Episode 22: Eliminating excuses and choosing sobriety with Crystal Alston Nobles
In this episode of the Stack’n’Days podcast host Ray speaks to Crystal Alston Nobles,long term sober wife, mom, higher education worker and sobriety advocate. She speaks to Ray about her journey with alcohol from getting drunk for the first time at 16 to using alcohol to ease her anxiety to her life now.
Crystal's early relationship with alcohol
Crystal recalls her first experience getting drunk at the age of 16 during a drinking game with friends. She didn't realize how quickly alcohol could affect her and ended up passing out, which scared her. Her friend’s were also around 16 and didn’t know what to do. Once even suggested throwing her in the trash.
Crystal’s struggle with alcohol addiction
Crystal shares her experience with alcohol and how she got into a pattern of excessive drinking. She started working in the food industry and became a bartender, which further fueled her alcohol consumption. Despite realizing she had a problem, she continued to drink and became skilled at hiding her addiction.
Difficulty in acknowledging alcohol addiction and the fear of confronting loved ones
Crystal discusses her struggle with alcohol addiction, feeling anxious and unable to function without drinking. She would stop at different liquor stores to hide her problem and even withdrew cash discreetly to buy alcohol, rather than have it show up on her bank statement. Crystal says she thinks friends and family may not confront people about her drinking problem due to being uncomfortable or not knowing how to start the conversation.
Overcoming alcohol dependency
Crystal discusses the fear of being judged for being honest about her alcohol dependency.
She talks about hiding her addiction from her son. Eventually Crystal realized the toll alcohol was taking on her health and decided to quit drinking.
Eliminating excuses and choosing sobriety
Crystal discusses the importance of eliminating excuses to drink and committing to a sober life. She mentions having an emergency toolkit for when life events happen that might push you towards drinking. She also notes that all experiences, both good and bad ones, are better sober.
Crystal discusses the struggle of relearning how to deal with emotions and navigate life without alcohol.
Techniques and experiences in maintaining sobriety
Reading and hearing other people’s relapse stories really helped Crystal learn more about recovery. She says being sober is a choice you make every day and to never become complacent in sobriety.
Crystal read a lot of blogs and "quit lit," in the early days of sobriety and now she journals regularly. She also makes sure to keep focusing on herself.
Crystal's details
Instagram: @dothesoberthing
Contact the show:
Website: stackndays.com
Email: rdg@stackndays.com
Instagram and TikTok: @stackndays