“It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are.”
— Wendell Berry
Another week moving forward in alcohol abstinence, another week appreciating my sobriety. I am feeling much more confident in this period of recovery — heck, even pride! But I also admit that thoughts of past relapses and withdrawals still bring memories of pain and shame, deserving a cautious observance of my current state in recovery.
When the painful memories recede, when the possibility of casual drinking crosses my mind — no matter how briefly or how quickly dismissed — I know that I have resources I can turn to for support in staying the sober course. My current practices and habits are working, but sometimes I need to reach beyond the here and now, outside myself, for recovery support.
For this week, I want to share a few of my most valuable media resources I turn to when needed for both comfort and strength in my recovery. These do not take precedence over the compassion offered by family and friends, but they are valuable tools for my journey. Below are four primary YouTube sources that are always available when I feel the need for encouragement or clarity:
• Kevin O’Hara — Habits Unplugged V2
Kevin O’Hara, a man with lived experience in alcoholism and recovery, has been producing YouTube content for over ten years. He writes books and offers a recovery program called HabitsV2. I appreciate his grounded, nature-walk style while discussing tools for abstinence. His methods align well with my SMART Recovery background and CBT principles.
• Emma McAdam — Therapy in a Nutshell
Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is known for her clear, calm mental health guidance. She covers subjects such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and family dynamics — many of which intersect with my own recovery work. Her voice has been an anchor for me during difficult stretches.
• Amber Hollingsworth — Put the Shovel Down
Amber Hollingsworth, a Master Addiction Counselor, speaks to both people struggling with addiction and the families affected by it. Her insights have helped me better understand how my actions may have impacted others and have strengthened my compassion and accountability.
• Dr. Gabor Maté — assorted talks and interviews
Dr. Maté is a renowned Canadian physician whose work centers on childhood trauma and addiction. His book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts remains one of the most important works in helping me understand the deeper roots of my substance use and the healing required for long-term recovery.
Video gives me a sense of connection with these presenters, but I also download episodes for offline listening so they are accessible 24/7 — during drives, walks, or when the internet is unavailable.
These four are my core online resources, though countless other channels and videos exist for anyone walking a recovery path. I continue to explore what works for me and use those tools when needed.