In this powerful episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli speaks with Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje, journalist and author of Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence. Melissa shares her deeply personal story of high-functioning alcoholism, the unraveling of her marriage, and the journey toward sobriety that followed.
Melissa opens up about the denial that kept her drinking, the cultural normalization of alcohol, and the emotional turning point that led her to rehab. She reflects on the painful—but necessary—process of rebuilding trust with her husband and son, and how sobriety gave her a second chance at authentic connection and joy.
This conversation explores the ripple effects of addiction on relationships, the courage it takes to make amends, and the healing power of vulnerability. Melissa’s story is both relatable and inspiring—an honest look at what it takes to recover not only yourself, but the relationships that matter most.
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Recommended Resources
🧰 The Emotional Sobriety Toolkit: https://www.soberful.com/the-emotional-sobriety-toolkit-w (Self-study program) 🙌 The Soberful Mastermind: https://www.soberful.com/w-the-soberful-mastermind-program (Veronica’s live coaching group) 📖 Get the book: Soberful – uncover a sustainable, fulfilling life free of alcohol http://bit.ly/44UUWFi 🔗 Join the Soberful community: 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Soberful 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicajvalli/Never miss another episode!
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