Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Overcoming Temptation & Triggers | Leaning into Faith in Early Sobriety | Part 2 | Ep. 172

Overcoming Temptation & Triggers | Leaning into Faith in Early Sobriety | Part 2 | Ep. 172

(Previously Aired Live) Christian Sobriety Series | Recovery Tools for Triggers, Cravings & Temptation

Early sobriety is one of the hardest roads you’ll ever walk—and if you’re in it right now, you know exactly how it feels. The temptation to drink or use again can sneak up like a storm cloud: one emotional trigger, one bad day, one old memory—and suddenly, you’re white-knuckling your way through cravings, shame, and overwhelm. But what if you didn’t have to fight this battle alone? What if you had practical tools—and spiritual power? This episode is Week 2 of our 5-week live series: “Faith-Based & Therapeutic Tools to Resist the Urge to Drink or Use in Early Sobriety.” We’re going beyond surface-level advice and digging into the real reasons why you feel triggered, tempted, and emotionally raw in early recovery—and how God, His Word, and real-world recovery strategies can give you strength to keep going. 

▶️ In this episode

• Why temptation and emotional triggers hit so hard in early sobriety

• How to resist the urge to drink without relying on willpower alone

• What cravings and withdrawals are really trying to tell you

• Biblical truth and clinical insights that bring comfort, clarity, and courage

• How to build a God-centered support system that truly helps

• Practical tools for when you feel overwhelmed and close to relapse

You’ll also learn how past trauma, emotional invalidation, PTSD, and childhood experiences fuel addiction—and how Jesus wants to step into those very places and bring healing, not just sobriety.

📖 Featured Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…”

• Psalm 107:13–14 – “He brought them out of darkness… and broke away their chains.”

• Isaiah 61 – “To comfort those who mourn… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…”

• Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

This isn’t just about staying clean—it’s about becoming whole. 👥 Whether you're watching live or catching the replay, join the community by subscribing and sharing l so you never miss a session in this series.

Let’s talk about putting God in the driver’s seat—and finally stop letting temptation take the wheel.

How Do I Make the Decision to Change | Early Sobriety Part 1 (Ep. 171)

How Do I Make the Decision to Change | Early Sobriety Part 1 (Ep. 171) 

Breaking free from addiction begins with one crucial choice: surrender. But let's be honest—letting go of control is one of the toughest challenges in early sobriety. Don't miss this 5 part series addressing some of the biggest challenges in early sobriety and how to overcome them. In this conversation, we’ll dive into the struggles of surrendering to God, the key to lasting addiction recovery, and how to push through fear and doubt when everything in you wants to hold on.

Together, we’ll explore how trusting God, letting go, and embracing faith can guide us toward healing. Recovery is possible, and you're not alone in this journey.  

#RecoveryJourney #FaithOverFear #HopeAndHealing #JesusHeals #RecoveryCommunity #TrustTheProcess #LiveYourBestLife #PowerOfSurrender #BreakingChains #SoberLiving

Wrong Rehab = Relapse? How to Make Sure You’re in the Right Program (Ep. 170)

Not all addiction treatment programs are created equal—and sometimes, ending up in the wrong one can set your recovery back. In this episode, we break down how counselors and treatment professionals use the ASAM Criteria to assess your needs and recommend the right level of care. From detox to outpatient to trauma-informed residential programs, we’ll explore what goes into determining the best fit. You’ll learn what to ask, how to advocate for yourself or a loved one, and why understanding the six dimensions of the ASAM assessment can be a game-changer. If you’ve ever wondered why treatment didn’t work—or how to make sure it does next time—this video is for you.  

Mastering Emotions: The Secret Curve No One Teaches You (Episode 169)

Mastering Emotions: The Secret Curve No One Teaches You (Episode 169) 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and emotionally numb — like you can’t name what you’re feeling, let alone express it?
Maybe you've relapsed or shut down and thought, “What’s wrong with me?”

The truth is, it’s not about willpower — it’s about emotional literacy. In this powerful episode, we unpack the hidden emotional roots of relapse, addiction, and disconnection. You’ll learn why so many of us were never taught how to feel, and how that disconnect plays a huge role in mental health and recovery.

🎯 What you'll learn:

• The connection between alexithymia and addiction

• The 7 core emotions and how to identify them

• Why childhood emotional neglect can lead to emotional shut down

• A biblical perspective on healing through emotions

• Tools to feel again — and recover from the inside out

Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or want to grow emotionally and spiritually — this episode is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on mental health, faith, and real-life recovery.

