Updated 24 February 2026. This directory features 200 Substack newsletters focused on addiction recovery and sobriety.
Welcome!
My name is Dana Leigh Lyons, and I’m a sober Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I write the newsletter PERFECT HUNGER™, full of nuanced, accessible teachings to help you start living a more aligned, joyful, deeply nourishing life.
This is SoberStack™, my annotated, up-to-date directory of Substack newsletters dedicated to addiction recovery and sobriety.
A beautiful, diverse community
Below, you’ll find writers with varying lengths of sobriety—ranging from newly sober to decades of continuous sobriety, and everything in between.
We represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, beliefs, recovery paths, sober-specific challenges, and areas of focus, including:
non-AA recovery
AA-specific recovery
spiritual and faith-based paths of recovery
agnostic and secular recovery
early sobriety and recovery
long-term sobriety and recovery
writing and creativity in sobriety
dating, sex, relationships, and breakups in sobriety
sobriety as a gay, queer, trans, and/or non-binary person
sobriety as a neurodivergent person
sober parenting
addiction recovery in a wider sense than just alcohol and other drugs
…and so much more.
My hope is that you will “see yourself” reflected here—and discover voices that resonate, expand your sense of what’s possible, and help you feel less alone.
FOR DIRECTORY MEMBERS: To make changes or updates to your newsletter’s annotation, please email hello AT danaleighlyons DOT com.
TO JOIN SOBERSTACK™: If you consider yourself sober (alcohol-free) and your publication focuses on this niche, please share it in the comments or email me at the address above. You’re also welcome to suggest anyone I may have missed or (kindly) review those included.
I update this directory monthly and keep it in the navigation bar so that folks can find it with ease.
With that, welcome to SoberStack™! It’s a starting point for anyone who’s sober curious, newly sober, sober for decades, or anywhere in between.
Thank you, from my heart to yours,
Dana
AAFathers: Roscoe created AFF to “help dads overcome their addictions, prosper in recovery, and become better fathers.” Through raw, honest essays, he empowers dads “to get sober and stay sober while building a strong, healthy, and fulfilling life in recovery.” Sober parents are giving their kids a tremendous gift, and I love knowing there are people like Roscoe supporting them.
Aaron Emerson Recovery Newsletter: Aaron Emerson is sober himself and works as the intake coordinator for a sober living program. Arron’s Substack features articles on his own recovery, stories from other people in recovery, and trends and recovery resources in Michigan.
Active Voice: Lisa May Bennett is the author of My Unfurling: Emerging from the Grip of Anxiety, Self-Doubt, and Drinking and writes about recovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Through memoir and storytelling, she explores everyday moments for their deeper meaning and reflects on the shared struggles and triumphs of being human. Her work invites readers to embrace intentional living, navigate setbacks with compassion, and find joy in the journey.
Aging, Sober & Still Smiling: Deb Palmer and her husband Sandy found freedom from alcohol and found their passion and profession in antique sales. They also co-wrote In Spite Of Us: A Love Story about Second Chances. A freelance writer, Deb has published fiction and non-fiction articles in numerous print magazines and online journals. On Substack, she writes about her love of God, her dog Cooper, aging, sobriety, and stories from the past and present—often with a side of humor.
Alcohol and the Mind-Body Connection: Gillian May is a “former mental health nurse and recovering alcoholic” living in a small fishing village along the Pacific coast of Mexico. In her words: “I got sober in 2016 with the help of psychedelic plant medicines and other non-traditional healing modalities. Even though my background is in mental health nursing, I found little healing there during my own dark moments.” Gillian shares stories from her personal journey and her journey in supporting her father through his death from alcohol-induced cirrhosis. She spotlights how alcohol affects our physical and mental health, and how trauma and mental illness can fuel alcohol use disorder.
Alcoholics Anonymous + Internal Family Systems: In Bill’s words: “Internal Family Systems parts work led me to understand and admit that I was powerless over alcohol and to start the adventure of recovery. With the leadership of my Innermost Self, my parts agreed to start Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve found parts work to be vital to my 12 step work.” His newsletter combines IFS and the Big Book, “re-mixing” the Big Book according to the principles of IFS.
A Little Fantastic Sober Life: Ellie Nova is a mother, writer, and sober coach based in Lewes, East Sussex. In Ellie’s words: “Here you’ll find my reflections on living an alcohol-free life, how I continue to build a loving relationship with myself and be there for myself through all the ups and downs of being a human being.” Her essays overflow with heart-sourced honesty, tenderness, and care.
All Things Mankin(d): For years, Jason Mankin was a “machine operator by day, barely-functioning addict by night, and exhausted father in between.” He now writes, coaches, and speaks from his experience of getting and staying sober. In Jason’s words: “This space is for high-functioning messes, quiet rebels, and resilience junkies. It’s part memoir, part battle plan. You’ll find raw stories, dark humor, and practical wisdom forged in the fires of addiction recovery, fatherhood, and hard-earned growth.”
A Phoenix’s Hut: Hōan Taishin Michael Augustin is a Soto Zen Buddhist Priest in the Phoenix Cloud lineage of Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi and resident of O-An Zendo, a small Soto Zen Buddhist temple in central Pennsylvania. He shares personal reflections on Buddhist teachings and recent Dharma talks, along with his “ever-changing story as a Zen Priest in recovery.”
Ask A Sober Person: Samantha Perkins is a best selling author, TEDx speaker, and mental health/sober living advocate. Her newsletter offers “tips, thoughts, ideas, complaints, and validation” from a middle-aged mom living alcohol free. To quote Samantha’s essay on how to tell if you have a drinking problem: “It wasn’t until I stopped that I realized how caught up I was in using alcohol to enhance my life. Again, scientifically, it does not do this. Sure, a buzz feels good at first, but alcohol dims your senses and disrupts almost every single bodily function. If we heard our friend who uses cocaine say ‘but nothing will be fun without it?’ We would say to them… you have a problem. Drinking is no different.”
Ask Anonymous: Author Jamey M. explores the AA program of recovery through the lens of personal reflections and examples. I find Jamey’s discussion of AA as pertains to daily life and practice a reminder that many of us are having kindred experiences—even if we lean into different programs, texts, and frameworks.
Ask a Sober Lady: Katie MacBride is a health and medicine journalist who took her last drink in 2008. Ask a Sober Lady is her substance use and recovery advice column. In Katie’s words: “There is no one ‘right’ way to seek recovery, but everyone needs help sometimes; this column is my attempt to support anyone who needs it.”
Astral Projections: S.J. Perkins shares essays at the intersection of recovery, spirituality, and culture—both as a practice of self-accountability, growth, and catharsis and as a channel for reaching, inspiring, and expanding others. A published science writer and researcher, S.J. is now venturing into trauma science, spirituality, psychology, and metaphysics.
Astrology, Alchemy, & Honest Recovery: In the space of about a year, Maria Luz O’Rourke got sober, left her corporate career of 29 years, and began a healing practice using the tools which most helped her: astrology, hypnosis, and psychic mediumship. In addition to sharing these tools with readers, she offers a series called “My Alcohol Story,” in which she shares journal entries from her first year of sobriety.
Back From the Dead: Sober since 2013, Tabitha Vidaurri is a health and wellness copywriter with a background in standup and sketch comedy and penchant for horror movies. Back From the Dead “is for folks who want to take their mental health seriously, and at the same time, not take life too seriously.” It wins massive originality points for combining “practical advice on navigating life in recovery,” “thoughtful insights into the horror genre,” “really good, really specific mixtapes,” and “essays on getting your shit together after quitting drinking.”
Beauty, Terror, & Everything In Between: Shoshana Ray is a somatic psychotherapist and nonfiction writer whose work focuses on recovery from the intersection of trauma, loss, and addiction. Her invitation: “Let’s get back to living from our sacred center, our wholeness. Through a melding of holistic psychology, radical resilience, stoicism, humor, and mutual care, our thundering paws will wear this path together.”
Becoming Unstuck: Leeroy Stagger is a singer-songwriter, record producer, trail runner, painter, maker, husband, father, and Buddhist in long-term recovery. In his words: “AA got me sober but Art and Spirituality saved my life… I have always felt some sort of higher power connecting through me when I let myself fully feel. And art is usually, almost always my conduit to those feelings.” Alongside essays, Leeroy shares music, conversations, photos of his life in Canada, and heart-sourced blessings for peace and healing.
Best Mom Never: Jen Butler is the author of Mom, Rediscovered: My Midlife Breakup with Drinking and Diet Culture and an alcohol-free life coach and fitness instructor who writes about choosing sobriety, mom life, fitness after 40, perimenopause, PMDD, and ditching diet culture. Her newsletter is a judgment-free space for moms navigating “the messy marathon of midlife,” offering a community, pep talk, and tool kit.
