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What happens when liquid courage becomes spiritual bondage? Crystal Cuellar's story illuminates the unexpected path from social drinking to spiritual awakening, revealing how faith became the foundation for her alcohol-free life.

Crystal's journey begins at fifteen with that first warm shot of vodka—the moment she discovered alcohol could transform her from the shy girl into someone more outgoing. What started as occasional social drinking evolved into a decade-long pattern of binge drinking that felt completely normal because everyone in her circle lived the same way. Despite not drinking daily, Crystal found herself caught in a cycle—taking periodic breaks, attempting moderation, and investing enormous mental energy to keep alcohol in her life while experiencing mounting consequences: a DWI, increasing anxiety, depression, and the persistent feeling that she wasn't living up to her God-given potential.

The turning point didn't arrive as a dramatic rock bottom but as a quiet revelation while sitting alone in her apartment after yet another night of binge drinking. "If I don't stop drinking now, I am going to become an everyday drinker," she realized. This clarity became her line in the sand. Rather than focusing solely on what she was giving up, Crystal shifted her perspective to what she could gain—redirecting her energy toward working out, coaching others, and serving people. She surrounded herself with accountability through her church community, hired a sober coach, and began working with a Christian therapist.

Today, Crystal helps women who recognize alcohol is hindering them from fulfilling their purpose. Her approach combines practical strategies with faith-based principles that empower women to break free from the identity and limitations alcohol has placed on them.

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Real Women LIVE (formerly Sober Living Stories) Host Jessica Stipanovic is a writer, podcast host, and founder of the Female Entrepreneur Organization.

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The complexity of addiction extends far beyond what most people understand. Join Jessica Stipanovic and Psychologist Faust Ruggiero, with over 35 years of clinical experience, as they bring profound insight into this challenging territory on the latest Sober Living Stories podcast.

Ruggiero's approach to addiction recovery challenges conventional thinking. "When you talk about addiction, people almost always go right to drugs or alcohol," he explains, before revealing he's identified at least 17 distinct addiction patterns in his latest book. From gambling and food addiction to exercise obsession, these compulsions share fundamental neurological mechanisms despite their surface differences.

What sets Ruggiero's methodology apart is his action-oriented framework. "I like to write the way I counsel," he shares. "Let's get all the information about you, let's give you all the information about your addiction, and then let's give you action steps." This practical approach mirrors successful 12-step programs, which are essentially structured action plans for recovery.

The family dimension of addiction receives particular attention throughout the conversation. Ruggiero emphasizes that addiction creates ripple effects through entire family systems, with members developing coping mechanisms that often enable continued addiction. "Nobody gets out of this unscathed," he notes, highlighting why recovery must involve healing family dynamics alongside individual healing.

Perhaps most hopeful is Ruggiero's perspective on the brain's adaptability. Through consistent practice and proper support, the addicted brain can learn new patterns of satisfaction without extreme stimulation. "Our brains learn and learning is just repetition," he explains, offering a powerful counterpoint to the misconception that addiction represents an unchangeable aspect of identity.

In the summer of 2016, Mr. Ruggiero began to develop The Fix Yourself
Empowerment Series based on the Process Life Program to help readers address the difficult situations in their lives. He has appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts, both national and international, to discuss the Process Way of Life. His radio show “Fix It With Faust” debuted in June 2021. On June 8, 2023, the second installment in The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series, The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook, was published. It is also an award-winning publication. In December 2003, The Fix Your Depression Handbook was published. It is the third book in the series. The Fix Your Anger Handbook, the series’ fourth book, was published in May 2024.

Ready to begin your journey toward freedom from addiction? Visit faustruggiero.com to learn more about his "Fix Yourself Empowerment Series" and discover resources tailored to your recovery needs.

Support the show

Real Women LIVE (formerly Sober Living Stories) Host Jessica Stipanovic is a writer, podcast host, and founder of the Female Entrepreneur Organization.

1. New Episodes Delivered to Your Inbox → https://www.jessicastipanovic.com/newsletter
2. Follow Real Women LIVE → https://www.facebook.com/realwomenpodcast/

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Wayne Kicklighter shares his 22-year journey of sobriety, from growing up with generational alcoholism to becoming a published author of a daily reflections book called "Peaceful Wisdom: Reflections on God, Life, and Recovery."

His transformation takes us through early party days, living a double life, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding a spiritual path to recovery and genuine self-discovery.

• Noticed alcoholic behavior in his family growing up, particularly his mother, who showed characteristics he later recognized in himself.

• Started drinking and doing drugs as a teenager to escape and fit in, becoming the "center of attention" for bringing party supplies.

• Worked as a bartender, feeding his ego with false security from "drinking buddies" rather than real friends.

• Lived a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" double life, trying unsuccessfully to balance work with partying.

• Attempted repeatedly to "figure out how to live sober without giving up drinking" before truly surrendering.

• Experienced three phases of recovery: physical healing, mental transformation, and spiritual awakening.

• Found God in recovery after believing his actions were unforgivable and a relationship with God impossible.

• Wrote "Peaceful Wisdom" after retiring in 2021, sharing reflections from walking his dog and meditating.

• Started a YouTube channel, Peaceful Wisdom - God, Life, and Recovery - YouTube, featuring weekly videos on reflections from his book.

Find Wayne's book "Peaceful Wisdom: Reflections on God, Life, and Recovery on Amazon or follow his YouTube channel @Peaceful Wiz for weekly reflections.

Support the show

Real Women LIVE (formerly Sober Living Stories) Host Jessica Stipanovic is a writer, podcast host, and founder of the Female Entrepreneur Organization.

1. New Episodes Delivered to Your Inbox → https://www.jessicastipanovic.com/newsletter
2. Follow Real Women LIVE → https://www.facebook.com/realwomenpodcast/

Your story matters.