#WhyWeRelapse, #LearnToFeelAgain, #Alexithymia, #EmotionalRelapse, #AddictionTriggers, #HowToFeelAgain, #EmotionalNumbness, #BiblicalHealing, #RecoveryPodcast, #MentalHealthPodcast, #RelapsePrevention, #7CoreEmotions, #EmotionalGrowth, #EmotionalLiteracy, #HealingChildhoodWounds #ChristianRecovery

Same Pain, Different Name: The Patterns Behind EVERY Addiction! (Episode 168)

In this unique dual podcast episode, I, Jodie Stevens and Craig Perra interview each other! We dive deep into our different—but strikingly similar—addiction stories. I share my journey through alcoholism and codependency, while Craig, founder of TheMindfulHabit.com, opens up about his recovery from sex, porn, and digital addiction. Together, we explore how all addictions—regardless of the substance or behavior—often stem from the same emotional roots: shame, fear, disconnection, and trauma. With raw honesty, humor, and heart, we unpack our stories and recovery journeys to show how healing is possible, and why connection, not perfection, is the real goal.

Craig Perra is a world-renowned coach who helps people break free from sex, porn, and digital addictions. A former addict himself, Craig hit rock bottom over a decade ago—losing his job and nearly losing his family. That crisis became the catalyst for something powerful: The Mindful Habit® System—a alternative to traditional recovery programs. His work has been featured on The Steve Harvey Show, A&E’s Digital Addiction, The Katie Couric Show, Good Day Sacramento, and more.

Creative Minds, Anxious Hearts: Our Journey Through Dyslexia & Mental Health (Episode 163)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, I'm joined by fellow dyslexic and storyteller Juliet Hahn for a real, honest conversation about our personal journeys with dyslexia, anxiety, and the mental health challenges that shaped our lives. We explore how learning differences can deeply affect self-esteem, emotional health, and—in my case—lead to struggles with addiction.

Together, we unpack the often-overlooked connection between dyslexia, addiction, anxiety, and menta health; as well as the critical importance of early support and understanding, especially for kids. This episode sheds light on how dyslexia influences identity and mental wellness, the unique gifts that come with neurodivergence, and the role faith and community play in recovery.

Whether you're navigating these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical tools for the journey. Juliet Hahn is an inspirational podcast host and keynote speaker. Visit her website here! 

Addicted Rapper Survives Heroin, Crime & Near Death-RAW RECOVERY STORY (Episode 162)

What happens when a promising young rapper from Philly spirals into full-blown addiction? Brian Storm went from smoking weed as a teen to surviving overdoses, homelessness, and the kind of darkness most don’t make it out of. This is his raw, real, and redemptive story. In this episode: 🔹 Heroin, crime, and near-death experiences 🔹 The trauma behind his addiction 🔹 Why music and faith helped him heal 🔹 And YES—Brian ends the podcast with a powerful freestyle 🎤🔥 Whether you're recovering, know someone who is, or just want a mind-blowing, true redemption story—this one hits deep. 📘 Based on his book The Struggle 🎧 Listen, Watch, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful recovery stories 👇 Drop a comment if this story moved you, and help us reach more people by liking and sharing.

 

#AddictionRecovery,#HeroinAddict,#HomelessToHope,#OvercomingAddiction,#MentalHealthMatters,#RecoveryIsPossible,#SubstanceAbuseAwareness,#SoberLife,#AddictsInRecovery,#RecoveryCommunity,#FaithAndRecovery,#DrugAddictionHelp,#RockBottomStory,#RapperTestimony,#FromAddictToArtist,#MusicAndRecovery,#RedemptionStory,#RealLifeTestimony,#PhillyRapper,#GritAndGrace,#TrueStory,#InspiringStories,#PodcastInterview,#YouTubePodcast,#MustWatch,#PowerfulTestimony,#RealTalk,#SurvivorStory,#YouTubeRecovery

Navy SEAL Reveals Missing Link in Youth Development Today (Ep. 161)

In this episode of Genuine Life Recovery, we dive into an incredible redemption story of faith-based recovery, resilience, and healing. My guest, Tom J. LaGrave Jr., is a former Navy SEAL, clinical social worker, and a man who has walked the difficult path of addiction recovery. Once lost in addiction, Tom found hope, healing, and purpose, and now he’s committed to helping young people rise above their struggles and transform their lives. What we cover in this episode: Overcoming Addiction & Rebuilding Life – Tom’s personal journey through recovery from addiction and his mission to help others break the cycle. The Crisis Facing Today’s Youth – Why young people are struggling more than ever and how youth mentorship can make a difference. The Power of Rites of Passage – How structured challenges, responsibility, and biblical wisdom can build resilience and mental toughness. Tom LaGrave is living proof that no one is beyond redemption. A former Navy SEAL whose military career was cut short due to addiction, he fought his way back, found recovery, and committed his life to helping others heal from trauma. With over 35 years of experience in mental health and youth mentorship, he now works to guide the next generation through life’s toughest transitions. Tune in now to hear a story of hope, healing, and faith-based recovery. Check out Tom's book Special Welfare . Social Warfare -Adolescence to Adulthood-A Guidebook

 

#RecoveryJourney #HealingAndHope #RiseAbove #BreakTheCycle #GenuineLifeRecovery