse and mental health issues do not discriminate and that if you are struggling there are people out there who want to and who will help you.  Matthew Perry always said to people who are struggling “It’s not your fault”, but this Matthew believes it’s your responsibility.  It’s your responsibility to acknowledge, accept and treat it every day, just like you would any other disease. 

Be kind to those who are still struggling.  Sobriety is hard, but it’s worth it.

shamman780 - instagram

Ben Meyer Recovery Foundation Youtube Video

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