Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!

How we get Hooked on Alcohol - Janet Gourand

September 12, 2020
Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
We've heard some heartwarming stories so far - stories about people becoming dependent on alcohol and then finding their way out of it again.
This week I'm doing a solo episode on the science behind alcohol dependency which underlines the importance of taking a break. 
If you've missed Sober Spring then drop us a line at janet@tribesober.com
We'll let you know when the next challenge will take place.
 In this Episode
In our 20's and 30's we tend to be social drinkers - then some of us start using alcohol to cope with stress or loneliness
As we get into our 40's or 50's we discover that just how bad alcohol is for us - so we try to cut down or stop
We discover that this is not so easy to do
The harsh truth is that after 20 years of drinking we are almost certain to develop a dependency on alcohol
When we drink we create an endorphin spike (the buzz) but our brain produces dynorphin to calm it down
So we drink more to prolong the buzz but over time this means that we have to drink more and more to get the same result
Three things are happening when we drink - we get an endorphin spike and a dopamine hit
Apart from making you feel good dopamine is the "learning" molecule and will create triggers
Eventually your brain will "pre-empt" the trigger and produce dynorphin
This will make you feel low and you will need the drink, just to feel normal
Eventually our bodies get so reliant on alcohol so alcohol that we don't produce dopamine naturally any more
The result is that we will lose interest in everyday pleasures - the only thing we enjoy is the artificial boost we get from alcohol
That's the definition of an alcoholic - let us help you get off the slippery slope 
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  If you missed the Sober Spring start date then just email us for info on the next Challenge
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 7-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic
 Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x

How I Stopped Drinking - and Changed my Life! - Lucy‘s story

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Lucy who I met at our first London workshop back in 2018. Since then not only has she ditched the drink and transformed her own health but she has helped many other people in our community. Lucy just hit her second Soberversary and is loving her alcohol free life!
 
 In this Episode
Lucy was a social drinker until her 40's but then started using it to self medicate her work related stress
She tried to moderate as she was determined to be "normal" but it never really stuck - in spite of her many "rules"
She had managed to give up for short periods - Dry January etc
Lucy came to the workshop with 1 month of sobriety - she wanted a boost to make sure she stayed on track
She had also read Clare Pooley's book (The Sober Diaries) which inspired her
She loved the workshop because she got a lot of info and connected with others on the same path
Lucy stayed connected with these people via the WhatsApp group
She also became a member and got her subscription fee back in one week of not drinking!
One of the things she loves about the Members' WhatsApp group is all the information that is circulated
She loves the support and friendship in the Membership - we all understand each other
The weekly Zoom cafe has added another layer of connection for the community
We talked about the value of the annual and 66-day trackers which Lucy designed
Lucy listed the many benefits of sobriety - she particularly loves not having her life revolve around alcohol!
She is a cheerleader for the Sober Springers and finds the mutual support heartwarming
She urges people to sign up for the Sober Spring starting on 21st September - there is nothing to lose!  To Sign Up for Sober Spring 2020 click HERE
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  If you would like a copy of Lucy's tracker just email us at janet@tribesober.comIf you missed the Sober Spring start date then just email us for info on the next Challenge
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic
 Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x

A Sober Spring Story - from Sheila

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Sheila who signed up for Sober Spring last year - it proved to be a springboard for dramatically improving her relationship with alcohol. 
 In this Episode
Sheila signed up for Sober Spring with the firm intention of only completing 30 out of the 66 days.
She did her 30 days by using willpower - and hated every minute!
However it did get her thinking about her relationship with alcohol and she decided to come along to a workshop. 
The workshop was a turning point for her - it created a mindshift and connected her with others on the same path
She was shocked to learn that the "safe" limit was only one and a half bottles of wine a week
Sheila realised that her daily drinking habit was putting her on a "slippery slope" to dependence
The workshop was late November and she got through the festive season alcohol free
She started 2020 with a firm plan to moderate - to be alcohol free Monday to Thursday and then 1 or 2 glasses at the weekend.
That was 8 months ago and she is still firmly on track!
Sheila is one of those rare people who has managed to go from a daily drinking habit to drinking within the safe limits.
To summarise - she used Sober Spring to raise awareness and the workshop to get the tools and connect with others
She took a significant alcohol free break to reset her habits and then started the year with her tracker and a firm plan
Her anxiety has reduced dramatically and she is experiencing a real sense of joy in her life.
Sheila urges people to try Sober Spring to increase their awareness around their relationship with alcoholTo Sign Up for Sober Spring 2020 click HERE
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic
 Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x

