Season 3 - Episode 12: My Chat with Nick Jonsson

What if the thing driving your drinking isn't stress... but loneliness? When we think about why we drink, we often blame stress, anxiety or wanting to switch off after a long day. But what if those are only part of the story? In this episode, I'm joined by accredited sober coach, bestselling author and TEDx speaker Nick Jonsson, who shares his powerful journey from appearing successful and high-functioning on the outside to privately struggling with loneliness, isolation and alcohol dependence. Together, we explore the hidden role loneliness can play in our relationship with alcohol, why so many people suffer in silence, and how recovery is about so much more than simply removing the drink. In this conversation, we discuss: \- Why you can feel lonely even when you're surrounded by people \- The link between loneliness, shame and alcohol use \- Why high-functioning people often hide their struggles so well \- The pressure to always appear "fine" \- What finally led Nick to surrender and choose sobriety \- What early recovery really looked like  \- How genuine connection becomes one of the most powerful tools in lasting recovery Whether you're questioning your drinking, navigating early sobriety, or simply curious about the emotional reasons we reach for alcohol, this episode offers an honest and compassionate perspective that reminds us we're never as alone as we think we are. If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a review, share the episode with someone who might need it, or connect with me on Instagram @levelup.withabi. Remember, recovery isn't just about giving something up - it's about finding the connection you've been looking for all along.  Get in touch: Nick www.nickjonsson.com Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World Available here - https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Loneliness-Overcoming-Isolation-Depression-ebook/dp/B091B1Y3WZ/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=2RA92G3A1DCEB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YePBWvmPyX7o6HJW8UjjY44aa-d7PWjxRrwCgoxjWpjO5034Qvni9ArICMpjXGzhVSbZThA7jCI54rH-2R3--URoX6fSgHE0TQLe-mKg8o563BUgWgKPKMVY4MCtkjvZANOVTFn\_NOEjrc7qHJJZWky1BiEyXQvB-QruH78jBXIKEKutTVslwaYZbYtjSqLabTsmYXe4vuCaGYEOpCEdmzFkyzplDVcD4l73mXRC-4k.19ZA5pmDiBKbqdLth6oiVIPFqdQklHVWFJuV0DAukCA&dib\_tag=se&keywords=executive+loneliness&qid=1783662176&sprefix=executive+lonelin%2Caps%2C449&sr=8-1 Abi 30 Days to Freedom - A Gentle Reset Available here - www.levelupsobrietycoaching.com/30-days-to-freedom-reset/ Instagram @levelup.withabi Email hello@levelupsobrietycoaching.co.nz Affiliate links:  Terps & Co. www.drinkterps.co.nz - enter code ABI20 for 20% off storewide I use Riverside.fm for my podcast editing software. Click the link below to find out more! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm\_campaign=campaign\_5&utm\_medium=affiliate&utm\_source=rewardful&via=abi My podcast episodes are hosted and distributed by Buzzsprout. Click the link below for a $20 Refer a Friend voucher (T&Cs apply) https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer\_id=2404910 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/in-motion License code: N5GLWPT8QQSRU7D2