BETWEEN WOLRDS: Jeremy Evans is a chaplain, recovery counselor, and writer with more than three decades of sobriety. In his newsletter, he explores the intersections of faith, mental health, and neurodivergence. Based in Minnesota, Jeremy lives with his wife, Lori, along with two dogs and two cats. In his words: “If you’re sober, seeking, neurodivergent, burned out, or spiritually restless, welcome. You're not alone.”
Beyond the Basics: Embracing the Fellowship of the Spirit: Terry invites readers to join in for conversations centered around The Big Book. At Beyond the Basics, the focus is on diving deep into matters of mind and spirit, seeking “to unravel the patterns that have kept us trapped and discover a life filled with purpose, joy, and meaningful connections.”
Beyond Liquid Courage: Tawny Lara is the author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze, co-author of The Sobriety Deck, co-host of the Recovery Rocks podcast, and co-founder of the vinegar-based botanical beverage, (parentheses). On Substack, she writes about booze-free dating and relating, entrepreneurship and the NA drink scene, book publishing, and mental health.
Beyond Sobriety: Louisa Evans is a therapist with personal experience overcoming alcohol addiction. Sharing insights from sobriety, she emphasizes that quitting drinking is just the beginning—unearthing your true self is the real goal. Paid members gain access to exclusive content, including hypnosis and relaxation audios, monthly challenges, AMA sessions, and curated resources to build a vibrant, alcohol-free life.
Boozemusings’s Substack: In 2016, on the one-year anniversary of their sobriety, Winged Victory launched Boozemusings, a blog featuring the voices of those who have inspired them. A year later, they created a Mighty Networks community called Boom Rethink the Drink, which now has an associated free publication on Substack.
Bottomless to Sober: Jessica Dueñas is an educator, writer, certified life coach, and woman in recovery sharing intimate essays about what life looks like after addiction. She writes about motherhood, grief, identity, breaking generational cycles, and the rituals and relationships that support her sobriety and fullest expression.
Bright Nights, Big City: Sam is the founder of Bright Nights Social, a platform for alcohol-free nightlife in New York City. In her newsletter, she shares upcoming Bright Nights Social events, highlights other alcohol-free gatherings and “third spaces” across the city, and writes about alcohol-free beverages and sobriety more broadly.
built by sobriety: Kelly B. shares stories from two decades of addiction, how she got sober, and how she’s maintaining long-term sobriety. In her words: “I want to be able to talk more about my story and give more details about how addiction looks first hand. I want others to know what it’s really like inside the world of someone who is addicted.”
Caravan: Bree Stilwell is a sober writer, mentor, and personal development coach sharing stories from her work and life. In her words: “I believe storytelling holds tremendous power, and so write here about things that have fueled my curiosity, sustained my interest, lit a fire, pissed me off, created a hole. Much of this is through the lens of my professional work, so you’ll see a lot of personal stories interwoven with behavioral science and psychology, neuroscience and evolutionary biology, personal development strategies and actionable insights for making the hard decisions in life.”
Charlie & Company: Charlie Boyy shares essays, poems, and explorations from this side of sobriety. In his words: “February 11, 2020 was the last time I was revived by paramedics. I’m thankful to have made a full recovery from my last overdose but many don’t share that same luxury. My brother didn’t. Feb 15, 2020 my life changed drastically without warning. Over the course of grief, despair, highs and lows, sadness, mental health struggles, substance abuse struggles, generational trauma, and a beaten but not broken spirit, I wrote my first poem. That first poem turned into my first page and those writings lay the foundation of who I am developing into today.”
Christopher Robin’s Nebulous: Christopher Robin is a writer, podcaster, and self-described “slacker and humorer” writing about mental health, addiction, and parenting. He shares in ways that open the mind, touch the heart, and encourage creativity and laughter.
Circle of Chairs: Caroline Beidler invites readers to join her in sharing stories of recovery without judgment or shame. Caroline, who lives in Tennessee with her husband and twins, is the author of Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, has nearly 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry, and is the Membership and Outreach Manager for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.
Clarity and Calm: Carolyn Clark is a sober Welsh woman in her sixties who recently retired from a 31-year career as a senior probation officer. She now leads retreats, teaches yoga and mindfulness, and facilitates circles. Her newsletter explores discovering yoga and mindfulness later in life, becoming a teacher, and finding joy in solo travel.
ClearLife: ClearLife arose out of Cecily Mak’s “exploration of what it means to ‘live clear’ or without dimmers that can interfere with an intentional, present, and embodied life.” Such dimmers include alcohol, but also other substances and behaviors. Cecily shares from what she’s named The Eight Awarenesses, focusing on “choice, self-awareness, healing, embodiment, and service.” She’s the author of Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits.
Clover Stroud: On The Way Life Feels: Clover Stroud is a confessional writer and the author of four memoirs (with a fifth in progress). Alongside exploring her emotions and how to express them, Clover writes about creativity, motherhood, imperfectionism, grief, sobriety, sex, and joy. In Clover’s words: “As a writer I need to write with a radical honesty, which is probably the reason I write memoir rather than novels, as what happens inside me, in my head, everyday in real life is weird and wild enough not to need fictionalising.”
CON(CULTURE)TEXT: Taylor is a sober writer and researcher based in Kansas City. With a background in tech SaaS and B2B, performing arts, and theology, he explores how AI, politics, men’s issues, and Christianity intersect with ethics, morality, and modern societal challenges. When Taylor’s not researching or writing, he enjoys spending time outdoors, finding inspiration and creative fuel in nature’s simplicity.
Control Issues: Dr. Paul Chadwick is a clinical and health psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping children, adults, families, and communities transform their lives. He calls quitting alcohol “the single most transformative experience of my adult life” and has spent his career bridging clinical practice and academia to develop behavior change programs that improve health and address social injustice. Paul received the Paris Peace Prize for his work to reduce gender-based violence in low-income countries, and he created his newsletter to let people struggling with alcohol know they’re not alone and change is possible.
Creative Sobriety: Kristen Bear is an actress, writer, and sobriety advocate who got sober in 2020 and lost her mother in 2021. She writes about sobriety, grief, and the creative life. In Kristen’s words: “Making sense of it all is a full time job. We are all innately creative beings, let us heal.”
The Daily Draft with Zac Small: Zac Small is a family man, author, key note speaker, and sober Navy veteran. He writes about fatherhood, marriage, masculinity, sobriety, and a “Leave Me The Hell Alone political angle that is geared towards awareness and not anger.”
DARE TO BE: Allison Derany is a sober mom and lawyer who “dreams of being a writer” (but she’s already a writer!). Her beautiful, powerful shares offer a safe, caring space for people exploring their relationship with alcohol and other unhelpful patterns. They’re also infused with curiosity, possibility, discovery, and hope—reminding us of the everyday magic and miracles on this side of sobriety.
Decidedly Dry: Jess Steitzer is a married mom of two boys who loves coffee, secluded hikes, and country music. In her words: “I live in a present-day ‘mommy-wine-culture’...smack dab in wine country and I’m doing it sober.” Her newsletter and podcast cover sobriety, motherhood, homeschooling, books, and her “ever-growing God curious journey” and “love/hate relationship with running.” While Jess has stepped away from posting, you can still access her archive.
Deep Fix: In Alex Olshonsky’s words: “Most of my essays tackle psychology, psychedelics, culture, work, spirituality, and the potential for transformative change through their integration. Some weeks, I share personal stories, drawing tales from overcoming a near-fatal addiction and being a recovering Silicon Valley bro. Who knew, they were twin pursuits.”
The Dented Wagon: Peter Stromberg shares his “raw and real journey towards growth and transformation”—including how, without booze, everything is easier. Along with his own story, he features a collection of uplifting, heart-touching stories and oral histories from others.
Dharmaholic: Mike Mather writes about “Buddhism, alcoholism, and growing up.” His Substack aligns with AA and the 12 steps but from a Buddhist (rather than Christian) perspective.
dialoguing: Kaitlyn Topolewski is a psychotherapist, life coach focused on well-being, and business owner located in Denver, Colorado. Drawing on more than a decade of professional practice, she delivers wisdom about “our collective condition of humanness to your inbox every Monday in a concise (or at least an attempt at concise), digestible, and joyful manner.” Alongside writing about mental health more generally, Kaitlyn shares personal insights from her life in sobriety.
Down the Rabbit Hole: Kasey Reilley is a sober mom in her thirties sharing what’s working for her in recovery while connecting with kindred community. Head over for “outlandish ideas, followed by mindful and sometimes mindless banter,” as Kasey shares her inner workings and makes space for creative expression and connection.
