Getting Sober at 21: 12 Years Clean, Trauma, Suicide & Rebuilding Life After Addiction

Listen to this episode from Recovering Out Loud on Spotify. Welcome to Recovering Out Loud! In this powerful episode, Anthony sits down with Brigid, who shares her incredible journey of getting sober at 21 and building 12 years of recovery. They dive deep into childhood trauma, addiction, suicidal thoughts, finding a sober community, navigating relationships, and how faith and spirituality play a crucial role in long-term sobriety. Brigid is a powerful example of how you can get through ANYTHING sober. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or searching for real stories of hope, this episode is for you. Bridget’s honest account covers hitting rock bottom, the challenges of early recovery, mental health, relapse, divorce, building new coping skills, and learning to find joy again—without alcohol.Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome & Show Introduction0:35 – Why Service Matters in Recovery1:49 – How Anthony & Brigid Met: “No Coincidences”3:00 – Brigids Story: Getting Sober at 214:51 – Childhood Trauma, Books & Early Escape5:41 – When Drinking Was Still Fun7:00 – Realizing Alcohol Became the Problem8:21 – The Moment Bridget Knew She Needed Help10:04 – Trying to Control Drinking (and Failing)11:02 – Accepting the Truth: “I Can’t Stay Stopped”12:22 – The Reality of Sobriety: Emotional Rollercoaster15:05 – Suicidal Thoughts & Hospitalization17:29 – Finding Community in Early Recovery20:06 – Learning to Have Fun Sober21:24 – Dealing with Triggers & Playing the Tape Forward23:03 – The Illusion of Control & the Lurking Notion24:36 – Identity in Recovery: Am I Still an Alcoholic?26:42 – Chasing the “Fun” That Never Lasts27:19 – Faith, Spirituality & Higher Power29:17 – Divorce, Relapse, and Letting Go34:06 – Finding Joy Again After Loss38:28 – The Power of Gratitude & Being Present40:02 – “This Too Shall Pass”—Surviving the Bad Days43:07 – Slipping Up: Accidental Drink in Recovery45:05 – Staying Vigilant in Recovery46:38 – Recovery Routine: Daily Tools for Sobriety49:13 – Perspective Shifts & Helping Others51:13 – The Freedom to Be Imperfect53:31 – Final Words: Hope for Anyone Struggling55:07 – Thank You & Closing sobriety, recovery, addiction, alcoholism, sober journey, faith, spirituality, mental health, relapse, coping skills, 12 step, community, trauma, healing, Bridget recovery story, Anthony D podcast, sober podcast, recovery tools, surviving rock bottom, life after addictionWatch more inspiring recovery stories:Subscribe to Recovering Out LoudFollow on Instagram @recoveringoutloudpod