Stephanie Hazard - Making Sobriety Stick

Healing Your Relationship with Food, Alcohol, and Yourself with Stephanie Hazard Many of us turn to food, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms when life feels overwhelming. But what if those behaviors aren't signs of weakness or failure? What if they're actually attempts to feel safe? In this insightful episode, Linda sits down with recovery coach, speaker, and author Stephanie Hazard to discuss healing our relationship with food, alcohol, and ourselves. Stephanie shares her personal journey, which began at age 11 when she went on her first diet after years of teasing and comparing herself to her mother, a model and actress. What started as a desire to be accepted eventually developed into an eating disorder and later struggles with alcohol. Stephanie explains that addictions and unhealthy behaviors often serve an important purpose, even when we're not consciously aware of it. At their core, they help regulate our nervous system and create a sense of safety. Whether it's controlling food intake, drinking alcohol, or engaging in other compulsive behaviors, these actions are often attempts to soothe emotional distress and regain a sense of control. Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, Stephanie explains how our nervous system constantly scans for safety or danger. When we understand these biological responses, we can approach recovery with greater compassion and effectiveness. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" we can begin asking, "What happened to me?" and "What do I need to feel safe enough?" During this conversation, Stephanie also clarifies the difference between coping mechanisms and coping skills. While coping mechanisms often help us avoid, numb, or escape uncomfortable emotions, coping skills help us build a healthier, more fulfilling life. In recognition of National Recovery Month, Stephanie shares her own recovery journey and discusses the many resources available to support healing. She describes recovery as a "stew" made up of many helpful ingredients, including therapy, support groups, recovery coaching, breathwork, community, and self-awareness. She emphasizes that recovery is not one-size-fits-all and encourages each person to define what recovery means for them. Whether you're navigating challenges with food, alcohol, or any other unhealthy coping pattern, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and a compassionate reminder that recovery is about much more than quitting a behavior—it's about creating a life that feels meaningful, connected, and joyful. About Stephanie Hazard Stephanie Hazard is a Certified Recovery Coach, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, speaker, and author of *Making Sobriety Stick*. She specializes in helping individuals heal from eating disorders, alcohol dependency, and other addictive behaviors through trauma-informed and polyvagal-informed approaches. Learn more about Stephanie and her work at: Path Toward Recovery Key Takeaways - Addictions often develop as attempts to create safety and regulate the nervous system. - Food and alcohol are frequently used to soothe emotional discomfort rather than satisfy physical needs. - Polyvagal Theory helps explain why we react differently depending on whether we feel safe, threatened, or overwhelmed. - Recovery begins with compassion and understanding, not shame and self-criticism. - Coping mechanisms numb or avoid difficult emotions; coping skills help create a healthier life. - Recovery looks different for everyone and should be tailored to individual goals and values. - Being "alcohol-free" can feel more empowering and intentional than viewing recovery as restriction. - Healing involves reconnecting with yourself, your body, and supportive relationships. - Breathwork, active listening, and nervous system regulation can be powerful tools for recovery. - Lasting recovery is about creating a life that feels joyful, meaningful, and worth living. **Listen, Share, and Support** If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need hope today. Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and help us spread more healing and inspiration to the world. **Free Resource for Healing** If you're ready to release stress, calm your mind, and begin healing from within, visit: 🌿 **https://hopeforhealingfoundation.org** Discover free resources to help you build confidence, improve relationships, and find peace as you become the champion of your own story.