Dry Runnings: Daniel Danciu shares notes and essays on running, recovery, sobriety, and self-discovery. Drawing insights from marathon training, he offers clear, inspiring teachings about staying the course with recovery and making each day a practice in discipline and devotion.
The Elephant In The Room: Tina Morales is a relentless optimist, mentor, and motivator as well as “mother to two men and a little lady.” In Tina’s words: “Many years ago a woman from Texas said: it takes someone who has been there to talk to someone who IS there. That resonated with me, and kept me sharing my story.” Tune in for heart-sourced essays and poems about substance abuse disorder, divorce, rebirth, self, spirit, and being of service.
Elizabeth’s Substack: Elizabeth Jannuzzi is the operations and communications manager at Project Write Now, a nonprofit writing organization. She writes essays on loss, motherhood, and recovery, openly sharing her experiences to help reduce the stigma of alcoholism. Her work also explores themes of marriage and parenthood.
Evans’ Ramblings…: Evans Wroten, who’s been in recovery for more than 30 years, shares daily meditations full of honesty, accountability, and love. These short offerings read like prayers—acknowledging challenges, pulling towards hope, sourced from body-mind-spirit.
Evidence of Grace: Serena Menken is in long-term, 12-Step recovery from an eating disorder and also sober from alcohol. She explores parenting teens with mental health challenges, having walked her daughter’s struggles with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder—and continuing to walk that path as a woman in recovery. In Serena’s words: “I write from the intersection of 12 Step principles and spirituality through a Christian lens, although my desire is to make my Substack welcoming to anyone, the way a 12 Step room feels!”
Exploring Sobriety: Benya Clark quit drinking in 2016, stopped smoking in 2019, and has been blogging about sobriety since 2018. Benya’s essays draw from personal experiences in long-term recovery and sobriety.
From Blur to Bright: Rilee Wagner shares her “raw, real, and sometimes ridiculous journey through sobriety” without filters or fluff. In her words: “Ten years. One blur. A million lessons. At 27, I decided to trade the bottle for clarity and I’m finally waking up.”
From This Corner: Jacob Ames shares poems and reflections about nature, the importance of movement, and healing from trauma and addiction. In his words: “I’m not a trained writer by any means, but I have goals. I want to hone my voice, present questions of the soul, and ultimately tell a good story. Whether that be through my poems or reflections, I know there’s value in sharing.”
The Glow Guide’s Substack: Jennifer, who hails from Ireland, founded her newsletter as a platform dedicated to sober clarity, intentional living, and wellness rituals. Drawing on her background as a statistician and her passion for helping others live more fully, she’s growing “a community for sober and intentional living, with a sprinkle of stats, travel and adventure and a whole lot of heart.”
Gone Dry: Josh Luton is a husband and dad to two girls who’s living an alcohol-free life. In Josh’s words: “What will this space be? If I had to guess, it will be more notes than newsletters. More of me sharing daily quips, musings, and nuggets of self-knowledge gleaned from my own writing journey; which is also my healing and coming home to self journey. But, the best part is: I don’t know what this space will be. And, I’m committed to showing up and discovering, with you, what it will become.”
Gray Area Drinking: In the months leading up to my decision to quit alcohol as a “gray area drinker,” I binged Jolene Park’s podcast, EDIT: Editing Our Drinking & Our Lives. Later, I was thrilled to find her on Substack and to see how she weaves together conversations on sobriety, supportive eating, functional medicine, aging, and spirituality.
HADaFEW: Jim shares stories from the beginning of his drinking days to their end and beyond. In Jim’s words: “My substack isn’t about offering advice; rather, it’s a reflection of what happened to me and how I’ve navigated life after ending my drinking days. It’s about transforming old addictive habits into positive pursuits and reclaiming my identity beyond being defined solely by my past struggles with alcohol.”
Half-Time Team Talk: After leaving behind drinking, betting, and social media at midlife, Niall Davison is offering proof there’s another way to play the game. Head over for his hard-earned wisdom, self-deprecating humor, and an invitation: “The first half is over — let me pitch to you Life 2.0: the path less chosen.”
High Functioning: Kat Whetstone is a freelance writer who covers hockey, sobriety, and neurodivergence. Her newsletter focuses on her recovery journey and late autism diagnosis, exploring what it means to be a sober woman in your early twenties while also being autistic and ADHD. Head over for writing on recovery, neurodiversity, queerness, and feminism.
Home + the World: Jodi Rhodenis is a sober writer and a therapist working with women with opioid use disorder. In another life, she started a “dreamboat of a cake shop” and wrote a book about it. Her newsletter explores “the ways we become exiled” and “the ways we create belonging” through personal essays, links, recipes, and recommendations.
Hopping Off the Bus to Abilene: Ben T G writes about sobriety, poetry, fatherhood, basketball, aging, garden paths, and trying to answer the question: “What do you want?” He’s a captivating storyteller who includes his own delightful illustrations.
I Can Only Give You Everything by D.R. Garrett: Sober writer and filmmaker D.R. Garrett writes about addiction recovery, divinity, and punk rock—including excerpts from her new auto-fiction book. In her words: “The writing will appeal to anyone who never felt like they fit in with mainstream society and those in addiction recovery. Also those interested in the punk music scenes of yesterday may find this writing cathartic.”
I’m Quitting Alcohol: Comedian David Boyle writes and podcasts about his transition “from Alcoholic maniac to sober lunatic.” From this side of sobriety, he draws on “20 years of booze soaked mayhem” to encourage others while making them laugh.
i wasn’t finished…: Sober millennial Tacita B. picks an artist, a book, a show, and a series of films each month “to motherfucking engulf me like the hotel in Barton Fink.” She’s fighting back against “drowning in over-consumption core and context-switching” that leads to half-arsed opinions about art that deserves better. Expect raw, sporadic posts on film, TV, music, literature, and culture as she actually sits with the work.
In Media Rez: Alfred Walking Bull is a writer, artist, radio producer, and host sharing about “recovery, Indigeneity, queer practices over theory, abolition, politics and movement spaces in the in-between.” I’m especially drawn to their exploration of the intersections of queer, Indigenous, and recovery identities as well as Indigenous perspectives on mental illness and mental health. In Media Rez offers a needed alternative to and reprieve from conventional narratives.
Ink Over Impulse: Rosie is a sober mom “with a knack for finding medicine and meaning in every encounter.” As she puts it: “Chaos magic is my specialty, but I write and sing and poem and play guitar too sometimes.” She talks about the challenges of getting sober and how to navigate motherhood, relationships, and creative life in sobriety.
Into the Woods: Brigit Anna McNeillis is a writer, eco-psychotherapist, guide, botanist, forager, herbalist, naturalist, and mother “learning how to compost, transform and grow over and over again.” Her newsletter features “writings and explorations on being human, the nature that lives outside & inside, recovery and re-wilding the human psyche.”
Janey Lee Grace - Sobriety Rocks..& The Woo Works: Janey Lee Grace is a sobriety coach, host of the Alcohol Free Life podcast, author of several books on holistic living, a TEDX speaker, and founder of The Sober Club. She shares tips and inspiration for holistic, alcohol-free living and welcomes folks who are sober curious, newly sober, in long-term sobriety, and anywhere between.
Jessa’s Substack: Jessa Frances is a writer, artist, mother, gypsy, and “Absolute Wackadoodle” who works as a non-alcoholic beverage consultant and holistic health and wellness coach. She shares news and updates from the non-alcoholic beverage industry plus personal musings on holistic health, mindset shifts, and more. For those who wish to go deeper, Jessa’s Memoirs series tells her story through the lens of clarity, forgiveness, and love.
Jesus Loves A Hot Mess: Jessica Herman, sober since 2011, aspires to “provide a safe space to plug into a community to connect with Jesus and other women rocking recovery.” In Jessica’s words: “It’s my vision to create what I needed and still need today. A safe space where you can be around others who get it, all while continuing to work recovery in a way that keeps us focused on Jesus.”
The Jewish Lobster’s Substack: The Jewish Lobster got sober through AA in November 2021 and worked the steps thoroughly, but found the theology incompatible with Jewish intellectual tradition. He writes about agency vs. powerlessness, the religiosity embedded in “spiritual not religious” recovery, and building your own framework without surrendering your mind. This newsletter is for “people who got sober but found recovery culture intellectually untenable—the ones who completed their necessary steps but still have questions.”
Jordan Nuttall: Jordan weaves his personal story of addiction and recovery into explorations of history. In his words: “This is a haven for the mind that refuses the obvious, a quiet corner where inquiry, wonder, and reflection can breathe.”
