RRP 74 Andrea L.: Keep Coming Back – Recovery, Relapse, and the Power of Community

The Real Story of Showing Up—Through Relapse, Loss, and Hope

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Episode 74 of the Real Recovery Podcast features Andrea L., a social worker whose story of functional alcoholism, repeated relapse, and ultimate resilience re-examines what recovery really looks like. Hosts Julie and Peter guide a candid conversation that trades perfectionism for persistence and celebrates the healing power of community.

From “Functional” to Facing the Truth

Andrea maintained a marriage, a career, and a seemingly normal life while routinely drinking three vodka sodas and four beers after work. Working in addiction services only deepened her denial—proof that professional success can hide a worsening problem. A winter night when she “took a nap” on the sidewalk finally shattered the illusion of control.

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Accessing Help—Without Losing Your Job

Andrea’s first instinct was to tell her supervisor and HR everything. Julie explains a better plan:

1. Call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) first.
2. Use FMLA and the Americans with Disabilities Act to protect treatment time.
3. Limit disclosure to “medical leave” unless you choose to share more.
   Andrea’s eventual inpatient stay—booked through Kaiser Addiction Medicine—shows why medically supervised detox matters; “just quitting” at home can be dangerous.

Pandemic Pressures

Lockdowns left liquor stores open and treatment beds scarce. Remote work blurred day-night boundaries, making daytime drinking “acceptable.” Andrea’s February 2022 admission came amid a surge of people whose habits escalated during the pandemic.

Community: The Real Lifeline

Though Andrea first attended Extended Family AA meetings simply to quiet concerned friends, she soon found genuine safety in the hybrid group. Barry’s reminder—“We don’t shoot our wounded”—let her return after each slip without shame. Service kept her anchored: hosting a weekly Zoom meeting for a year guaranteed she “showed up, even on bad days.”

Relapse as Teacher

Across three years Andrea’s relapses grew shorter and less destructive, proving progress isn’t linear but cumulative. She now counts every sober day as a success and views setbacks as information, not failure.

"I have been working on getting sober for three years. I have had many ups and downs... And I have had many successes."
​– Andrea L 

Integrating Recovery & Work

Julie’s transparency about the podcast led her employer to sponsor the GTD 5K, showing that honesty can create unexpected allies. For Andrea, separating “work self” and “recovery self” no longer feels necessary; authenticity has strengthened both spheres.

Resources Mentioned

• 24/7 Crisis Line: 503-223-8569
• Extended Family & Lunch Bunch AA: hybrid meetings
• Portland Alano Club: community hub
• 4D Recovery: youth services
• Another Chance Clinical Services: treatment center
• Skyler Ray: rapper on the Road to Recovery tour
• Jim Valvano Foundation: “Never Give Up” inspiration

Navigating Social Life

​Old friends still scan her glass at dinners; family trips test boundaries; yet allies like her brother-in-law Matthew, also in recovery, make abstinence easier. Andrea’s story reminds listeners to build supportive networks inside and outside meetings.

Recovery is not a straight climb but an ever-branching path. Andrea’s willingness to keep coming back—through embarrassment, relapse, and uncertainty—shows that persistence, community service, and honest connection turn stumbling blocks into stepping-stones.

Listen: Episode 74 Audio
Read More: Real Recovery Blog
Connect: Real Recovery Podcast

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 @RealRecoveryPodcast @4DRecovery @OfficialSkylerRay @PortlandAlano @GTDGoTheDistance

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