Sober but Still Angry? With Zach Brittle

What happens when the drinking stops but the anger stays? Sonia welcomes Zach Brittle, LMHC, Certified Gottman Therapist, Relational Life Therapist, and host of Marriage Therapy Radio. Why can resentment linger after quitting alcohol? How can someone take responsibility without taking all the blame? What happens when partners get sober at different times? Sonia and Zach explore recovery, relationship boundaries, and rebuilding trust beyond counting drinks or sober days. Zach explains his approach to the “wise adult,” pausing before reacting, and playing the movie forward. He describes how Relational Life Therapy connects self-esteem, boundaries, and intimacy, and why having communication tools differs from being ready to use them. Sonia also asks about the difference between celebrating recovery and becoming overconfident. From asking for help during the pandemic to confronting longstanding resentment, Zach shares the experiences behind his recovery. An unforgettable Christmas tree stand, a frustrating gas-station queue, and his and Rebecca’s different paths to sobriety reveal how change has reshaped their marriage and parenting. This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our substack for extra tips, tricks and resources. Zach’s Links Website Instagram Marriage Therapy Radio SIS Links 💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen 📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email 📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram 🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast 📸 Kathleen’s Instagram Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introducing Zach Brittle 02:00 — Recovery beyond alcohol 04:00 — Recognizing personal relapse risks 08:00 — Drinking escalates during COVID 10:00 — Asking for a sponsor’s help 13:00 — Taking inventory of resentment 15:00 — Owning his anger without alcohol 18:00 — Responsibility versus self-blame 20:00 — Anger in the gas-station queue 22:00 — The pause that creates choice 25:00 — Playing the movie forward 27:00 — Recovery becomes a new way of living 29:00 — A milestone tests his sobriety 33:00 — Why tools alone aren’t enough 35:00 — Self-esteem, boundaries, and intimacy 40:00 — Partners on different recovery paths 46:00 — Setting relationship boundaries 47:00 — Alcohol’s impact beyond drink counts 49:00 — Connection, fun, and life after drinking 56:00 — Modeling recovery for adult children