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In episode 237 of the Sober Vibes podcast, I welcome Michael E. Long, coauthor of the international bestseller The Molecule of More and author of the new follow-up, Taming the Molecule of More. Michael explains how alcohol hijacks our brain’s reward system and shares practical, science-backed strategies to rewire it for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Dopamine doesn’t create happiness—it drives anticipation and desire. That’s why understanding it is central to breaking free from alcohol and building lasting sobriety.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why dopamine is the neurotransmitter that makes us want more rather than enjoy what we have
• How alcohol and other addictive substances flood the brain with artificial dopamine, rewiring your reward system
• The surprising ways modern technology triggers similar dopamine-driven anticipation patterns
• Why recovery requires replacing dopamine-seeking behaviors with “here-and-now” experiences
• How finding deeper meaning is essential for long-term sobriety and satisfaction
• Simple daily practices like listing victories and practicing presence can rewire your reward pathways
• Why rebalancing dopamine starts within days but continues as a lifelong process

If you’ve ever felt restless, joyless, or like something is “missing” in early sobriety, this episode will help you understand why and give you a clear path toward lasting fulfillment.

Connect with Michael E. Long:

Website

Molecule of More

Taming the Molecule of More

Resources Mentioned:

Sober 1:1 Coaching

The Sobriety Circle

The After-Emotional Sobriety Guide

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners get $50 off their device!
Grab your discount here!

Hope this episode helps you today!

Ready to thrive in your alcohol-free life? Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol is your step-by-step guide to navigating early sobriety with confidence.

Grab your copy today!

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book

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Episode 236: 13 Lessons in 13 Years of Sobriety: Hard Truths, Healing, and Hope for Your Alcohol-Free Journey

In episode 236 of the Sober Vibes podcast, Courtney Andersen talks about the 13 years of living alcohol-free. She has learned some powerful lessons about what it takes to get sober, stay sober, and thrive in your sober life.

Courtney is sharing her 13 biggest takeaways from her journey, truths she wishes she had known when she was starting out. Whether you’re sober curious, in your first year, or navigating the tricky space between year one and year two, these lessons will give you hope, direction, and practical strategies to keep moving forward.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why you don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to change your life
• The messy truth about slips and how to recover from them without shame
• How to rebuild trust with yourself after years of drinking
• Why the first year is so different from every year after
• The role of rest, forgiveness, and boundaries in lasting sobriety
• How to create a sober life you love (and don’t want to escape from)

Sobriety isn’t just about removing alcohol; it’s about building a life that feels full, free, and authentically yours. Courtney's hope is that these lessons give you the tools and inspiration to do just that.

Resources Mentioned:

Sobriety Circle

Breakthrough

Sober Vibes Book

The After

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners get $50 off their device!
Grab your discount here!

Hope this episode helps you today!

Ready to thrive in your alcohol-free life? Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol is your step-by-step guide to navigating early sobriety with confidence.

Grab your copy today!

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book

Text Me!

In episode 235 of the Sober Vibes podcast, I share practical, compassionate advice for family and friends supporting a loved one in early sobriety and how to help loved ones with addiction to alcohol.

Learn what to expect as your person navigates recovery, how to set healthy boundaries, and five powerful tips to protect your well-being along the way.

Whether you're a partner, sibling, friend, or parent, this episode will help you feel less alone and more empowered in your support role.

What you will learn in this episode:

• What it means when someone quits drinking
• 5 everyday things to expect in early sobriety
• How to avoid taking their behavior personally
• Tips to support them without enabling
• Why your healing is just as important

5 Key Takeaways for Loved Ones:

1. Educate yourself about alcohol use disorder
2. Set clear, guilt-free boundaries
3. Prioritize your emotional and mental well-being
4. Let go of control support, don’t fix
5. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Resources Mentioned:

Codependent No More

Set Boundaries Find Peace

You Can Heal Your Life

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or simply want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners get $50 off their device!
Grab your discount here!

Hope this episode helps you today!

Ready to thrive in your alcohol-free life? Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol is your step-by-step guide to navigating early sobriety with confidence.

Grab your copy today!

Thank you for listening! Help the show by Rating, Reviewing, and/or Subscribing to the Sober Vibes Podcast.

Connect w/ Courtney:
Instagram
Join the Sobriety Circle

Apply for 1:1 Coaching
Order the Sober Vibes Book