The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

Hi Friend, If you’re new to the podcast, my name is Arlina, I’ve been sober for 31 years, I’m a recovery coach, a bestselling author, and I’ll be your host. If you’re a long time listener, you may have noticed I recently enabled ads at the beginning of each episode. Something I haven’t done before in the 9 years that I’ve been hosting the podcast.  With the growing expenses of hosting, and the podcast production team, combined with a decrease in donations, I decided to give ads a try. If you would like to hear ad free episodes, you can join my YouTube membership for as little as $1.99 per month. I will also have an additional membership level that includes private community chat rooms, live stream Q&A and Recovery Coaching with me, so you can overcome obstacles, keep you motivated, and on track. Just visit my youtube channel “the One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast” or you can find a link in the show notes at odaatchat.com So, what happens when you grow up with an alcoholic ...

Why do we always want more, even when we know it won’t make us happy? In this episode, I speak with Michael Long, co-author of The Molecule of More and author of Taming the Molecule of More, about the true nature of dopamine, craving, and how to reclaim our power from the constant chase for the next hit—whether it's drugs, sugar, social media, or even achievement. We explore: The surprising truth about what dopamine actually does Why the feeling of “wanting” hijacks the brain—and how it relates to addiction How GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide) may help reduce cravings—and why they’re not a magic fix The 6 tools from ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) that help us create space between craving and choice What Victor Frankl got right about meaning—and how to find your own Why "enoughness" in the present moment is the antidote to always wanting more If you struggle with addiction, compulsive behavior, or the nagging sense that you’re ne...

Hi Friend, Thank you for downloading this episode, my name is Arlina, and I’ll be your host. I have to admit, this one’s going to be tough. With a heavy heart, I want to share that my beloved first sponsor, Kimberly A—affectionately known as Kimmerz—has passed away. She was the gentle, wise soul who walked me through my first year of sobriety. Her kindness and love changed my life. In fact, in my book “The 12 Step Guide for Skeptics”, (and with her blessing of course), I documented how she walked me through the steps and set me on a path that has kept me sober for over 31 years now. In the book I included all the reading assignments and all the written homework that she gave me, as well as many of the lessons she taught me.  As a tribute to Kimmerz, I am republishing the conversation we had in episode 99. My hope is that you will get a sense of just how wonderful she was. She touched so many lives and I’m so grateful to have had the honor of sharing her story. So without furthe...

In this raw and deeply honest episode, I sit down with Matt, founder of Quit Kit, who shares his journey of quitting not just one — but four addictions: cigarettes, tramadol, kratom, and alcohol. With compassion and candor, Matt opens up about childhood loneliness, suicidal thoughts in active addiction, and the practical tools that helped him not only get sober — but stay that way. We explore: The emotional cost of numbing pain and how mindfulness became a lifeline The power of personal projects and community when you’re stuck in withdrawal How supplements like GABA, magnesium, and amino acids support the recovery process What Matt wishes he knew on day one: “The person you’re running from is already loved” Why asking for help isnt weakness — it’s the beginning of healing I’m so grateful to Matt for his vulnerability, heart, and the powerful reminder that recovery is possible — even if it takes multiple tries. This episode is a message of hope for anyone who feels trapped by a...

In this episode, I’m joined by Joanna and Matthew Raabsmith—a couple whose story of addiction, betrayal, and ultimately deep healing is nothing short of powerful. Matthew shares his journey through sexual addiction and recovery, while Joanna opens up about the betrayal trauma that nearly broke their relationship—and how they found a way to rebuild trust, intimacy, and connection. We talk about what betrayal trauma really is (hint: it’s not codependency), how hiding the truth strips partners of choice, and why full disclosure—when done safely—can be a turning point for couples facing the fallout of hidden addictions. I’m so grateful to Joanna and Matthew for being so open, vulnerable, and generous with their story. Not only have they done their own healing work, they’re now guiding other couples through some of the most painful and confusing moments of their lives. If youve ever asked yourself, “Can we really come back from this?” —this conversation is for you. Before we jump in, ...