Joy Juice: C.P. is a writer, hospitality strategist, and non-alcoholic beverage consultant who’s passionate about reimagining life without booze. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, C.P. shares insights on sobriety and what to drink when you’re not drinking. Joy Juice is a space for anyone curious about drinking less, quitting altogether, or exploring what truly fills their cup.
Justin’s sober newsletter: Sober since 2017, Justin shares what it was like to get sober while working in the tech industry and offers clear, wise guidance and reflective exercises for others on a kindred journey. In his words: “This newsletter shares ideas and topics I wish I knew earlier in my life, which could have helped me embrace sobriety sooner.”
Kara Westerman’s Suitable Vessel For Magic: Kara is a published fiction author, journalist, teacher, podcaster, oral history facilitator, and leader of East Hampton Writer’s Collective (aka, The Writers Collective Out East). On Substack, Kara is serializing parts of a double memoir featuring herself and her husband—a trans man she met in recovery and who died in 2020 at the start of lockdown. The memoir, told from both points of view, traverses the territory of recovery, transformation, and Dharma.
Learning to Use My Words: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez is a Midwesterner turned New Yorker writing about “life, gay stuff, spirituality, sobriety, and everything in between.” He’s the author of Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging.
Lessons from Recovery: Ron draws on more than 50 years of recovery from alcohol addiction—sharing insights from his journey and outlining specific steps and teachings that worked for him. He also acknowledges that there’s “no one-size-fits-all path to recovery” and offers myriad ideas for applying and integrating supportive teachings and principles.
Life after Trauma: Clare Egan is a queer, award-winning writer and freelance journalist based in Dublin. In Clare’s words: “I stopped drinking alcohol a few years ago because it made me feel shit. At the time, I was struggling to manage my mental health (primarily C-PTSD) and alcohol just messed with my body and brain too much. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” On Substack, Clare shares intimate essays and actionable resources to help survivors feel less alone.
Life with Jamie Marie: Sober since 2019, Jamie Marie draws on her own journey of addiction and trauma recovery, self-discovery, and healing to support and inspire others. In Jamie’s words: “My approach is centered around connection, support, and love, aimed at breaking down barriers and exploring wounds and traumas in a safe environment. Through curiosity, exploration, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone you can truly transform your life.”
The Light Today: Sober since 2019, heather marie morse is an astrologer and lunar-centric yoga teacher. Through her writings and teachings, she helps others “synchronize their inner rhythms with that of the universe, harnessing the moon’s energy to deepen their daily practices and cultivate self-awareness.”
Like a Normal Person: Julie Fontes, author of Like a Normal Person: A Memoir About Not Drinking, has given up drinking, smoking, watching commercials, and sometimes sugar. She writes about getting sober while navigating a midlife crisis and parenting her adult child and herself. I was especially captivated by Julie’s Sober Bachelorette Party essay, which actually tells the tale of two bachelorettes—one while drinking, one while sober. It’s horrific and beautiful and I couldn’t stop reading.
Little Edits Atelier: Weaving together addiction recovery, creative inspiration, spirituality, and a holistic approach to physical and mental wellness, Mary Peeples invites readers to join her in seeking “joy in moments where we would otherwise push the self-destruct button.” In her words: “I speak the truth. I write the truth. Whether it is woo woo or straight from the Bible, I seek to authentically grow and share my source for getting up in the morning.”
Living the Questions: Priscilla Harvey is a mother, wife, lawyer, and seeker who writes about her journey through sobriety, faith, doubt, grace, God, spirituality, motherhood, marriage, therapy, sorrow, and joy. In her beautiful words: “As long as I’m seeking contact with the Divine and listening for the knowing of my soul to guide me, grace always finds me.”
Love Life Sober: Christy Osborne helps women break free from alcohol with grace, science, and Scripture. She is the author of Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast and co-host of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast. Her newsletter offers hope and encouragement for Christian women walking an alcohol-free path.
Love Sober: Love Sober’s co-founder Kate Baily shares her journey of living, learning, and creativity as a sober woman, mother, coach, and author. Her newsletter helps readers “discover the joy of alcohol-free living,” with tips, tools, and an abundance of inspiration.
Love Story: In my first months sober from alcohol, I devoured Laura McKowen’s beautiful, powerful book: We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life. She went on to write another bestseller, founded an international sobriety support community, and emerged as a leading voice in today’s sober space. On Substack, Laura writes about addiction, recovery of all kinds, relationships, writing, and book publishing.
Loving the Dark Parts: In 2016, after “a break up and what felt like the end of the world,” Kaitlyn Ramsay quit her corporate job and booked a one-way ticket to Australia. In her words: “I was great at running away from things when they got hard; but this act of fleeing led me to a destination I never could’ve expected.” Since then, Kaitlyn has gotten sober, traveled the world, learned astrology, embraced her artistic talents, and stepped into sharing her gifts.
THE MAIZE: I first connected with Michele Maize on Medium, where she drew me in with her authentic, sometimes heart-wrenching shares with tons of real talk about the normalized, glorified carcinogen that is alcohol. I feel affinity with Michele as a fellow yogi. I also feel awed by how she shows up as a sober mom.
Make Pure Thy Heart: Paolo Peralta credits mindfulness for playing a pivotal role in her choice to get sober and her long-term sobriety. Along with enjoying vegan dishes and an abundance of yoga, she’s a guitarist and tattooist who shares beautiful, heart-sourced writing, illustrations, and reflections.
The Manifest: Tom Gentry is a writer, husband, father, and addiction professional who has been sober since 1996. With the mind of a journalist and a heart for baseball, he offers thoughtful commentary on sobriety, culture, relationships, intimacy, emotional literacy, men’s issues, and personal growth. In Tom’s words: “We’re here together, on a vessel, setting off toward a better place. You’re on the manifest.”
Matty’s Substack: Sober queer neurodivergent artist Matty Heimgartner shares memoir essays exploring art, sobriety, and self-discovery. After early theater roles and published stories, they got sober in 2019 and returned to creative work. Since then, they’ve made their film acting debut in Distressed and released their debut essay collection, Self-portraits, and debut album, Matty.
The Mediocre Parent: Stephanie Gibbons writes about “recovery, parenting, and...growing up.” Head over for “part creative writing awkwardness/part personal essay (still awkward)” along with resources that Stephanie found helpful on her non-AA path of recovery.
Michelle Marano With The Sober Angle: Michelle is a sober stay-at-home mom and freelance communications writer covering the sober beat. In addition to sharing her own sobriety story, she showcases perspectives from sober experts and exposes the dark side of alcohol abuse disorder and “mommy wine culture.”
Midlife…Don’t Call it a Crisis: Amanda Younts is a midlife quitter, nontraditional Gen Xer, and self-described positive psychology antithesis. She writes with authenticity, compassion, sarcasm, and a stellar playlist, tackling tough topics like recovery, work, death, and life’s messy realities.
Mindful Sobriety: Paul Sheridan started his newsletter to reach those who find themselves where he once was: “the one who rationalised every drink, who couldn’t imagine a social event without alcohol, and who believed life without it would somehow be dull, incomplete, or unmanageable.” Alongside practical guidance, he challenges widespread myths and norms around drinking.
Miss Sober Jane: Jane has been sober since January 1, 2022 and offers a window into the early years of sobriety. She shares her experiences, offers support, and creates a safe space for others on a sober path. In Jane’s words: Let’s “laugh and cry and celebrate together.”
Molotov Cocktails: Margaret Murray is a sober mom processing her past and stepping into her next version and expression. In her words: “this a place to put it all out there—the details about losing my shit but also finding my (new) flow at 41. I might talk shit about start-ups and motherhood while I’m at it.”
MutedCulture: A Recovery Diary: Jules is sober herself and studies psychology with a focus on addiction studies. In her words: “What I learn in theory, I hold up to what my own body already knew. These essays are the meeting point of evidence and experience, the clinical and the lived.” Rather than presenting recovery as a finished product, Jules shares her ongoing process.
My Secret Sobriety: Kate Davidson launched her newsletter to break her silence on recovery and share strategies and insights from ten years of sobriety. I especially appreciate Kate’s lists of Recovery Tools, which are full of resources and ideas for curating a sober tool kit and finding support and community. I also appreciate her nuanced discussion of recovery terminology (even or especially because we differ on a few things). Kate is helping me see certain aspects of the recovery space from new angles.
My Skin Type Is Sober: Donna Francis, an award-winning beauty editor, writes for women who are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Her newsletter is a judgment-free space that explores how good midlife can look and feel without booze. In her words: “It was meant to be about beauty and how to embrace aging given my 25+ career working as a Beauty Editor. But I never did anything with it because there were so many other great Substacks doing the same thing… And then I turned sober. And everything changed.”
newly sober: Paulina Pinsky’s niche is covering what early sobriety looks and feels like in real time. In her words: “if you’re newly sober, know someone who is, or are just curious about sobriety, this newsletter will give you an unfiltered, raw look at my sober journey—the wins, the losses, and everything in between.” Her own journey involves finding freedom from both alcohol and cannabis addiction.
