Share

cover art for Is it a Lapse or a Relapse?

Sober Awkward

Is it a Lapse or a Relapse?

Season 9, Ep. 17

Sausage Warning - In today's episode there are far too much pork talk - May be disturbing to some listeners.

It's an email that Vic and Hamish receive all the time - Is it a lapse or a relapse when you drink after a period of abstinence? and do you have to re-set your sober days counter if you have one day of drinking?


If you just completed Sober October...well done! Didn't those sober days tick over nicely? - It would be shame to go back to day one. But, what happens if the need comes creeping back and if you have a bevvie (which we hope you won't) does it need to be dramatic? Do you have to reset your app? or can it just be a glitch that strengthens your sobriety in the long run?


Today Vic and Hame are going to unravel the difference between these two words 'Lapse' and 'Relapse' to try and understand if they are as heavy as they sound. Does it depend where you sit on the vast spectrum of alcohol use disorder? or is it just a matter of personal choice?

For Vic, a relapse would symbolise a serious mental health breakdown, but for Hame it might be as simple as shrugging it off.

The process of drinking again after time off is different for everyone.


So, if you have has a lapse or relapse, Sober Awkward is here to put the imaginary pig back in the pen, get you back on the sober horse and get the wheels of the sober wagon rolling (too many farm related puns? ) They will unravel the shame over a slip up, give you some tips, uncover why choosing to take responsibility for your drinking habit will help it last longer and lastly, understand why Vic has a very close relationship with the toilet right now.


Enjoy!


Show Notes


Vic's book is worldwide on Audio and Ebook - Just search for 'A Thousand Wasted Sundays'

https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.html

and please give a review at www.goodreads.com


JOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291

www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.

@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy

@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotify

If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -

vicandhamish@soberawkward.com


Sign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com


#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Why Am I Losing Some Friendships in My Sobriety?

    15:36|
    In today's retrospective episode, Hame looks back over the trip that he was dreading the most in his sobriety. A long awaited return home to his old haunts and drinking friends and no less than 3 weddings and dancefloors. You'll hear how, despite being sober, he still managed to throw up!This episode was cut together from Parts 1 and 2 of our earlier episode on 'Friendships.You can listen to part one here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PrNlOm80WE5lU2umEK0qz?si=08e85989fa394350And part two here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/797sTdVbTpRz2PjSHqVdm4?si=331eca59ef4149a8Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • 1. When Drinking Booze is a Tradition

    39:57||Season 10, Ep. 1
    This was the day that Hamish took Vic to the Cricket. Vic doesn't like cricket - as you can tell, but she went along with Hamish and followed through with all the ridiculous traditions - which (unfortunately for her) included dressing up as a frog.But, these two rebellious little green amphibians did break one major cricketing tradition that day - They did not drink. Not a Pimms and Lemonade in sight! Did the world stop and point accusatory fingers? No - in fact it was very liberating!So, is it ok to break traditions? Even if it offends your host?And, are some of the drinking traditions just peer pressure from dead people? Is it possible that we just go along with them because we always have?Yes, you've guessed it. Today is all about custom. Vic and Hamish take a look into some drinking traditions all over the world and some that happen on their doorstep. Everything from kidnapping brides in Germany to rugby games in Australia and St Patricks day in Ireland. How have these events become so synonymous with drinking and why do we feel the need to partake in the celebrations?When something is a tradition it seems so much harder for a sober person to say no - so today's episode is here to set you up and make you feel strong when faced with a long ingrained drinking custom.It's time to change the course of traditions and stop them in their rather wobbly tracks!Ribbit!#alcoholfree #sober #soberlife #sobercurious #sobriety #soberliving #cricket #recovery #sobermovement #alcoholfreelife #soberlifestyle #recoveryispossible #soberawkward #nonalcoholic #hangoverfree #addiction #sobrietyrocks #sobercommunity #wedorecover #addictionrecovery #sobermom #boozefree #mentalhealth #dryjanuary #onedayatatime #soberwomen #alcoholicsanonymous #noalcohol #cleanandsober #alcoholShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • The Big UK Sobriety Challenge

    09:09|
    In today's retrospective episode, Hame looks back over the trip that he was dreading the most in his sobriety. A long awaited return home to his old haunts and drinking friends and no less than 3 weddings and dancefloors. You'll hear how, despite being sober, he still managed to throw up!You can listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PrNlOm80WE5lU2umEK0qz?si=95ec23e118c44d3aShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • 20. What is Methanol Poisoning?

