In this episode, host Denise Krochta welcomes guest Mary Clifford, Resident Manager of The Bridges of San Diego Sober Living Home located in La Jolla, California.  Mary addresses her alcoholism (now sober for six and a half years!), who she is, and what she does at a sober living facility designed especially for women.

What is a sober living and is it a good thing or a bad thing? In today’s recovery environment loved ones of addicts and alcoholics often get into the “panic mode” when they know their addicted loved ones are about to leave a rehab facility or jail. What next? Do we invite them back into our homes? Do we research options for them so they can make choices for themselves? What exactly is available ? Denise and Mary discuss, in detail, what a sober living environment is and what questions to ask to make informed decisions about them.

Mary Clifford talks about her first job working at a sober living home in 2008, and how it affected her life during the economic collapse, and how it led her to the career she has now.  “Whether you have been sober 30 days or 30 years, it is always inspirational to take part in helping women regain hope for their futures, learn to live life on life’s terms, be reliable and accountable, and be productive members of society,” says Clifford.

As a recovering alcoholic, Mary Clifford knows from experience the struggles one goes through on the road to recovery.  “I believe in sober living, because it played such an important role in my early sobriety. I don’t know what would have happened those first six months, had I only had myself to be accountable,” says Clifford.

Learn what “Sober Living” is, the steps to sobriety, and how to regain the trust of your friends and family.