Episode
Ep 127: Same Feeling, Different Fix: Co-dependency Explained | Rethinking Alcohol |
- Podcast
- The Big Drink Rethink
- Published
- Jun 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3489
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com/podcast
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Summary
What if sobriety was just the beginning, not the destination? In this episode, Anna Donaghey sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Michaud, who draws on over 40 years of recovery and professional experience to explore the deep link between codependency, control, and unfulfilled needs. While getting sober is a huge step, Sarah reveals why the work often starts after the drinking stops as we swap one “fix” for another: relationships, work, food, or anything to soothe an uneasy mind. Together, they explore where codependency begins, how it shows up in everyday choices (from dinner to major life patterns), and why true freedom starts with honesty, first with yourself, then with others. If you find yourself always looking outside for relief or suspect that “people pleasing” is costing you your peace, this episode offers validation, hope, and practical first steps toward a healthier relationship with yourself. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Recovery is about more than drinking 00:51 Meet Dr. Sarah Michaud: psychologist, author, and 42 years sober 03:20 Getting sober didn’t fix everything; the real work starts after alcohol 06:01 The cycle, looking for the next relationship, job, or fix 12:05 What is codependency? Explained simply, and why it matters 13:33 A brief history: codependency in addiction recovery 14:23 The inability to be yourself out of fear of others’ reactions 21:01 How unmet needs drive both drinking and codependency 22:30 Childhood patterns, why we bring old survival tactics into adulthood 24:07 Why many people swap addictions after sobriety 33:37 How community and reality checks break denial 35:00 Compassion is essential, but so is responsibility for your experience 50:17 You can know the truth and still take your time deciding what to do 52:5…