Episode 36: Music helped me stop drinking alcohol with Aliah Sheffield singer songwriter | Never drinking again
Alcohol and music go hand in hand, especially for singer songwriters. Conversely it is music that enabled Aliah Sheffield to pursue a life of sobriety by providing her with an outlet for her feelings.
In this episode Aliah vulnerably discusses her music career, her big feelings, social anxiety and stage fright finding community in a way that works for her.
Aliyah unfolds her story, starting with the age of 21 when she began drinking while performing in bars and working as a singer. Alcohol became her coping mechanism for social anxiety and stage fright, a crutch in a world saturated with the substance.
The Turning Point
The pivotal moment in Aliyah's journey occurred during the pandemic when she moved to Mexico. Realizing the extent of her drinking problem, she embarked on a solo journey to sobriety. Achieving three months of sobriety became a turning point, leading her to confront the mental aspects of her relationship with alcohol and seek therapy.
Embracing Emotions
Aliyah shares her newfound coping mechanisms, discussing how she confronts emotions and anxiety without alcohol. Her creative outlet involves expressing emotions through music. She has also found solace in herbal teas, particularly chamomile and lavender, as a replacement for alcohol.
Navigating the Urge
Despite ongoing challenges, Aliyah has learned to respond differently to thoughts and urges to drink. Engaging in activities such as songwriting, reading, and using calming lavender products helps her navigate these moments. Aliyah acknowledges that the journey to sobriety is a continuous path of healing.
Community and Connection
Aliyah emphasizes the importance of a supportive community during the sobriety journey. While not actively participating in AA or sobriety groups, she connects with like-minded individuals through her music and social media. She mentions the Sober for Black Girls Club as a resource she finds useful.
Connect with Aliyah Sheffield
Website: www.Aliyahsheffield.com
Instagram: @Aliyah.sheffield
Twitter: @Aliyah_music
Facebook: facebook.com/Aliahsheffieldmusic
TikTok: tiktok.com/@aliahsheffield
Twitter: twitter.com/aliahsheffield
Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=50447001
Linktree: linktr.ee/nikkialiah
Listen to Aliyah's Music: https://www.youtube.com/@AliahSheffield
https://music.apple.com/ie/album/these-songs-are-for-anyone-sick-of-earth/1690652289
https://music.apple.com/us/album/never-drinking-again/1690652289?i=1690652633
[Closing Music]
https://youtu.be/DchKjpL02ks?feature=shared
Connect with the show
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Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/
https://www.theluckiestclub.com/
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