Episode 75: The Truth About Rock Bottom, Relapse & Recovery with Ryan Kennedy

**Have you ever wondered if you can change your relationship with alcohol without having to identify as an “alcoholic,” follow a specific recovery program, or hit rock bottom first?** In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Ryan Kennedy, host of *Rock Bottom With Ryan*, to talk honestly about addiction, recovery, vulnerability, AA, and finding your own path to sobriety. After years of heavy drinking, repeated attempts to control his alcohol use, hospitalizations, injuries, seizures, and relapse, Ryan finally reached a point where he knew he needed help. Now, nearly two years sober, he’s using his experience to help others through honest conversations about recovery, mental health, trauma, and second chances. Ryan and Lindsay also discuss his unique approach to AA — embracing the community and connection while taking what resonates and leaving what doesn’t. In this episode: - Ryan’s journey through addiction, relapse, and recovery - Why you don’t have to hit rock bottom to change your drinking - How comparing your drinking to others can keep you stuck - Finding your own approach to AA and recovery - The power of community, friendship, and connection - Why vulnerability can be a turning point in recovery - How shame and emotional avoidance can fuel drinking - Why you don’t need a label to change your relationship with alcohol - The “normal drinker” mindset and why it can keep you stuck - How sobriety can unlock your potential - Ryan’s plans to become a sober coach If you've been questioning your drinking but don't relate to traditional recovery language, this conversation is for you. You don't have to call yourself an alcoholic, hit rock bottom, or follow someone else's path. Sometimes the first step is simply being honest about what alcohol is actually adding to or taking away from your life. **Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and remember that you get to build a path that works for you.** About Ryan Kennedy Ryan Kennedy is the creator and host of the *Rock Bottom with Ryan* podcast. After overcoming years of addiction, Ryan now shares honest conversations about recovery, mental health, and second chances. As he prepares to become a sober coach, he’s also building a business dedicated to promoting individuals, organizations, and businesses making a positive impact in the recovery and mental health community. Ryan is a passionate advocate for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, while also raising awareness about trauma, abuse, grief, and the challenges that can contribute to addiction and mental health struggles. Through his work, he’s helping break the stigma and show that healing, hope, and long-term recovery are possible. Connect with Ryan **Instagram:** @rockbottomwithryan **Podcast:** Rock Bottom with Ryan on Spotify **YouTube:** Rock Bottom With Ryan  **TikTok:** Rock Bottom With Ryan  **Email:** rockbottomwithryan@gmail.com Support the show Here's how you can stay connected:  - 🗓️ Schedule a 30-minute Discovery Call - 👩‍💻 Sign-up for Feel Good AF Coaching - 📱Follow along on Instagram - 📰 Subscribe to the Feel Good AF newsletter **And remember, Lindsay is a sober coach, not a health professional. If you are chemically dependent on alcohol (or think you might be), consult your doctor on the steps you need to take to safely detox.**  *Intro/Outro Music Credit: Cozy Lofi Beat - Split memmories by Idoberg* Sober curious women. Quit drinking without AA, How to quit drinking for High Achieving women.