Episode 141: The Return of RMA-Recovery in the News Edition It’s been a minute, we know — but Mike and Nat are BACK, rested, refreshed and ready to serve up a new episode packed with recovery bon mots, musings, and thought-provoking insights. This week we’re diving into the latest conversations around sobriety, cultural norms, and health, giving our take on three recent articles from The New York Times that challenge the narrative that drinking is normal and safe. First up: I Quit Drinking Four Years Ago. I’m Still Confronting Drinking Culture by Charles Blow. Blow reflects on his journey to sobriety, unpacking the emotional and cultural challenges faced when stepping away from alcohol. Why does society romanticize drinking while casting suspicion on those who abstain? Next: Alcohol Carries New Risks in Middle Age by Cari Blum. There are clearly heightened health risks associated with alcohol consumption in middle age, and new research reveals just how impactful booze in any quantity is on our health as we age. Finally: When It Comes to Drinking, There Are No Good Answers by Rachael Bedard. This article takes a hard look at the conflicting messages around alcohol consumption, from moderate drinking myths to the growing body of research linking alcohol with serious health concerns, including cancer and liver disease. After a long break, we’re back with sharper perspectives, plenty of laughs, and the same witty repartee that RMA is known for throughout the universe. Before I forget, this week’s Week in Weird is all about Drones and Orbs, and anal probing! Nat is an expert! *This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.* Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released. LINKS: www.soberliningsplaybook.com We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON  Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on.  https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges As always, we thank you for your support.  RMA ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER  Facebook Page We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there. PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes.  Email: MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com Natx@middleagesrecovery.com We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show! E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.   https://www.aa.org/ https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/ Marijuana Anonymous (just in case): This Naked Mind