Gillian Tietz | Sober Powered Podcast & the Science Behind Addiction, Alcoholism, & Her Journey into Sobriety
On today's episode, we had the privilege of interviewing the remarkable Gill Tietz from the Sober Powered Podcast. Tietz, who has been sober since 2019, discussed her journey to sobriety, her experiences with alcohol, and how these inspired her to establish her enlightening podcast.
Sober Powered is an essential platform not only for those seeking to get fully sober but also for the sober curious individuals. Tietz, who holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in biology, employs her knowledge to delve into the science of addiction on her show.
During the interview, Tietz candidly shared her personal story. She touched on how alcohol led to a downward spiral in her mental health, pushing her towards sobriety. As a biochemist by day and a podcaster by night, Tietz's commitment to sharing her story and providing insights into the world of addiction and recovery is nothing short of inspiring.
One of the striking moments of the conversation was when Tietz opened up about the origins of her relationship with alcohol. She recollected her memories of watching her mom drink to cope with her toxic marriage. It was these experiences that shaped Tietz's initial aversion towards alcohol, which she carried well into her adulthood.
Despite her early resolution never to drink, Tietz recalled the shame and confusion she felt when she had her first drink at the age of 18. Her first buzz was a shocking and shameful experience that led to her refraining from drinking for the next four years. Her struggle to understand her change in stance, and the subsequent shame she felt about her addiction, resonates with many who go through similar experiences.
An interesting point that emerged during the conversation was about how people unknowingly enter survival mode when they become dependent on a substance. They start to live every day through a fog, which they normalize, making it hard to envision life outside of it. This particular revelation opens a new perspective on understanding addictive behaviors.
This episode serves as a testament to Tietz's resilience and the power of sharing personal experiences to encourage others facing similar struggles. The authenticity and empathy reflected in her story provide a beacon of hope for others on their journey towards sobriety.
Our guest opened up about her early experiences, where she spent her initial college years shying away from social interaction, fearing rejection. Consequently, she never really got the chance to explore the world of alcohol, unlike her peers. However, she was confronted with the impacts of alcohol later in life, leading her down a path of self-discovery.
Surprisingly, her journey towards sobriety began in 2019, right before the global onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her timing was impeccable, considering the pandemic saw a rise in homebound drinking habits, reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s. This resurgence sparked a conversation around the normalization of excessive drinking and its worrisome repercussions, particularly on the children growing up amidst this culture.
She notes that witnessing excessive drinking can negatively affect children's feelings of safety and trust in their parents. It creates an unhealthy coping mechanism that these children may mimic, potentially leading to a problematic relationship with alcohol later in life. Our guest's story wasn't just about her journey to sobriety; it was a stark reminder of the impacts of our behaviors on those around us.
Yet, it is essential to understand that the narrative around alcohol doesn't always need to be polarized. It's not strictly about drinking or not drinking; there is a spectrum of behaviors that fall in between. For some, being "sober curious" can lead to a healthy and balanced relationship with alcohol.
The term "sober curious" refers to those who consciously choose to explore their relationship with alcohol. They may take occasional breaks from drinking, aiming to reduce and manage their intake. They represent a significant part of the spectrum, indicating that it is possible to enjoy alcohol responsibly without falling into harmful patterns.
As for our guest, her decision to go fully sober came from a painful realization. She shared how alcohol consumption exacerbated her suicidal thoughts to a severe extent. It was a desperate bid for self-preservation that led her to try a 90-day sobriety challenge. The subsequent mental clarity she gained during this period helped her connect the dots between her alcohol consumption and mental health issues.
However, falling back into the drinking pattern post the challenge made her realize that moderation was not a feasible option for her. She found herself back in the same debilitating mental state that she had struggled with before. It was then that she accepted the hard truth - her drinking habits were directly linked to her mental well-being.
The episode concluded with the reflection that everyone's relationship with alcohol is unique. For some, alcohol might be a means to unwind, while for others, it might bring turmoil and distress. The key lies in understanding and acknowledging the impact it has on our lives. The "sober curious" approach serves as a testament to the importance of conscious consumption, reminding us that there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to alcohol.
Listeners and readers alike can learn from Tietz's journey - a testament to the power of sobriety, personal growth, and the courage to face one's demons head-on. Whether you're in recovery, sober curious, or someone who wishes to understand addiction better, this episode with Gill Tietz is a valuable resource.
Tune in to the episode to hear more about our guest's eye-opening journey, the sober curious movement, and the reality of alcohol's impact on mental health.
Episode Tags
- ADD 1
- Abuse 14
- Alcohol 3
- Anger 8
- Bullying 4
- Childhood 35
- Codependency 6
- Covid 4
- Crystal Catalina 7
- Depression 15
- Detachment 2
- Disassociation 4
- Emotions 70
- Existentialism 1
- Faith 1
- Family 24
- Fatigue 4
- Focus 3
- Gratitude 11
- Grief 8
- Guilt 2
- Healers 7
- Healing 52
- High Sensation 4
- Hope 1
- Hypervigilance 7
- Introverts 6
- Lonliness 7
- Love 3
- Manifesting 5
- Manipulation 16
- Men 1
- Mindfulness 37
- Money 10
- Music 3
- Nutrition 3
- Overthinking 8
- PTSD 11
- Parenting 12
- People Pleasing 6
- Perfectionism 6
- Pets 4
- Relationships 11
- Resiliency 11
- Sadness 1
- Self Esteem 15
- Self Love 11
- Self-Care 24
- Sex 1
- Shame 4
Episode Tags
- ADD 1
- Abuse 14
- Alcohol 3
- Anger 8
- Bullying 4
- Childhood 35
- Codependency 6
- Covid 4
- Crystal Catalina 7
- Depression 15
- Detachment 2
- Disassociation 4
- Emotions 70
- Existentialism 1
- Faith 1
- Family 24
- Fatigue 4
- Focus 3
- Gratitude 11
- Grief 8
- Guilt 2
- Healers 7
- Healing 52
- High Sensation 4
- Hope 1
- Hypervigilance 7
- Introverts 6
- Lonliness 7
- Love 3
- Manifesting 5
- Manipulation 16
- Men 1
- Mindfulness 37
- Money 10
- Music 3
- Nutrition 3
- Overthinking 8
- PTSD 11
- Parenting 12
- People Pleasing 6
- Perfectionism 6
- Pets 4
- Relationships 11
- Resiliency 11
- Sadness 1
- Self Esteem 15
- Self Love 11
- Self-Care 24
- Sex 1
- Shame 4
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