Episode 3: Are You Ever Recovered?
In this episode of Dear Vernon, Laura McKowen and Eric Johnson respond to a listener question:
"Are you ever actually recovered, or are you in recovery forever?"
Laura reflects on what recovery means to her now, more than a decade into sobriety — how it’s shifted from something effortful and front-of-mind into something deeply integrated. Eric dives into the difference between sobriety (not drinking) and recovery (learning how to live, cope, and regulate without alcohol).
Together, they talk about:
The difference between being sober and being in recovery
Why early sobriety can feel so heavy, and why it doesn’t stay that way
How recovery evolves as it becomes part of who you are
Emotional sobriety, regulation, and learning healthier ways to cope
And why recovery isn’t about arriving somewhere perfect
This is a conversation for anyone who’s wondered:
“Will this always feel like work?”
“Do people really do this forever?”
“Does it ever get easier?”
Want more support?
We offer three 13-week programs designed to meet you exactly where you are in sobriety:
👉 The Sober 90 by The Luckiest Club — The Luckiest Club
👉 The Sober Steady — The Luckiest Club
👉 The Sober Life — The Luckiest Club
Not a member yet?
You can explore everything inside The Luckiest Club with a free 7-day trial:
👉 Start your free week
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