How the Sober Spring Challenge changed my life - Christelle

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Christelle.   Christelle heard about Tribe Sober on the radio when she heard me tasting some alcohol free wines. It was a bit of a light bulb moment for her when she realised that there were AF wines on the market and she began to wonder if she could stop drinking.
 In this Episode
For Christelle the drinking was more about the ritual than anything else - she could never limit herself to one glass
That first glass is the problem - as it triggers you to have another - and another - alcohol is an addictive drug after all
With alcohol free wine Christelle never really wanted more than one or two glasses
She had tried one of our 30 day challenges and lasted about 30 minutes!
She used to wake up at 3am with her heart jumping, wondering if she had remembered to feed her family the previous evening
Every morning Christelle would berate herself and resolve that she would give up - but at 6pm she opened another bottle
However once she started to discover AF wines she began to wonder if she could do the 66 day challenge
She stocked up for the Challenge - red, white and bubbly AF wines
Christelle sailed through the Challenge without difficulty and finished on November 5th
She adored the cameraderie and support on the Sober Spring WhatsApp group - when the challenge ended she missed it
So on November 8th she signed up as a Tribe Sober member and has never looked back!
She says people thinking about signing up for Sober Spring must just "do it" - it's the best gift they could give themselvesTo Sign Up for Sober Spring 2020 click HERE
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic
 Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x

How the Sober Spring Challenge changed my life - Kai

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Kai.   Kai read about Tribe Sober in an in-flight magazine when on a plane.  He took a photo of the article on his phone but didn't do anything for about 3 years - but the seed had been planted - and in 2018 he signed up for our Sober Spring Challenge.
 In this Episode
The interesting thing about Kai's story is that he had no intention whatsoever to give up drinking entirely 
He went into the Challenge with an open mind and mainly saw it as a way to take a break from booze and improve his health
As he progressed through the 66 days he noticed a few significant "shifts"
He loved the cameraderie of the WhatsApp group but noticed that a few people were really struggling
The "strugglers" made him realise what a hold alcohol could have on some people and he never wanted to be in that position
Then Kai heard other people on the group saying how great they felt - and that they would never drink again!
He was both shocked - and impressed - by these people - and the thought crossed him mind that he could stop for ever
His children played a big role in his journey - they told him some home truths about his behaviour when he was drinking!
When Kai successfully clocked up 66 sober days he felt great - and didn't want to start drinking again
Rather than commit to permanent sobriety he decided to set another milestone - 100 days
Once he reached 100 days his daughter challenged him to a year - which he completed easily - and then carried on!
Kai had experienced so many benefits and is thriving in his alcohol free life 
He remains a loyal and valuable member of our tribe - now helping others on their journey as a "Sober Buddy"
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic
 Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x

