Can I Stay Sober on My Own? School of Rock Bottom Thought #35: Oliver Mason

February 16

9 mins

Episode Description

This episode is for anyone who has tried to stop drinking and found themselves right back where they started. In this next quick thought, I -Oliver Mason - revisit a conversation with Issy Hawkins on what relapse actually looked like for me, why “relapse is part of recovery” never rang true for me, and the moment when the fight finally stopped.

What unfolds is not a neat recovery story but a real one. A journey marked by chaos, embarrassment, failed attempts, and a deep resistance to the very thing that ultimately worked. From celebrating sobriety milestones with a drink to being kicked out of meetings for turning up drunk, this conversation strips away the romance and speaks plainly about addiction as illness, not weakness. It also challenges the idea that you can think or muscle your way out of something that thrives on isolation. At its core, this clip is about connection. Why trying to recover alone can quietly keep you stuck, how helping others can drain the power out of a drinking thought, and why the word “we” can be the difference between staying sober and sliding back. If you’re questioning whether there’s a way out, or if you recognise yourself in any part of this story, this is one to sit with.

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About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

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