About this episode
How do you rediscover yourself in recovery? In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety , hosts Sonia and Kathleen sit down with award-winning author and speaker Patti Clark. Patti shares her deeply personal story of growing up in an alcoholic home, struggling with addiction, and ultimately finding recovery—twice. As the author of This Way Up and Recovery Road Trip , she explores how creativity, self-reflection, and community play a vital role in healing. Sonia and Kathleen guide the conversation, helping listeners unpack key insights that can support their own journeys. What role does creativity play in addiction recovery? How does travel shape self-discovery and healing? What does emotional sobriety truly mean? Patti shares her experience of getting sober, relapsing after 13 years, and finding her way back to a fulfilling life. She also dives into the importance of community, the evolution of recovery beyond traditional 12-step programs, and how addiction can manifest in different ways beyond alcohol. Listeners will gain valuable insights on the power of emotional sobriety, the impact of community in recovery, and why personal growth is an ongoing process. Patti discusses the necessity of taking pauses, embracing self-compassion, and recognizing the various ways addiction can show up in our lives. Whether you’re newly sober or years into your journey, this episode offers inspiration and practical takeaways on finding meaning and connection beyond alcohol. This is Sisters in Sobriety , the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources. Episode Highlights 00:01 – Patti shares her upbringing in an alcoholic household and early substance use 05:16 – The moment she realized she needed to leave Alaska to save herself 06:21 – How her relationship with her husband played a role in her decision to get sober 07:53 – Patti’s first introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and the impact of her sister’s recovery 09:46 – The pivotal moment when she was directly asked, “Are you an alcoholic?” 12:17 – How travel shaped her worldview and also contributed to her relapse 14:46 – Defining recovery: Is it abstinence, moderation, or something else? 16:42 – The importance of emotional sobriety and personal growth beyond quitting drinking 19:16 – The slow build-up to relapse after 13 years of sobriety 20:56 – The role of connection in addiction and recovery 22:27 – How Patti found her way back to sobriety and created a new community 24:08 – Learning from relapse: Why she started researching women’s experiences with it 26:58 – Writing Recovery Road Trip and weaving real stories into the book 27:50 – Addiction beyond alcohol: Why Patti identifies as an addict rather than just an alcoholic 30:06 – Recognizing the ‘whack-a-mole’ nature of addiction (shopping, screens, food, etc.) 32:07 – The limitations of traditional 12-step programs and the need for more inclusive recovery spaces 35:12 – How she’s working to build an open, all-addictions recovery group in Portugal 38:42 – The impact of social media on connection and addiction 40:33 – The importance of taking sacred pauses in recovery and daily life 42:28 – How creativity plays a key role in Patti’s recovery practice 45:33 – Navigating friendships when alcohol is no longer part of your social life 50:16 – What Patti is currently working on, including her move to Portugal and ongoing writing projects 53:43 – Final words of wisdom on reinvention and embracing sobriety as a lifelong journey Links 💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen 📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email 📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram 🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast 📸 Kathleen’s Instagram Connect with Patti Clark Website: www.patticlark.org Substack: Patti Clark Writer Instagram: @patticlarkauthor Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.