The Next Write Thing: Writer and web/graphic designer Nan Tepper (she/her) is “a happily aging kid raised in the 1960s” who lives in upstate New York and performs in local Story Slams. In her words: “The Next Write Thing is about recovery. Recovery from eating disorders, recovery from depression and trauma. It’s about love and community. It’s about coming out in the 1970s and having a gay dad. It’s about the 12 Steps, one step at a time. About patience, honesty, and growth. About being human. About being alive. So, it’s about almost everything.”
No Thanks, I’m Sober: Tendani Mulaudzi shares her story as a woman “rediscovering who she is after years of addiction and dysfunction.” Several years clean and sober, Tendani navigates this new world “like a toddler, stumbling curiously and inquisitively” through a life with “so much to discover.”
Of a Sober Mind: Sober since 2009, Dee Rambeau shares “essays and stories about living in the present; formed by experiences of the past and guided by hope for the future.” I love this line from Dee’s About page: “I’m still learning all over again every day. I promise no preaching—only revelations.”
Open Mike: Mike is a sober author, podcast host, business leader, recovery and wellness coach, former ATP Tour pro, and divorced dad of three. In Mike’s words: “I’m a survivor. I’m resilient AF. I’ll talk about a lot of stuff I’ve gone through and work with other people on - getting well, becoming stronger, beating addiction, overcoming abuse, and handling trauma.”
Our Night Sky: Greg is a sober writer and photographer whose work explores mental health, addiction recovery, and the power of hope. He shares stunning images of the night sky alongside devotionals that weave together scripture, inspiration, and celestial wonder. Rooted in his own recovery journey, Greg uses his creative gifts to bring light and encouragement to those walking through darkness.
Painting Nature’s Poetry: Jamie Magnant is a licensed educator and creative facilitator, leader, trainer, writer, curriculum creator, project developer, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and world traveler. And yet, even when her “work-hard-play-hard lifestyle” appeared to be working, she found she’d lost track of herself and what mattered. In Jamie’s words: “I had no idea who I was, what I wanted, what I was doing anymore, or why. On April 8, 2021, I began a journey of returning. A continuous unfolding of discovery and it began with getting sober.”
Pearls of Wisdom: Sober for more than 14 years, Louise Atthey now shares about sobriety here on Substack in addition to offering 1:1 mentoring and working at The Luckiest Club. In Louise’s words: “Sobriety has been my greatest gift. Writing about it gives me a chance to continually pass on what I’m learning.”
PERFECT HUNGER™: I’m Dana Leigh Lyons, a sober writer and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine living in Thailand. PERFECT HUNGER™ is for those craving a more beautiful life. Here, we cultivate hunger for what truly nourishes body-mind-spirit—while reshaping patterns around alcohol and other drugs, food and body, work and rest, and the ways we relate to ourselves and others. This is a space that celebrates what we’re choosing, rather than what we’re avoiding.
Perfection is the Enemy of Progress: Jake Summers is an entrepreneur, writer, and girl dad working towards publishing his first book, The Mango Tango. His memoir and newsletter recount his attempt to start a mango farm in Cambodia—a venture that goes dramatically wrong and becomes an exploration of business, family, and his reckoning with identity and addiction.
pink heart emoji: C ♡ is “a virgo with a libra stellium, a dyke who’s friends with most of her exes, an anxious attachment apologist, and a sparkling water enthusiast.” In addition to sobriety and recovery, she writes about lesbian dating, astrology, and queer media.
The Practice: Parker Gates has been sober for over two decades, has practiced meditation for more than 12 years, and has studied the Dharma for the past ten years. He is an ICF Certified Coach (PCC), trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and teaches executive education at Stanford’s d.school. In Parker’s words: “This newsletter is my collection of learnings and reflections from decades of doing my own work as well as working with others. There are stories of transformation, of people rebooting their lives, of folks finding recovery from drugs and alcohol addiction. And plenty of content on how to cultivate mindfulness as a means of dealing with life on life’s terms.”
Predisposition: Sam is a “late diagnosed Autistic person” writing about “identity, masking, being sober, and navigating the world of ‘normal’ people” while trying to be himself. In addition to exploring his experience of autism, Sam writes about recovery, alcohol use, and eating disorders.
Progress is Progress: Belinda (Belle) Morey is a recovering addict and substance use clinician who writes to cut through shame and stigma with honest, sometimes funny, and always real stories. She shares raw experiences with addiction, mental health, trauma, and survival, creating a space to confront relapse, shame, and progress without judgment.
Quiet the Noise: After getting sober in 2020, Kezia Calvert embarked on a journey to get to know herself beneath and beyond her addictions. In Kezia’s words: “One of my most startling discoveries in sobriety is that I am neurodivergent (specifically ADHD).” She created her newsletter as a space where neurodivergent women in recovery can share their experiences and find support.
Rat Park with Carl Erik Fisher: Carl Erik Fisher is an addiction psychiatrist, Columbia University bioethicist, writer, and person in recovery. Seeking a way to make sense of addiction for himself, his family, and his patients, he wrote the bestselling book, The Urge: Our History of Addiction. In Carl’s words: “This Substack newsletter is an experiment in continuing that process of sense-making, learning, and sharing in a more direct way, with a focus on what addiction and recovery have to teach us about thriving and flourishing.”
Reboot and Rise: Sober Sam With The Golden Plan shares personal stories and recovery tools for alcohol-free living, along with reflections and occasional guest voices from others in the recovery space.
Recovered Life: Damon Frank offers an inclusive, resource-rich Substack featuring information and conversations on recovery-related topics. In his words: “We ditch the dogma and foster a lively atmosphere where people in recovery can find their unique path to recovery, regardless of background or beliefs.”
Recoverettes: Kristen Blanton Crocker is a mother, stepmother, and advocate for normalizing recovery from alcoholism among strong, smart women. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Idaho in 2013, and now makes a living selling tree work. Kristen writes about sobriety and parenting and also hosts a private Facebook group focused on recovery.
Recovering: Holly Whitaker’s former online recovery program and bestselling book, Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol, played a pivotal role in my early sobriety. In her words: “I see the world through the lens of our collective and individual addictions, and the world—as we all know—is on fucking fire, and so it follows that I see the solution to all we are facing through the lens of a shared recovery. Whatever I publish here won’t necessarily be constrained to the subject, but recovery will be the thread that sews what I write together.”
Recovering Trans Mystic: Jo Christian (they/them) is a nonbinary, asexual poet, mystic, and Ph.D. student at Southern Illinois University. They write about the deconstruction of faith, 12-Step spirituality and recovery, creativity, writing, queerness—and baking! Along with essays about alcohol addiction and recovery, Jo explores other addictions, including to food and shopping. Their raw, poetic shares always linger a while.
Recovery Writing: James Ryan created his newsletter as a place to share ideas and practices that didn’t make it into his book by the same name or which emerged from his ongoing research into the connections between writing, healing, relationship, and spirituality. In James’s words: “Each month, I present a new way of writing—or a way of thinking about writing—that I hope will serve you in your ongoing recovery.”
Rehabitus: Adam PT, who describes himself as a “practical recover-ist,” created Rehabitus as “a platform for sustaining a sober life and unlocking personal growth post-addiction.” His mission is to “provide real-world strategies, support, and resources designed for individuals who have taken the significant step toward sobriety or have found themself in the limbo of post-addiction life.” The paid tier of Adam’s newsletter includes one-on-one sobriety support, with 12-week coaching blocks, video calls for practical walk-throughs, deep-dive tutorials, and regular check-ins.
Renew Collective Newsletter: If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, don’t miss this one! Rachel Radcliffe shares a monthly round-up of sober meet-ups and social events. Her newsletter also lists ongoing events and sober support groups, both in-person and online.
Repurposed Kate: Kati Kate Katherine is a “dedicated dog mom” in her fifties who enjoys “delicious food, self-reflection, quiet time & conversations, caring for animals, and the company of people who avoid the company of people.” She writes for herself but also for others, offering a beacon of hope for those who feel hopeless.
The Reset by Sam Delaney: Sam Delaney is a writer and broadcaster from London. In Sam’s words: “I used to drink way too much and work way too hard. I am better now and learning to live a calm and happy life without going all weird and boring.” In addition to sharing advice and personal experiences related to mental illness, addiction, recovery, anxiety, and “generally resetting your demons,” Sam hosts a podcast in which he talks to other men about their struggles with addiction and mental illness.
