Why Early Recovery Feels So Hard — And How to Get Through It

Early recovery is one of the toughest battles you’ll ever face. And here’s the truth most people don’t tell you: it’s not just about saying no to drugs or alcohol. Early sobriety is a full-body, full-mind storm. Your thoughts won’t slow down, your emotions feel too big, and your body is screaming for relief in ways that feel impossible to ignore.

If you’re in that place right now, you might feel overwhelmed, lonely, and honestly… like you’re barely hanging on.

But here’s the good news: this part does not last forever.
And understanding why it feels so hard is one of the quickest ways to get to the other side.

Welcome back to Put the Shovel Down. I’m Amber Hollingsworth, and this channel exists to help you stay five steps ahead of addiction. Because when you know what you’re dealing with, you’re already halfway through the battle.

The Real Reason Early Recovery Feels Impossible

At the very core of addiction is mental...

4 Destructive Mindsets That Sabotage Your Addiction Recovery (And How to Overcome Them)

If you've been trying to overcome an addiction but keep falling back into it repeatedly, chances are you're grappling with one of these three destructive thinking patterns. In this post, we'll confront this head-on and even add a bonus mindset to ensure your success in beating addiction once and for all.

We help you stay five steps ahead of addiction through actionable steps. Our goal here is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to make a lasting recovery. 

Destructive Mindset #1: "Most People Don't Beat Addiction"

One of the most pervasive myths is that only a small percentage of people beat addiction. This mindset is reinforced by alarming statistics and negative narratives in rehab environments. However, thousands of people overcome addiction every day. Believing that most people fail sets you up for self-sabotage. The truth is, by taking proactive steps like watching this v...