COURSE

Sobriety Q&A: Insights For Addiction Recovery

Inspiration and information to support people in all stages of recovery. Students will learn experiential exercises, mindfulness techniques, and spiritual practices to process emotions, discover intentions, and cultivate purposefulness. Self-inquiry, conscious breathing, and present-moment awareness are utilized so students can find empowerment and embodiment in order to heal traumas, triggers, causes, and conditions that lead to addictive behaviors. Caregivers and those who work in the fields of self-help, trauma resolution, emotional stability, and similar disciplines can also benefit from the practical, accessible, and heartfelt lessons that complement protocols for working with people who suffer from substance abuse, eating disorders, mental health issues, and similar dependencies.

Addiction Happiness Letting Go Spirituality Mindfulness Meditation Recovery & Healing Health & Happiness Spirituality Mindfulness

Meet your Teacher

Brian Hyman

Malibu, CA, USA

Brian Hyman, RYT, is an addiction recovery activist, published author, yoga and meditation teacher, and regular content creator for Insight Timer. He is a member of the Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists. He has more than 14 years of personal recovery from addiction and over 12 years of professional experience facilitating thousands of yoga classes at a prominent treatment center for addiction recovery in Southern California. Brian has written articles about recovery and yoga for notable health magazines and websites, including Newsweek, Whole Life Times, and Mantra Wellness. He has been interviewed about his innovative and dedicated work by spiritual publications and podcasts such as The Healing Place, Yoga Therapy Hour, and On and Off Your Mat. His yoga classes, breathing tutorials, and guided meditations have been online in different formats for over a dozen years. Brian’s popular courses on Insight Timer include Emotional Sobriety: Finding Freedom, Harmony, And Peace In Recovery; Recovery: Principles for a Purposeful Life; Understanding the Twelve Steps; Dharma of Recovery: 5 Powers; Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude; Yogic Principles for Transformation; Yogic Wisdom for Modern Times; Finding Happiness & Inner Peace; Dharma of a Rope: Seeing Things Clearly; Dharma of a Flower: Awakening in the Here and Now; Finding and Fulfilling Your Purpose; and Supportive Practices for Overcoming Challenges. Brian also has more than 50 guided meditations in our free library.

10 Days

220 students

4.9 stars

10 min / day

Addiction

English

Lesson 1

How Can A Person Get Sober?

We begin by looking at a question alcoholics and addicts face at the onset of a sobriety journey. We discuss ways to approach getting sober, and various methodologies and programs for addiction treatment and rehabilitation. We also discuss the importance of personal readiness and discipline if people are to achieve lasting sobriety.

Lesson 2

What Is Sobriety And What Is Recovery?

We define sobriety and how it relates to those who suffer from addiction. We discuss how physical sobriety is interdependent with mentality, emotionality, and spirituality. Recovery is then defined as an ongoing way of being in the world; to be made new again; and to be brought into a state of wholeness.

Lesson 3

Do We Need To Be Spiritual To Get Sober?

We examine what it means to be spiritual. We discuss spiritual traditions and how they guide us to be conscious, present, mindful, and purposeful. We also discuss how we are unlikely to achieve sobriety if we do things that inhibit our awareness, numb our senses, or distort our perception and comprehension.

Lesson 4

Can We Just Moderate Instead Of Abstaining Altogether?

We look at a question many people who suffer from addiction consider when engaged in unwholesome or harmful behaviors. We look at why we are willing to endure pain and misery. We also talk about the benefits of complete abstinence as a path of non-harm which leads to homeostasis and engenders self-love and self-confidence.

Lesson 5

Is It Hard To Get Sober And Stay Sober?

We discuss the principles of truth and effort in relation to changing lifestyle habits that may be coping mechanisms. We examine motivations and intentions to be sober and learn to allow these things to guide us toward healing and transformation. We also outline ways to achieve lasting sobriety amidst challenges.

Lesson 6

What Are The Best Things I Can Do For My Recovery?

We talk about general ways people maintain recovery, and how to personalize spiritual practices to enhance individual recovery. We talk about introspective disciplines such as yoga and meditation, as well as mindfulness exercises like journaling and walking in nature, and how all of these activities bolster recovery.

Lesson 7

Is It Weird To Be Sober When Others Are Drinking Or Smoking Or Doing Other Addictive Things?

We tackle a question which prevents many addicts from changing destructive lifestyle patterns. We talk about the desire to want to fit in with others and feel a sense of belonging. We also learn to choose what we consume so we are not negatively affected or swayed by societal norms or customs.

Lesson 8

What Are The Best Things Or Benefits Of Being Sober?

We talk about letting go of emotions and feelings like fear, anger, and depression; and cultivating peace, contentment, and joy in their place. We list health benefits, ranging from what dwells within the realms of mind, body, and spirit, to additional rewards which can be viewed as cultural, financial, and career-oriented.

Lesson 9

How Does Life Change In Recovery?

We discuss health improvements and perspective shifts. We talk about goals and dreams, and how to make these things manifest. We talk about the power of community and fellowship with others in recovery. We also learn about emotional sobriety, and how it is essential for long-term recovery.

Lesson 10

How Do We Deal With Regrets About Life Before Sobriety?

We talk about living in the present moment. We learn to process and take appropriate actions to heal and transform regrets, in addition to shame, anxiety, and resentment. We learn to make peace with who we were when we were in active addiction, and we find compassion for ourselves. We learn to offer empathy and understanding to anyone who still suffers from addiction, and we learn to use our past experiences to help others now and in the future.

4.9 (15)

Recent Reviews

Kristin

July 5, 2025

Thank you 🙏

Dianne

December 16, 2024

A great resource for beginners. It helpfully explains the realistic benefits of sobriety and working a program. His calm voice and presentation model the best outcome beautifully. I will recommend it to anyone but especially newcomers. Thank you for your service.

Jimmy

December 7, 2024

by Brian Hyman

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