Return to Your Trees: Esther Nagle is a recovery and embodiment coach, nature connection guide, yoga and meditation teacher, writer, and mama who advocates for defining our own path of recovery, creating a recovery life that works for us, and choosing empowerment over powerlessness. Her newsletter is full of tips and inspiration for anyone choosing to get sober and embarking on a joyous, abundant life in recovery.
Rosemary Writes and Recovers: Rosemary is a sober writer and poet sharing about love, life, death, sex, and relationships. She describes herself as an “anxious Big Feeler doing this human-ing thing sober” and writes in order to learn, grow, and heal.
Sacred Recovery: MaryBeth Murphy is a sober witch, SHE RECOVERS® Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Acupressure Therapist, and Family Constellation Facilitator who created this newsletter as a space for women in midlife learning to remain present after life has altered the ground beneath them. In her words: “We are all in recovery from something—whether it be from a substance, patterns, trauma, grief, or a behavior that just isn’t working anymore. Some recoveries don’t look like progress. They look like staying.”
Savvy Goes Surfing: Savannah Murray describes herself as “100% writer and 50% surfer, storyteller, dog mom, wife, and entrepreneur who revels in words, not numbers.” She writes about recovery in an expansive sense, shares heart-sourced poetry, and delves deep into “the process of healing the things below the surface.”
Self Made: Dani Cirignano is a writer, coach, and recovery advocate located in San Francisco. She writes about recovery, creativity, community, and San Francisco and “prefers the margins over the middle every damn time.” In Dani’s words, her newsletter: “is a rebellious recovery community that empowers you to liberate yourself from societal programming and to step boldly into a life of your design.”
Seltzer Rocks by Sarah Levy: Drinking Games author Sarah Levy got sober four days after her 28th birthday, “a decision that felt scary and impossible at the time.” Seltzer Rocks is the newsletter she wished existed when she was in her twenties and struggling with binge drinking. In Sarah’s words: “I was so curious about what a sober life really looked like, and Seltzer Rocks is a closer look at mine—relationships, identity, exploring new passions, and prioritizing self-care. I thought my life would be over when I first got sober, but it was actually just getting started!”
Session Zero - D&D led recovery: Jan is a D&D player in recovery from alcohol addiction and has one of the most original, creative angles I’ve seen in this space. I’m especially intrigued by the parallels Jan draws between “Session Zero” in D&D and figuring out (and building) new worlds in sobriety.
Seventy-Life: More than three decades sober and based in rural Thailand, Steve Munro focuses on what allows recovery to endure when life grows more complex, slogans fall flat, and the old map no longer matches the terrain. In his words: “I needed something that would survive pressure—something that would fire before I had time to negotiate with myself. Something that would work on an ordinary Tuesday—and on the day everything went sideways.” He now shares this approach with others navigating long-term sobriety.
Shameless: Jesse Osmun is a sober CCAR Recovery Coach and IAP certified Life Coach from New Haven, Connecticut. In his words: “As someone who is formerly incarcerated, I know the struggles people have with managing reentry and keeping addiction at bay can seem daunting. As your coach, I know what it feels like to see healing as a daunting task and to be overwhelmed when trying to find the help you need. I’m here to listen, to guide, and to champion you on your road to freedom from addiction.”
Sisters In Sobriety: Along with sharing their personal recovery journey, Sonia and Kathleen offer a seven-day alcohol-free reset, a course on creating new habits in sobriety, and a Sunday chat for subscribers. They also host a sobriety-focused podcast.
Sixburnersue: Susie Middleton is a cook, author of four cookbooks, gardener, writer, editor, sometimes photographer, and former (and future) small farmer. She writes about finding serenity in nature and navigating long-term sobriety with tools and lessons learned while growing flowers and food, cooking, and spending time outdoors on her island home in Martha’s Vineyard. Her tapestry of nature, creativity, and sobriety is simply delightful.
the small bow: the small bow is mostly written and edited by A.J. Daulerio and always illustrated by Edith Zimmerman. They share essays, interviews, and delightful illustrations about long-term recovery. Expect: “Lots of stories with a huge heart that manages to be hilarious and easy while making you question everything you were certain of about yourself.” —Esquire
Snake Dog Journal: SDJ is a Los Angeles based writer and creative director reporting from the intersection of sobriety and culture. Describing getting sober as “the most punk rock thing I’ve ever done,” SDJ sets out to “spotlight sober people in creative industries crushing work and life and (hopefully) debunk the myth of the drunk creative genius once and for all.”
Sober App Substack: This is a companion newsletter to Sober App, a downloadable app to “help you discover freedom through sober living.” Each week, you’ll find new essays by sober writers of diverse backgrounds sharing their stories, offering guidance, and cheering you on.
Sober at 40’s Substack: Sober at 40 is from Northern England, quit drinking at 40, and celebrated one year without alcohol in 2023. In his words: “I turned 40 and thought bollocks to booze, something I did not believe was possible. I currently write about how that decision is working out.” Head over for honest reflections, encouragement, and inspiration.
Sober Banter: Sober Banter is a sobriety and alcohol-free comedy podcast hosted by Colin and Rachel, who both stopped drinking in 2021. Their podcast covers topics such as marriage, parenthood, work, and daily stressors in sobriety. In their words: “We’re here for the brave, the inspired, and anyone looking for a humor based sobriety podcast. Because life might be dry, but it should never be dull! Come as you are, and leave a little lighter!”
The Sober Cinephile: Zac Gall is a writer, English teacher, and parent of four kids living in the Kansas City area. His newsletter sits at the intersection of writing, community, film, and sobriety. In Zac’s words: “Writing is an act of boldness, even daring, and like socializing at a party, many of us predisposed to introversion have reached for the assistance of alcohol to drum up the requisite courage.”
The Sober Creative: Josh Woll helps artists and creative professionals navigate sobriety while reconnecting with their authentic creative voice. With nearly 20 years behind the camera and a personal journey through growth and recovery, Josh shows how clarity of mind can unlock the creative potential that substances often suppress. He offers support, strategies, and community for those seeking balance, purpose, and integrity in both life and art.
Sober Duder’s Spot: Shane Willbanks is “a recovered alcoholic, writer, and father who traded bottles for blank pages and self-destruction for self-awareness.” Based in Arkansas, he writes about the gritty, beautiful, and often ridiculous path of staying sober and staying human, sharing essays on recovery, identity, faith, grief, and grace.
Sober for Good: Suzanne Warye is a fashion influencer turned sobriety advocate, podcaster, and author. As the host of The Sober Mom Life podcast, founder of The Sober Mom Life Community, and a writer on Substack, she strives to normalize sobriety, debunk the myth of moderation, and empower sober women and mothers.
The Sober Founder: Brian D. Miller is a Simon & Schuster author, creative professional, and entrepreneur who writes about startups and living alcohol-free. As the founder of Seir Hill, a premium non-alcoholic spirits brand recently sold to Better Rhodes, Brian shares his personal journey as a sober entrepreneur. He offers insights and reflections on building a business while embracing sobriety.
Sober Gemini: Lindsey Goodrow is a queer and sober essayist writing from Long Beach, California. She is obsessed with unearthing and unraveling life’s addictive feelings. Her work has also been featured in the The Gay and Lesbian Review. I was especially captivated by Lindsey’s raw, resonant essay on relapse, love, and a sober breakup.
Sober Girl in Paris: Alcohol free since 2023, Apolline Birch writes about what it’s like to quit drinking in a country famous for its wine. In her words: “It’s more about imagination than deprivation. It’s about getting back in touch with oneself, rather than losing oneself. It’s about discovery and adventure, about learning new things and also about deeply reconnecting with the authentic person inside, who’s been there all along, and who wants to be heard.”
the Sober Glow: In Mia’s words, head here for “musings from a teetotaling, silver-haired broad.” You’ll find the free Sober Glow newsletter as well as The Feel Good Studio, which includes a robust suite of resources for making sobriety feel good.
Sober, Introvert, Slave to a Chihuahua: Though retired, Jennifer Trainor is living and sharing a creative life through words, music, and images. She’s sober, an HSP introvert, and companion to a rescue chihuahua named Chloe. Alongside original artwork, Jennifer shares a window into her recovery journey, including how she returned to a creative life and learned to thrive after “chronic depression and alcoholism.”
Sober Living In The Music Industry: Tim Bailey is an elder emo, sober, and a proud introvert with 18 years of experience in the music industry. Now a senior label manager, his past includes roles as a national concert promoter, journalist, and electro house DJ/vocalist signed to an indie label. Join him in exploring life, music, and wellness from a sober perspective.
