Today we have Kristine. She is 34 years old from Toronto Canada, and she took her last drink on May 19^th, 2025.

 

This episode is brought to you by:

Café RE – the social app for sober people

 

Café RE is now a registered 501c3 nonprofit. Please visit the website or email info@recoveryelevator.com if you are interested in making a yearend donation.

 

Join us for our Dry January course Restore at 8pm eastern time on January 1^st. This is the first of 13 sessions throughout the month, and this course is all about accountability and having fun.

 

Paul's new book Dolce Vita will be released in both in print and audiobook on January 1^st, 2026.

 

RE Ukelele Course starts on January 10^th. No prior ukulele or music experience needed for this beginner-friendly sober course.

 

[01:43] Thoughts from Paul:

 

An interview guest from an upcoming episode shared "if you think you're too far gone, you're not". This is a message that Paul is choosing to relay early with Christmas coming up. He feels that the next 10 to 12 days can be the hardest days of the year when it comes to navigating sobriety. The Fuck-It button is large and seems to follow you everywhere.

 

If you think you're too far gone, you're not. The fact that you are asking the question means the answer is no – if you woke up this morning, you're not too far gone. There is no such thing as being too broken to heal. You are not too far gone; you are just fashionably late to your own recovery.

 

[06:49] Paul introduces Kristine:

 

Kristine lives in Toronto with her husband and their rescue dog Flo. She works in tech sales and in her free time Kristine enjoys walking, exercise, reading and travelling.

 

Growing up, alcohol wasn't prevalent in her life and Kristine hated the idea of drinking until she was 15. In an effort to feel included Kristine began drinking at parties with her group of friends. She initially enjoyed the fact that alcohol helped her come out of her shell, but the occasional party turned into drinking every weekend.

 

There were red flags that Kristine didn't listen to, including waking up in the hospital after having her stomach pumped. Throughout college, friends and family would try to talk to her about it but she was convinced it was fun and wanted to live up to the party girl lifestyle.

 

After graduating, Kristine moved back home and her drinking was mainly on the weekends. She soon discovered craft beer, and it became a passion for her. Kristine began beer sales and drinking with clients became part of the job.

 

At 28 she met her husband. She says she brought her peace that she had never had before. Her drinking cut back and wasn't as problematic until COVID happened. This time period found them both drinking excessively and eventually, he said they needed to slow down.

 

Moderation attempts were tried and failed, and Kristine's consumption was more than her partner's which created a lot of tension. She was encouraged to go to therapy where she would never talk about her drinking.

 

Kristine's first attempt at quitting came after a fight with her husband. She felt great for the month she had quit, but old habits crept back and her drinking was worse than before. She was sad and/or angry all the time.

 

While her husband was out of town, Kristine had moment that found her realizing she could no longer live as a shell of herself. As soon as she acknowledged she could no longer drink, she felt a veil of darkness lift.

 

Kristine began listening to podcasts and identifying with others' stories. She was able to share with her husband and work towards gaining his trust back. He has been very supportive along with her family. With the help of journalling, apps and podcasts, Kristine is able to focus on her recovery and future goals. She has opened up in therapy and has been learning how to talk through triggers and work on a prevention plan.

 

 

Recovery Elevator

Go big, because eventually we'll all go home.

I love you guys.

 

RE on Instagram

Sobriety Tracker iTunes 

RE YouTube