In Listen UP Episode 10, former professional footballer and ex-PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle shares boundary rules that protect sobriety, highlighting how to stop digital pile‑ons at the door, and how one daily script steadies mood swings.

Clarke Carlisle unveils four low‑mood stabilisers that transform “here we go again” into “I’m safe for tonight”:

- Keep one sentence ready for invites: “Not tonight, early start” — no debate, no guilt

- Phone in another room after 9pm: alarm on a cheap clock; messages wait till morning

- Pre‑prepare a 3‑name call list: if you're struggling, call the first name on the list — don’t wait for the “right” words

- Make routines effortless with the “same day” rule: same dinner, same bedtime, same check‑in — a bad day doesn’t cancel self-care

...and shares one number that predicts relapse more than motivation.

This episode: lk2.app/luep10

Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 9, Gayle Brannigan of The St Mirren Charitable Foundation shares the simple anchors that keep recovery on track, highlighting a morning reset that steadies emotions, and the power of hearing lived experience weekly.

Gayle unveils a stadium‑based hub plus weekly speakers that transforms isolation into steady, face‑to‑face support:

--Use a 60‑second “just for today” check to stop spiralling and choose the next right step

--How two pocket‑sized readings cool anger, lift gratitude, and steady choices

--Turn high‑risk calendar dates into safe days with one planned meeting and one backup

--Convert festive triggers into support by planning one meeting you will not miss

...and reveals one crucial boundary that protects the first 7 days after detox.

#recovery, #mutualaid, #wellbeing, #StMirren, #soberliving, #ListenUPPodcast

Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 8, bestselling 12‑step author and Somerton Lodge founder John Elford shares the exact turning points that moved him from homelessness and hospital detoxes to 22 years sober, highlighting the two‑word decision that stopped his next drink, and a step‑by‑step way to face everyday triggers without panic.

John Elford unveils no-nonsense, practical strategies that transforms urge spikes at the door into calm action:

-Name the problem out loud to lower cravings in the next five minutes

-Keep momentum with a single daily action that proves progress by bedtime

-Quiet racing thoughts with an audio reset that actually sticks

-Walk past the booze aisle with a simple head cue that keeps your feet moving

…and reveals pocket‑size anti‑craving scripts throughout.

#addictionrecovery, #soberlife, #recoverytools, #earlyrecovery

Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...