From Party Person to Purpose: Reclaiming Your Identity in Sobriety.
What if your recovery journey started not with willpower—but with identity?In this deeply insightful episode of Substance Stories, hosts Dr Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka dive into the transformative power of identity in addiction recovery.
From Kierkegaard to coffee, they explore how our self-concept—fluid, multifaceted, and socially shaped—can either hold us back or propel us forward in healing.
Whether it's tying self-worth to substance-fueled confidence, or reclaiming strength through statements like "I don't drink," identity is at the heart of sustainable sobriety.
They unpack powerful concepts like learned helplessness vs. mastery, and why building self-efficacy (even through something as simple as running or studying stats) can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe we're capable of.
The discussion also challenges cultural norms around drinking and masculinity, showing how redefining what it means to be confident, successful, or “fun” is crucial in recovery.
Perfect for those in recovery, clinicians, or anyone fascinated by psychology, this episode is a must-listen. It doesn’t just tell you to change—it shows you how.
Whether you’re new to recovery or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you rethink what identity truly means—and why owning yours could be the ultimate act of healing.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro: Why Identity Matters in Recovery
00:34 - What is Identity? A Philosophical and Practical Look
02:30 - Identity as a Jigsaw: The Puzzle of the Self
04:30 - When Substances Become Part of Who You Are
06:30 - Youth, Substances, and Idolized Selves
08:00 - Alcohol, Coffee, and Everyday Identity Attachments
10:00 - Non-Drinking and Masculine Norms
12:00 - Internalizing Failure vs. Building Self-Efficacy
15:00 - Mastery: The Key to Identity Growth
18:00 - Claiming Identity to Support Behavior Change
20:00 - Making Sobriety Part of Your Identity
22:00 - Owning Recovery as Confidence, Not Weakness