The Duchess - creator Johannes Le Roux

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two. My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Johannes Le Roux. I first met Johannes 5 years ago when Tribe Sober was very new and he had just developed The Duchess. He kindly sent me samples whenever we had a workshop tasting and it was usually the hot favourite amongst our participants! There is an obvious synergy between our two companies so it was good to catch up and shoot the breeze.
We both firmly believe that there is great value to be had in taking a break from alcohol - even if you don't want to give up completely. Johannes loves our Sober Spring Challenge initiative so this year it will be sponsored by The Duchess Alcohol-Free Drinks Studio!
In this Episode
Johannes studied property development but graduating in 2008 meant he needed to consider other careers
He decided to go join an advertising agency as he had always been fascinated by brands (and the Mad Men series ;-)
His first brand was an alcoholic drink but when he noticed the gap in the market for AF drinks he did a pivot
Johannes feels branding design is vital and was determined that Duchess would be perceived as an adult drink
We chatted about the the conception of the Duchess, the "recipe" and how his Aunt Phoebe played a vital role!
We agreed that AF drinks should be seen as a "third category" rather than fake alcohol.
Johannes explained the concept of "Born Free" drinks - quite different to "de-alcoholised" drinks
He talked about "Dope Drinks" CBD infused drinks - that give you a buzz from other active ingredients
He is excited to launch the Duchess AF Spritzer in two flavours - Elderberry and Acai Berry
We talked about how much fun we can have at social events without alcohol - once we get through those first fifteen minutes!
He agreed with me that we give alcohol far too much credit for fun
Johannes knows that many many people want to cut down or quit but have no idea where to start
That's why he loves the work that we do - just giving people a helping hand through our challenges and workshops
AB InBev have bought a stake in the Duchess as they believe that 20% of their turnover will soon be AF
AB InBev now has a Director of AF Drinks and Johannes left me with this startling statistic
53% of Americans want to drink less but AF drinks represent only 0.5% of the market!
To Sign Up for Sober Spring 2020 click HEREMore infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE. To join our private Facebook Group click HERE
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today. Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
Music by CadacusMusic

The Sober Spring Challenge - with Lebo Pule!

Tribe Sober- Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Lebo.   I first met Lebo when she signed up for the Sober Spring Challenge - Lebo is an entrepreneur, a teacher at Stretch with Pule and a sought after speaker on leadership and gender issues.  She is the author of 2 books and a podcaster herself.  We got to know each other better when she interviewed me for her podcast - which you can listen to here. 
In this Episode
Like many of us Lebo's relationship with alcohol could be described as "complicated"
Her father used to drink a lot at the weekend but her mother didn't drink at all 
Lebo didn't drink much until her late twenties
She was introduced to alcohol by an expert and it all felt very sophisticated
Her consumption gradually crept up over the years until she found herself using it to cope with stress
As she approached 40 she noticed that she was developing a "wine belly"
She started to worry about her wine habit and asked some of her friends for advice
Lebo's friends assured her that she was absolutely fine and didn't drink too much at all
We discussed how friends will often do this as they are afraid to highlight their own drinking habits!
In spite of her friends' reassurances Lebo recognized she could be on a slippery slope and signed up for Sober Spring
During the challenge she completed several alcohol free stretches and interacted a lot with the other challengers
She appreciated the information she received during Sober Spring and now feels much more aware of the dangers of alcohol
Lebo still drinks sometimes but she knows that her life is so much better when she is alcohol free - so that is her aim
She urges people to give Sober Spring Challenge a try to reset their habits - there is nothing to lose and so much to gainMore infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 7-step program and subscribe HERE.
 Music by CadacusMusic

How the Sober Spring Challenge changed my life - Chez

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two. My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Chez. Chez heard about Tribe Sober on the radio and although she didn't actually do anything for a while the seed had been planted - and in 2018 she signed up for our Sober Spring Challenge.
In this Episode
Chez thought that the only two options to help her stop drinking were AA and rehab - she had tried rehab and didn't want to go to AA
Then she heard about Tribe Sober and the 66 day Sober Spring Challenge which appealed to her
The 66 day period intrigued her so she did some research and discovered that one can change a habit during this period
Chez signed up and completed 66 alcohol free days - it was really hard to start with but she kept going and towards the end of the challenge she felt a "shift"
She then began to feel amazing - reduced anxiety, better sleep - so many benefits - including feeling much closer to her teenage son
She loved the Sober Spring WhatsApp group and the connection on there - she still has some friends made through doing the challenge
After the 66 days she felt great - really motivated - and was convinced she could continue with her alcohol free life on her own
But she couldn't - started having the odd glass of wine and it crept up again
So she became a Tribe Sober member and has never looked back - for Chez it's all about being in a community of like minded people - that's what keeps her on track
Chez was diagnosed as bi-polar some years ago - but her medication never seemed to work - she now realises that the alcohol was preventing it from working
She urges people to give Sober Spring Challenge a try - there is nothing to lose and so much to gain
 
To Sign Up for Sober Spring 2020 click HERE
 
More infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.
 