Sober-Minded Mom: Jaime Green is a sober wife and boy mom who lives on 40 acres in northern California. She writes about 12-Step recovery, her relationship with God, and how sobriety is connected to everything. Jaime also offers thoughtful, helpful responses to questions she’s received since choosing sobriety at the end of 2021.
The Sober Shaman: Doctor of Chinese Medicine and shamanic practitioner Randal Lyons shares a holistic approach to escaping addictive cycles and finding long-term sobriety. His newsletter includes Medicine wRites, a series with guided shamanic writing exercises set to drumming. Randy has been clean and sober for more than three decades and has been working in the addiction treatment field for more than two decades.
Sober’s Substack: SoberSaint shares unfiltered thoughts about sobriety and Jesus, along with dark humor. In her words: “I am nothing other than an ordinary, middle-aged woman attempting to follow Jesus who found herself bound by the dreaded drink.”
Sober Sundays: Each Sunday, Obii Ifejika shares a new poem or story in audio and text format. Sober Sundays is raw and honest. Obii’s voice is magic.
Sober Yoga Girl: Alexandra McRobert is a yoga teacher, writer, podcast host, and lifelong student of spiritual wisdom. Weaving together personal stories, spiritual reflections, and practical insights, she writes about what it means to live a conscious, sober life using the tools of yoga: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, Buddha Dharma, and modern recovery frameworks like the 12 Steps.
Sobering Thoughts: Sam Wilson considers writing an essential part of his sobriety and started his newsletter one week after getting sober. He shares about his own struggles and what helps him stay on track—including health-conscious habits and fitness. A new dad, he also talks about healing trauma and navigating recovery and mental health challenges while parenting.
Sobriety Doesn’t Suck: Jim Savage is a veteran drug and alcohol counselor dedicated to helping people find sobriety that makes them feel good about themselves. He focuses on transforming sobriety into a journey of happiness, excitement, and spiritual fulfillment. Jim’s approach is rooted in positivity and self-empowerment, guiding individuals toward a fulfilling, sober life.
Soul Eruptions: Jennifer L’Esperance began her sober journey in 2009 and, after a brief relapse in 2017, celebrated six continuous years of sobriety on January 1, 2025. A Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience, her recovery is rooted in women’s AA meetings and authentic connections with women healing from past trauma. In her newsletter, she shares her ongoing journey toward peace and stillness, writing about recovery from alcohol, childhood trauma, abuse, and the path to self-love and acceptance.
S.P.A.: Coco is a past-life PR and brand consultant, now a sauna sommelier, bathing connoisseur, and water gourmand in long-term sobriety. She writes about water-based pleasures and the ways we cleanse ourselves emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically through water, heat, cold, and pressure. In her words: “I believe water is the cornerstone of both healing and sanity. If my obsession with water is a sickness, then I don’t want wellness.”
Special, A Serial Memoir: Sondra Primeaux is an upcycle designer and maker, photographer, former podcast host of The Unruffled, and writer sharing a serial memoir alongside expansive, insightful conversations about creativity, recovery, and midlife. Also look for podcast interviews and imagery of midlife women in recovery, Zoom meetings on the Enneagram, and other special surprises!
Spirit/Matter: Eric Cunningham is an ecological anthropologist whose work weaves together Japan, capitalism, and spirituality. On Substack, he writes about spiritual practice, Earth kinship, and the daily work of finding wholeness in a fractured world. Through recovery principles like honesty, surrender, and service, he explores what it means to return to ourselves and live with presence, one day at a time.
The Spittoon: Matt Andersen has the best tagline: “Sober writer. Addictive stories.” He shares non-fiction articles exploring addiction through his personal lens, original short stories, and posts featuring others and highlighting community.
still loading: maja roglić is a sober Croatian-American writer based in New York City. Her blog explores themes of identity, culture, and the ongoing project of living well. When she’s not writing, you can find maja traveling, meditating, or trying to figure out what’s for dinner.
Stoic Street Smarts: A best-selling author and former heavyweight boxer with a degree in Physics, Ed Latimore has been sober since 2013. He shares “insights, perspectives, and practices gained from a childhood in the hood, a mindset forged by boxing, and humility shaped from overcoming addiction.” In his words: “Now I teach people what I learned the hard way so they can live a better life themselves.”
Superpowered: Helena Shannon got sober over a decade ago at 23, while navigating the world of male-dominated sales culture. Sobriety helped her build a career and life she loves, leading her to leave the corporate world to start her own company. In her newsletter, she writes about, “what happens when you bring clarity and consciousness into every corner of life and business. It’s a mix of personal growth, entrepreneurship, wellness, and the real behind-the-scenes of what it looks like to build, lead, and live awake in a world that loves to numb.”
Taking Personal Inventory: A self-described “recovering alcoholic on a Scottish island,” Cams Campbell has been sober since 2005 but sees recovery as an ongoing journey. In his words: “The problems that plague all creators—creative blocks, self-doubt, low self-esteem, impostor syndrome—would all lead to my self-harming through means other than alcohol. I was destroying relationships through being unkind and selfish, bingeing TV shows, judging everyone, ignoring my family, and, the most harmful of all, sugar.”
The Teacher’s Way: Molly Moynahan is a novelist, essayist, and writing coach in long-term sobriety. On Substack, she shares powerfully rendered essays about growing up amidst the pain, violence, and heartbreak of addiction. She also shares her story of breaking free and choosing something different, in addition to essays about teaching, writing, parenting, culture, and “living with grace and humor.”
The Temperate Gentlewoman: A Temperate Gentlewoman shares beautifully rendered dispatches about life, zero-proof drinks, and recovery. In her words: “Whether you are sober (for whatever reason), sobercurious (for whatever reason), convalescing in a rehabilitation facility in the Alps (for whatever reason), or merely of a discerning palate, this epistle is for you.”
Thanks For Letting Me Share: This is the newsletter of Miss Sober Jane and T.B.D., self-described “addicts and alcoholics” who got sober though AA and working the 12 Steps. In their words: “We came to see that the Big Book and the Twelve Steps were really a series of prompts and questions that invited us to see ourselves and our place in the world differently. Working the Steps did way more than help us stop drinking, it transformed us and our lives.”
There’s Nothing Wrong With You (And There Never Was): Kelly Thompson is the founding editor and curator of The Rumpus Original Column Voices On Addiction, and her essays, interviews, and poetry have appeared in Memoir Land, BOMB, LARB, Guernica, Proximity, Fatal Flaw, Yoga Journal, and other literary magazines. On Substack, she shares “the HOW of recovery in specific, concrete actions because recovering is lifelong, and this journey is a wild adventure that keeps on giving.” Kelly is an LCSW who lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
This Honest Life: Keri, who lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, shares her journey of sobriety, self-discovery, and everyday growth. She believes in the power of honesty, community, and showing up for one another, one small act at a time.
This Is Not Okay: Sydney Allen shares reflections and personal truths uncovered in sobriety and recovery. She focuses on the belief that every sobriety is valid, even for those who didn’t hit rock bottom before choosing to remove alcohol from their life.
This Is Real Life...with Zero Filter: Natalie Fannin quit drinking alcohol after a 30-day cleanse turned into a life-changing wellness journey. In her words: “Here you’ll find real-life reflections on sobriety as wellness, mindset shifts, faith, emotional growth, and learning how to live fully present in the season you’re in. I write about becoming… not fixing.”
This Middle Life: Tracie is documenting her sober journey and exploring what it means to meet midlife not as a crisis, but as an unfolding. Sharing some backstory, she says: “I left a 27+ year career recently (terrifying) and explored a completely new direction. It’s been a bit bumpy along the way, but has been absolutely necessary and I’m finally finding my place. I hold certifications and training in workplace wellness, health, recovery and career coaching, along with extensive leadership experience.”
Towards a Better Tomorrow: Brian Lamacraft is a Canadian writer sharing his health and fitness journey, reflections on sobriety, and insights from his writing life. He hopes his experiences can support and inspire others on a similar path. Alongside these themes, he also explores technology, creativity, and occasionally publishes short stories and poetry.
trust fall: Bille Oh is a sober, queer writer and yoga teacher whose work has appeared in a variety of literary journals, including So to Speak, Cosmic Double, and Calyx. In their words: “i believe in the power of words. i believe in the power of attention. i believe in radical honesty, and forgiveness. i believe that yoga and spiritual practices should be accessible and useful and integrated into fabric of our lives. i believe words and movement and movement and words can be combined in beautiful and transformative ways. i believe in connection and community. toward that end—i want to find ways share practices more widely.”
