In today's episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are excited to welcome Alida Flannery, a passionate advocate for sobriety and the founder of Epiphany Recovery. Alida brings her unique experience as both a sober companion and recovery coach to the conversation, sharing her inspiring journey from addiction to aiding others on their paths to sobriety. Stay tuned as Sonia and Kathleen delve into Alida's multifaceted approach to recovery.
Alida is the Founder of Epiphany Recovery Inc., an organization that provides Recovery Coaching, Companioning, and Case Management services to individuals who are struggling with substance use and disordered eating. She is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and Companion, who completed her Intervention training with Earl Hightower in 2018, and has previously worked for several in-patient treatment centres across Canada. Alida is the Co-Founder of SOULBRIETY, a sober collective for women offering retreats, events, and group workshops to those who are sober-curious, sober-exploring and sober-serious. She also works with Amazing Grace Canada, a charity whose mission is to bring recovery to families and communities affected by addiction in developing nations.
This episode will explore various paths to recovery, including one-on-one coaching, sober companionship, and the benefits of group support. Alida will address key questions like: What are the unique challenges and benefits of each recovery approach? How can someone determine the best recovery path for their individual needs? These discussions will be enriched with Alida's personal insights and experiences, providing a comprehensive look at addiction recovery.
Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the recovery process, including practical strategies for managing triggers and maintaining sobriety in real-world scenarios. Alida will discuss the importance of creating a supportive environment and how tailored recovery plans can significantly enhance the success of one's sobriety journey.
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Highlights
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00:03:10] - Alida's role as a sober companion is explained, highlighting her commitment to 24/7 support for her clients.
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00:04:18] - Alida joins the conversation, expressing her gratitude for being part of the podcast.
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00:04:33] - Alida shares her personal journey with addiction and the impact of hitting a profound emotional and physical bottom.
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00:06:44] - Discussion about the pivotal moments that lead to seeking change and the universal nature of pain in the journey to recovery.
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00:07:26] - Alida speaks about the challenges she faced in recovery, particularly the overhaul of her lifestyle centered around substance use.
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00:08:39] - The concept of 'rewiring behaviors' in sobriety is explored, discussing the difficulties of adapting to a sober life.
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00:10:05] - The personal story continues with Alida discussing how recovery coaching and sober companionship work in practical scenarios.
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00:11:57] - Alida discusses the inspiration behind starting Epiphany Recovery, linking her experiences in the corporate and philanthropic worlds.
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00:13:49] - Alida recounts her early experiences as a COVID coach during the pandemic, aiding clients in isolation.
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00:15:20] - Sonia and Alida discuss the integration of personal recovery experiences into coaching methods, stressing authenticity and relatability.
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00:17:15] - The conversation shifts to the importance of not using personal sobriety metrics as a standard for others' recovery.
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00:18:12] - Alida and Kathleen discuss misconceptions about addiction, like not having a DUI meaning you don't have a problem.
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00:20:11] - The discussion touches on the personal lows and the concept of 'slipping faster than lowering standards' in addiction.
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00:22:04] - Alida explains the brain science behind addiction, particularly how substances affect the prefrontal cortex and decision-making.
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00:23:32] - How Alida's approach to recovery has evolved over time, emphasizing a need to stay informed about new methods and therapies.
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00:25:19] - Closing thoughts on resilience in recovery, discussing whether it's something that can be taught or needs to be embodied and lived.
What is Sisters In Sobriety?
You know that sinking feeling when you wake up with a hangover and think: “I’m never doing this again”? We’ve all been there. But what happens when you follow through? Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen can tell you, because they did it! They went from sisters-in-law, to Sisters in Sobriety.
In this podcast, Sonia and Kathleen invite you into their world, as they navigate the ups and downs of sobriety, explore stories of personal growth and share their journey of wellness and recovery.
Get ready for some real, honest conversations about sobriety, addiction, and everything in between. Episodes will cover topics such as: reaching emotional sobriety, how to make the decision to get sober, adopting a more mindful lifestyle, socializing without alcohol, and much more.
Whether you’re sober-curious, seeking inspiration and self-care through sobriety, or embracing the alcohol-free lifestyle already… Tune in for a weekly dose of vulnerability, mutual support and much needed comic relief. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of sisterhood in substance recovery!
Kathleen Killen is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and certified coach based in Ontario, Canada. Her practice is centered on relational therapy and she specializes in couples and working with individuals who are navigating their personal relationships.
Having been through many life transitions herself, Kathleen has made it her mission to help others find the support and communication they need in their closest relationships. To find out more about Kathleen’s work, check out her website.
Sonia Kahlon is a recovery coach and former addict. She grappled with high-functioning alcohol use disorder throughout her life, before getting sober in 2016. Sonia is now the founder of EverBlume, a digital tool that offers a unique approach to alcohol recovery support.
Over the last five years, she has appeared on successful sobriety platforms, such as the Story Exchange, the Sobriety Diaries podcast and the Sober Curator, to tell her story of empowerment and addiction recovery, discuss health and midlife sobriety, and share how she is thriving without alcohol.
Her online platform EverBlume launched in February 2023, and was featured in Recovery Today Magazine and deemed an ‘essential sobriety resource’ by the FemTech Insider.
The company champions self-improvement and mindful sobriety, with support groups designed by and for women struggling with alcohol.
So how can EverBlume help you meet your sober community? By offering deeply personalized support. Members get matched based on their profiles and life experiences, and take part in small group sessions (max. 16 people). In your support group, you will meet like-minded women, discuss your experiences, and gain confidence, knowing you can rely on your peers in times of need.
Whether you identify as a binge drinker, someone who developed a habit during the Covid-19 pandemic, a high-functioning alcoholic, or an anxious person using alcohol to self-soothe… There is a support group for you!
Current EverBlume members have praised the company’s unique approach to alcohol detox. “No one is judging me for not being sure I want to be sober for the rest of my life” ; “I felt so heard and understood and today I woke up feeling empowered to make the change in my life”.
Feeling inspired? Learn more about the EverBlume sobriety community at joineverblume.com, or simply listen to Sisters In Sobriety.
Your sobriety success story starts today, with Kathleen and Sonia. Just press play!