Episode 13: Navigating an alcohol and drinking culture at work with Cassi Corona
In this episode of Stack'n'days, host Ray Donovan sits down with Cassi Corona, an organizational psychologist who has been sober for four and a half years. Cassi talks to Ray about her journey from partying all the time to living a life free from alcohol. She shares insights from her role as an organizational psychologist about the role of alcohol in the workplace and how to navigate that while sober.
Cultural Influence and Early Substance Use
Growing up in a Latinx culture, Cassi was exposed to alcohol from a young age. She explains how the belief that hard work meant the freedom to drink heavily was ingrained in her community.
Cassi reflects on how alcohol became intertwined with her work in hospitality and her social life. She shares stories of her excessive partying and gambling habits in Las Vegas.
Awakening to Sobriety
Cassi's perspective on her drinking habits began to shift when she participated in Sober September in 2018. Although she didn't immediately recognize her own problematic behavior, she gradually realized that her life was better without alcohol. After completing Sober September, Cassi continued her sobriety journey. Cassi attributes her personal growth over the past four years to her sobriety and expresses deep gratitude for the transformative power it has had on her life.
Around five to six months into her journey, she attended an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting to support a friend. Initially hesitant about committing fully to the program, Cassi eventually began therapy and, after 4.5 years of sobriety, is now actively involved in the sober community and shares her story on social media.
Bringing Sobriety into the Workplace
Cassi advises companies on employee well-being in her job.. She incorporates her experience with sobriety into her work, advocating for creating family-focused environments and exploring non-alcohol-related ways to reward employees. Ray highlights how certain industries have an alcohol and drinking culture.
Cassi shares some tips for someone in this position in work:
She says to speak to someone in the office about inclusivity. She also recommends getting used to being in situations with temptations such as work events and having a line ready such as “I’m not drinking tonight”.
She says self awareness really helps you stay in control in these situations. Be confident in your decision not to drink.
She recommends keeping your non alcoholic drink full.
Question people on why they keep insisting on you drinking.
Have an extra strategy for when it gets overwhelming and stay aware of how you’re feeling.
Stick to your truth.
Ray adds you could play it forward and paint the picture of what one drink could lead to.
Cassi's Tools for Sobriety
Cassi reveals some strategies that have helped her on her journey to sobriety. She is training for a bikini competition and this gives her a clear goal to work towards. This helps her stay focused and motivated.
She also sets milestones of when she can drink again, knowing that when she gets there she won’t want to drink and then sets another one.
Advice for Seeking Sobriety
For individuals looking to embark on their own journey to sobriety, Cassi offers valuable advice. She suggests taking the first step by honestly asking yourself why you are struggling with alcohol or substance use. Cassi recommends writing down these reasons to serve as a reminder during challenging moments of temptation.
She also emphasizes the significance of asking for help. Seeking support from a community, whether it's through therapy, support groups, or reaching out to trusted individuals, can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement on the path to sobriety.
Cassi’s details and links
Instagram: @thereelcassi
Podcast: Not Your Drinking Buddy
Book recommendation: Living Sober, by Alcoholics Anonymous