Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories
Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.
Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories
Lauren Welch | From Wine Addiction & Postpartum Anxiety to Therapy & the Sober Curious Society
In this addiction recovery story, salon owner & recovery advocate Lauren Welch opens up about her struggles with alcohol, postpartum anxiety, grief, and the pandemic’s impact on her drinking. She shares how an epic meltdown became the turning point toward sobriety and inspired her to create the Sober Curious Society.
Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com
Connect with Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/lowelch/, https://www.thesobercurioussociety.com/
Key talking points:
- Lauren Welch began drinking in adolescence, starting with wine coolers at age 12.
- Her alcohol use escalated in high school and college, fueled by party culture and social validation.
- Her parents’ divorce in senior year led her to rely on drinking as emotional escape.
- She dabbled in ecstasy and cocaine during the rave era but avoided opioids due to adverse reactions.
- Alcohol followed her into adulthood, shifting from bars to nightly wine at home, especially after becoming a mom.
- The pandemic, postpartum anxiety, and financial stress deepened her reliance on alcohol.
- Family tragedies—including her brother-in-law’s sudden death and her father’s stroke—pushed her drinking to dangerous levels.
- An alcohol-fueled meltdown at a wedding became her wake-up call to pursue sobriety.
- Step by step, she found healing through therapy, community, and building her Sober Curious Society.
- Now over two years sober, she advocates for women to explore sobriety, find support, and rediscover themselves.
00:00 Epic Meltdown and Sobriety Journey
00:39 Introduction to Recoverycast
01:00 Lauren's Background and Childhood
02:33 Early Experiences with Alcohol
03:24 High School and Coping Mechanisms
04:36 College and Cosmetology School
11:28 Post-College Life and Marriage
13:59 Pandemic Struggles and Family Loss
21:34 Therapy and Realizations
26:09 Struggles of Sharing Feelings
26:27 The Burden of Caregiving
27:52 Mommy Wine Culture
28:46 The Turning Point: Deciding to Quit Drinking
29:16 The Sober Journey Begins
29:37 The Wedding Meltdown
31:30 First Steps to Sobriety
33:18 Building the Sober Curious Society
35:21 Maintaining Sobriety and Overcoming Cravings
37:35 The Importance of Community Support
39:16 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
44:11 Launching the Sober Curious Society
47:11 Reflecting on Sobriety and Future Plans
53:22 Final Thoughts and Social Media Links