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today. Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
 
Music by CadacusMusic
 
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help. Please subscribe and share.
We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening!
Till Next Week
Janet x

How I Stopped Drinking - and changed my life - Sue

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two. My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Sue McLeod. A couple of years ago she contacted me offering her help. She had got sober with AA and liked the look of our approach. Sue helped me set up our Membership Program and has been invaluable helping me to develop it further.
In this Episode
Sue didn't really feel she had a problem with alcohol until March 2014 - when she started drinking every day
She could feel it getting worse so started putting "rules" in place - and then promptly broke them all!
Sue went to AA in 2016 because she didn't know where else to go - it worked for her
We agreed that "finding your tribe" is essential - we understand each other - almost impossible to do this alone
She never had a "rock bottom" but had a walking, talking blackout and an argument she couldn't even remember
Sue never went back to Day 1 - she felt that she had reached the point where she was "done" with alcohol
She prefers Tribe Sober's approach to AA as she doesn't agree with labelling herself as an "alcoholic"
She loves our tribe - and has discovered that ex-drinkers are really interesting people!
When she was younger Sue always felt she had to be "perfect" - now she is happy to be "good enough"
She agrees with our approach that we need to ditch the drink - and then create an alcohol free life that we love
Her main benefit of alcohol free life is that she feels "at peace" with life - she's not looking for anything anymore
We are both thrilled that people who have got sober with Tribe Sober are now helping the newbies via our Sober Buddy program
With annual subs at £30 for a Brit and $38 for US we are getting a lot of international members and connecting via ZoomMore infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today. Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help. Please subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts which will result in more people hearing the podcast.
We will release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening!
Till Next Week
Janet x

How I Stopped Drinking - and changed my life - Marietje

Tribe Sober - Your guide to alcohol-free living!
After running Tribe Sober for 5 years and helping hundreds of people to ditch the drink and embrace alcohol-free living I've learned a thing or two.  My biggest insight has been that sharing our stories around alcohol is the most powerful way we can help others - that's why the heart of this podcast is recovery stories.
In this episode I interview Marietjie Tame.   She came along to a workshop with a few months sobriety under her belt.  She was feeling a bit low and wanted to meet other people on the journey and get inspired about alcohol free living.  It worked and she is now 2+ years sober.
In this Episode
Like many of us alcohol gradually crept up on her over the years and she gradually became dependent
Marietjie knew she was in trouble when she felt the need to drink shots after a night of drinking beer - to chase the buzz
She once did 14 alcohol free months and then had one shooter on her birthday and decided she could moderate
That's how she learned the hard lesson that there was no such thing as moderation for her - only escalation
Her wake up call came when she heard that her daughter was in hospital and felt irritated because she had to stop drinking
She went through a "low" a few months into sobriety - but realised that this "void" was a golden moment of discovery
Alcohol had put a wall between herself - and herself - she was determined to tear that wall down in spite of her pain
She used "The Sober Diaries" as a reference book as she progressed towards sobriety
Tribe Sober opened a whole new world for her - connecting with the tribe and discovering QuitLit, podcasts and AF drinks.
Marietjie's top 3 benefits are a life without regrets, being available to the people to need her - and getting her mind backMore infoTo access our website click HERE and to read about subscription membership click HERE.  
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today.  Read more about our 8-step program and subscribe HERE.
Help us to spread the word!
We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts which will result in more people hearing the podcast.
We will release a podcast episode every Saturday morning.
You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
You can join our private Facebook group HERE
Thank you for listening! 
Till Next Week
Janet x