EP08 - The Opposite of Addiction Isn't Sobriety: It's Connection

In Episode 08 of Clean Break Chats, Andy and Rich sit down to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in the alcohol-free journey:

👉 The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety: it’s connection.

Fresh from a powerful weekend together in Leeds, the conversation flows from laughter to deep reflection as they explore how isolation fuels addiction and how authentic connection can be the lifeline that keeps us grounded and growing.

They explore:

• Why addiction loves isolation, even when alcohol is framed as social
• How society sells us the lie that we need alcohol to connect and what happens when we challenge that
• The shift from relying on alcohol for confidence or stress relief to relying on real human connection
• How over-consumption shows up in unexpected places, like self-improvement or even running and can become another form of escape
• The danger of using sobriety as a badge of honour and the risk of judgement in alcohol-free circles

This is a conversation about being human, messy, emotional, striving, stuck and how the way through isn’t perfect sobriety, but honest, vulnerable relationships with ourselves and others.

If you've ever questioned how to stay connected without alcohol, or felt that loneliness creep in during your AF journey, this episode will speak to your soul.

What is Clean Break Chats?

🎙️ Clean Break Chats – Mindful Miles and AF Lifestyles.

Hosted by Andy and Rich – two ordinary guys who’ve discovered something extraordinary through living alcohol-free. Andy lives by the sea in sunny Spain, and Rich’s home base is in Leeds, UK. What they share is a passion for running, a commitment to alcohol-free living, and a desire to help others unlock the same freedom and joy.

Formerly known as The Running Dryy podcast, this re-branded podcast is part of their new venture Clean Break – a growing community dedicated to helping runners break free from booze and tap into their full potential. Between them, Andy and Rich have run multiple marathons and ultra events, and they credit going alcohol-free as their superpower.

Each episode features raw, honest conversations between the two – full of laughs, insights, and the kind of chat you'd have on a long run with your best mate. They also invite brilliant guests to share their own stories of transformation, triumph, and what it means to live, run, and thrive without alcohol.

Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or just want to hear real stories about finding meaning through movement and mindset, Clean Break Chats is your new go-to listen.

👟 Come for the running.
💬 Stay for the community.
✨ Leave feeling inspired.