    36:18||Season 9, Ep. 20
    Like many people around the world we were hugely shocked and saddened by the recent news of the 6 tourists who lost their lives to suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. As sensitive and raw as this seems, we felt compelled to use our platform to try and educate and warn others about the risks of methanol and how best to avoid it. This episode is a tribute to all of the friends and family who are grieving at the moment. We sincerely hope that their lives were not given in vain and that they become the catalyst for change so that nobody else needs to lose their life in this way again.We are sorry we even had to record this episode, but we hope you agree that its as important as any we have ever had to record.Show NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • Why Finding New Ways To Celebrate and Commiserate is The Key to Your Sobriety

    18:39|
    In today's retrospective episode, Vic and Hame take a look back at how alcohol was integral to every piece of good, ordinary or bad news they ever received. The explore why re-wiring your brain away from this habit is the foundation of a long lasting sobriety.You can listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4j3uwTcxXFmUHTFoL1Krd8?si=b83227c28aae484cShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • 19. How to Speak to Teenagers about Alcohol with Paul Dillon

    41:52||Season 9, Ep. 19
    With schoolies fast approaching, you might be thinking about what you should say to your teenager about alcohol. NOBODY in Australia is more experienced on this topic than Paul Dillon. For the last three decades he has travelled around Australia (and the world!) visiting schools to teach them about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.Many of us dread this conversation...for years...particularly if we were heavy drinkers ourselves. But Paul's approach is similar to ours on the podcast. He is not trying to tell kids to not drink or do drugs. He is instead equipping them to do so as safely as possible.How should they act in an emergency?Does eating bread or pulling a sickie sober you up?And should you ever put a mate to sleep if they are hammered?These are just some of the questions that Paul will answer over the course of our chat. The truth is - he is a fountain of wisdom on the exact topic Vic and Hame know the least about and we are hugely grateful he sat down with us to help you all too!NotesDrug and Alcohol Research and Training (DARTA) website: https://darta.net.au/Paul's Instagram: @dillonpauldartaYou can contact Shaun by emailing him at: spalmer@revivesobrietycoaching.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • The Secret to Ridding Ourselves of Our Drinking Shame

    19:52|
    In today's retrospective episode, we want to help those of you who are living with the long term effects of your shameful drinking stories?! Don't worry we have plenty to! We hope that by promoting communal shame (!), we can help alleviate you of some of yours!You can listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MBks4svwCd1P3SAxktz98?si=7809164b594140beShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • 18. Does Working Away From Home Increase Drinking Habits?

    56:55||Season 9, Ep. 18
    In Australia, over 100,000 FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) workers deal with the pressures of extended time away from home and countless others, partners, friends and kids also have to deal with the fallout that runs alongside someone they love being away for long periods of time. So, does working away from home Increase your own or your partners drinking? The stats seem to suggest that people who work away tend to over drink more than most and party harder on their days off.It could be caused by the sense of freedom people feel when working away or it could be loneliness, boredom or missing loved ones. Then, when they get home from a work trip... the party starts. Time to kick back and enjoy a well-earned break and have a few drinks to pass the time. A toxic cycle of drinking that can leak from a workplace culture into the home.'But Hame and Vic - What do you know?! You don't even have real jobs! we hear you cry!Well...you're right...and that's why we have welcomed onto the podcast the wonderful Shaun Palmer who openly shares his story of domestic abuse, grief, work as a FIFO, over drinking and eventual journey to sobriety. Shaun has overcome more hurdles than most of us will in a lifetime and he now spends his time trying to help others who are struggling too.It was an absolute pleasure to have him on the podcast and we hope his story inspires you as much as it did us!Enjoy!NotesShaun's Revive Sobriety website: https://www.revivesobrietycoaching.com/You can contact Shaun by emailing him at: spalmer@revivesobrietycoaching.comVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays
  • Why the AF Industry is Booming

    14:10|
    In today's retrospective episode Vic and Hamish discover why lots more people are choosing af options.You can listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iN6iR6m2x0N9bMIIgRrQX?si=9991a0fbe1f540cfShow NotesVic's book is out! Go and get yourself a copy whilst you can...https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-victoria-vanstone/book/9780645757941.htmland please give a review at www.goodreads.comJOIN PATREON! and buy us a Cuppa so we can keep being awkward!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=81897291www.cuppa.community – The Free Social Network for the Sober and Sober Curious - Sober Events – Therapy – Sobriety Courses – Sober Groups and loads more.@soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummy@cuppa.community @hamishadamscairns @patreon @spotifyIf you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol please reach out to your local doctor, a therapist, AA Group or just chat to a close friend. Don’t feel shame, just get the help you deserve. Contact us! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover then please email us -vicandhamish@soberawkward.comSign up to our 30 Day Sober Tour Guide at www.soberawkward.com#soberawkward #soberawkwardpodcast #drunkmummysobermummy #cuppa.community #sober #sobermom #sobermummy #sobriety #soberaf #sobermovement #sobercurious #alcoholfree #mummybloggers #writersofinsta #soberfamily #greyareadrinking #addiction #soberissexy #soberwomen #sobermomtribe #sobrietyrocks #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreelife #wedorecover #sobernation #mumblog #mentalhealth #motherhood #wineoclock #sobermums #selfcare #womeninrecovery #sobercommunity #soberdads #1000sundays