Breaking the Rock Bottom Myth with Andrea Seydel

Ever feel like you need to hit rock bottom before making a change? Think again! This week on Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia is joined by Andrea Seydel, a happiness and resilience expert who’s here to challenge the outdated recovery narrative. Andrea is the author of Recovery Without Rock Bottom and the creator of Ready for Recovery Magazine, a fresh take on healing that’s all about building yourself up—not tearing yourself down. With a background in happiness studies and positive psychology, she’s got the science-backed tools to help you rethink recovery and reclaim your life.

So, what’s on the table today?

• Do you really need to hit rock bottom, or is that just a myth?
• What are some early signs that your relationship with alcohol (or other habits) might need a reset?
• Why do so many recovery programs focus on what you need to quit instead of what you need to build?
• How can we rewire our brains to make lasting, positive changes?
• What’s the best way to support someone struggling with addiction without losing yourself in the process?

Takeaways from this episode:

• Recovery isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about rediscovering yourself.
• You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to make a change.
• Boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace.
• Your brain is wired for change, and small shifts can make a huge difference.
• Community and support matter more than willpower alone.

Andrea also shares her personal story—how loving someone with addiction led her to a breaking point, and how she turned that pain into a mission to help others. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a little extra motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.

This is Sisters in Sobriety—the community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Find extra tips, resources, and support on our Substack!

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] Meet Andrea Seydel and her take on recovery
• [00:02:09] When loving someone with addiction starts to break you
• [00:05:00] The myth of rock bottom (and why it’s holding people back)
• [00:08:10] “In-betweeners” who don’t fit the traditional recovery mold
• [00:12:48] Red flags: When to check in with yourself (or someone else)
• [00:14:42] Why values matter more than willpower
• [00:16:42] The science of addiction: Rewiring your brain for good
• [00:19:00] Tiny habits that make a huge impact
• [00:25:47] Playing the tape forward: Using fear vs. motivation
• [00:27:05] Sobriety changes everything—including what you value most
• [00:29:00] Setting boundaries vs. making “rules to live by”
• [00:35:34] Why support groups work (even if you’re not into group stuff)
• [00:38:40] Preventing relapse before it starts
• [00:41:19] Forgiveness: What it really means and who it’s for
• [00:44:41] Andrea’s new project, Ready for Recovery Magazine
• [00:46:00] Final thoughts: Recovery isn’t about being broken—it’s about taking your power back

Links & Resources:

Connect with Andrea:

• Andrea's Website
• Ready for Recovery
• Saving You Is Killing Me

• Sisters in Sobriety Substack – More tips, tricks, and support
• Sisters in Sobriety Email
• Sisters in Sobriety Instagram