The Ultimate Mom Challenge: Award-winning writer, mom, and marketing professional Celeste Yvonne covers parenting, mental health, and sobriety. She’s a founding host of the Sober Mom Squad and an advocate for mothers who struggle with addiction—providing a healing, hopeful counterpoint to “mommy wine culture.”
The Unfettered, Sober Soul: Clark (aka the Sober Webb) explores “the emotional, mental, and spiritual layers of life without alcohol: identity shifts, grief, clarity, loneliness, self-trust, meaning, and the slow process of becoming honest with yourself.” Rather than teaching a specific recovery formula or doctrine, he writes for people who are learning to sit with themselves and ask deeper questions.
Unfucking Midlife & Sobriety: Ashley Kelsch is a certified life coach specializing in emotional sobriety and life redesign. She writes about what it truly means to live well without alcohol, sharing weekly tools, reflections, and practices to help readers regulate emotions, build internal steadiness, and navigate life without old coping mechanisms. Topics range from practical strategies for cravings and boundaries to deeper explorations of shadow work, Jung’s connection to AA, and why we keep repeating patterns we swear we won’t.
The Unlearning Gazette: Lisa Stanton, PhD, is a research scientist at a health tech company and co-founder and president of The Unlearning Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people on faith-based recovery journeys. Her newsletter is a “personal journal out in the open,” where she shares essays, prayer notes, and reflections about her recovery and how she’s “unlearning old patterns in order to live with more freedom, joy, and peace.”
Unshattered Sobriety: Kimberley Kearns is a writer, wife, and mom to three kids. After relying on booze for more than two decades, she embarked on a life of sobriety in November 2020. She’s passionate about sharing her story in the hopes of inspiring others and offering a window into the joy and freedom of an alcohol-free lifestyle. In Kim’s words: “We recover out loud so others don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Valley Haggard: Valley Haggard shares flash nonfiction micro-essays about “recovery, addiction, writing, healing, and learning how to human.” Paying subscribers can also access the series “God Is My Boyfriend.” In Valley’s words: “Ok, this is the Big Stuff. The original wound stuff. The always lurking beneath the surface stuff. Join me in recovery from sex + love addiction and my quest for the divine.”
The Velvet Hammer: Em Biever is a life coach, writer, and alcohol-free lifestyle advisor, as well as the founder of The No More Bullshit Project. A passionate truth-seeker and BS-buster, she shares hard-won lessons from single motherhood, sobriety, entrepreneurship, and romance. Her writing speaks to those ready to shake things up and embrace an unapologetic, bold life.
The Veritas Daily: Jonathon M. Seidl is a dad, husband, entrepreneur, and storyteller who describes himself as a “recovering alcoholic all about messy sanctification, radical vulnerability, and God’s grace.” He’s also the #1 bestselling author of Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life. In his words: “I write about faith. About life. About my struggles and my trials. I’m radically vulnerable, maybe to a fault. In an age of filters and heavily edited videos, I bring a raw and real component to my little corner of the internet.”
Victoriously Sober: Tori H. is a 30-something-year-old living in the Detroit metropolitan area and writing about recovery, addiction, mental health, and her struggles around discovering that she was donor-conceived. I especially like Tori’s lists of what’s working for her in sobriety. She also shares cute pics of her rescue pup—a “doofusy, loving, drooly Pitbull mix named Scooby.”
Wavy Thoughts: Ren Riley (she/they) is a late-diagnosed AuDHD person sharing life through the lens of neurodivergence, sobriety, and everyday reflections. They explore the challenges and joys of being autistic and ADHD with insight and a playful touch, offering thoughtful yet entertaining perspectives on life’s journeys.
The Way of Persephone: Marina quit alcohol and drugs in September 2014; quit “unhealthy sex practices, sexual misconduct, and codependent love relationships shortly after”; and is “still ‘dancing’” with her relationship with food and coffee.” In her words: “This publication is about sex. And sexuality. And kink. And spirituality. And the psyche. And how these affect the psyche and can go hand in hand, and serve as a vehicle on one's path to becoming who they truly are. I will be sharing (mostly) from my own experience.”
The Wellraiser: Jeff Stevens is the founder of alcohol-free beverage company WellBeing Brewing. On Substack, he shares stories and wisdom from his own recovery and sobriety while inspiring others to drink less and do more to support their wellbeing.
When The Pain Gets Too Great We Change: Hannah Sward is the award-winning author of Strip: A Memoir. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, HuffPost, and The New York Times, among other publications. Here, she writes about: “All things recovery. From alcohol to meth to carrots to donuts. This newsletter is about my own experiences over the past 15 1/2 years in recovery with occasional guest posts from fellows in recovery.”
Wildly alive: Miriam is an x-ray technologist working at a rural hospital in a cowboy town. Her third book, Everything Is Broken and Completely Fine, explores her journey with mental illness, how she self-medicated with alcohol, and the toll of the pandemic. On Substack, she writes about “mental health, relationships, sobriety, and becoming brave.”
Wiser Without Wine: Drawing from 13-plus years of continuous sobriety, Lisa offers a judgement-free space for moms “navigating the complicated, messy, and deeply personal journey of sobriety” and who want to join in honest conversations as part of a supportive community. In her words: “I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming this struggle can feel—I entered rehab when my daughters were just 7 and 9, terrified of what life without alcohol would look like. But I also know the incredible freedom, clarity, and strength that come with choosing a different path.”
Words & Wildfire: Timothi Jane Graham is an essayist, award-winning photographer, and meditation guide. Sober for more than two decades, she draws on personal history, generational trauma, and the layered process of healing, blending raw stories of struggle with reflections on how sobriety creates a path out of the cycle.
Worth Your Time: Erika Andersen is a freelance writer who focuses on faith, culture, politics, sobriety, and motherhood. In her words: “If you are a momma who cares about a deeper relationship with God in a chaotic, crazy word, you’re here! … Be a part of the mission to show how modern Christian Mommas with curious faith are welcome in Christianity. The church of your past is not the church of your future, friends.”
Wreckage to Recovery: Tim Lineaweaver is a counselor, writer, and speaker on addiction, trauma, and recovery. He’s been clean and sober since 1984, and has spent the past 30 years working with others to overcome their addictions. In his newsletter, Tim shares personal stories, practical suggestions, and resources on recovery, stability, and personal growth.
The Write to Liberation: kamil is a creative nonfiction writer and grief worker sharing raw, honest, heartfelt reflections. Themes woven throughout her work include surviving a car accident, which upended everything; mental health and laying bare topics such as panic attacks and suicidal ideation; sobriety and relapse; her experience of taking a leap of faith and buying a one-way ticket to Mexico; and how to live with complicated grief.
Writing Your Discovery: Journalist, bestselling author, psychotherapist, and TEDx speaker Ann Dowsett Johnston shares heart-rendered wisdom on sober living, aging, and memoir writing. She worked at Maclean’s magazine for more than 25 years, is the author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, and offers workshops on Writing Your Recovery.
The Year After My Mom Died: Theresa Rath is a German-born lawyer, writer, and neurodivergence coach. Sober since 2022 and later diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she has published several books and hosts two podcasts. Currently, Theresa is working on her fifth book, a spiritual travel guide through India and Nepal that chronicles a journey of transformation following major loss.
Zero Proof Nation™️ by Laura: Laura Silverman is the founder of Zero Proof Nation™ and has been “a booze-free babe since 2007.” Along with NA beverages, she loves karaoke, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, world travel, and nature. Zero Proof Nation™️ is a global hub for AF beverages and resources, featuring a map of AF establishments all over the world.
Zero Proof Rob: Rob Walling started his newsletter as a place to work out his thoughts and feelings about becoming alcohol free—it evolved to encompass much more, but remains grounded in recovery. In Rob’s words: “My serenity at this moment has been hard fought. But I am prepared for whatever battles lie ahead, secure in my knowledge that service and showing up for myself will get me through every time. That is what it means to me to live a sober life. The not drinking is almost beside the point; it is being authentically myself, emotionally naked, frequently terrified but doing it all anyway. Because what choice is there really?”
A growing, living resource
This is a growing collection that I update monthly. You’re welcome to share your own Substack newsletter or recommend others in the comments. You’re also invited to say hello—even if your recovery journey isn’t something you write about publicly or make the primary focus of your work.
If you’d like to receive updates from me directly, you’re welcome to subscribe below.
Wishing you strength and serenity,
Dana
I feel honored and humbled that Dana mentioned my publication in her newsletter. I look forward to connecting with others amongst the "SoberStack." If you are looking for quality newsletters regarding sobriety and recovery, I highly recommend taking a gander at some of these publications! I follow several of them already, and I can't get enough of them. Thank you again, Dana.
So honored, Dana! I'm going through and following the other folks on this list. It's so great to connect with other folks in the SoberStack (great word, btw!) space.