Recovery Introduced Me To Myself

After decades lost to addiction, one woman found herself in the solitude of recovery—and discovered a stronger version of who she was meant to be.

July 25, 2025

The Sobriety Daily Newsletter
July 24, 2025 | Stay Connected, Stay Sober

How 32 Years of Addiction Led to a Life Reclaimed

For 32 years, addiction dictated every part of Lori Olinger’s life—until August 2016, when a breaking point became her turning point. After decades of active addiction, a stint in jail, and a life ruled by chaos, she made a decision: Enough. She wanted out. But what she didn’t realize then was that getting clean was just the first step. Recovery wasn’t just about quitting substances—it was about rebuilding everything.

At first, Lori didn’t understand the work ahead. A self-described overthinker, she had a habit of complicating her own life. Early in recovery, the overwhelm was paralyzing. Then came the simple but life-changing mantra: Just for today, do the next right thing. That became her anchor. One small choice at a time, she began to crawl out of the wreckage.

The first few months weren’t easy—social anxiety, sugar cravings, withdrawal symptoms. But as time passed, something remarkable happened: life got better. His health improved. His mind sharpened. His relationships deepened, even with his dog. Financially, he was free—no more debt, just savings and the occasional luxury gift for himself.

What no one had warned her about was the loneliness. To truly heal, she had to walk away from toxic relationships, including one that had defined her for years. Stripped of the people, places, and patterns tied to her addiction, she faced a terrifying question: Who am I without it? She didn’t know. For the first time in decades, she had to rediscover her own identity—what she liked, what she valued, even what made her laugh.

But recovery gave her something she hadn’t felt in years: purpose. Slowly, she rebuilt a life where joy didn’t come from a bottle or a high, but from moments of clarity, connection, and hard-won peace. Today, Lori embraces a sober lifestyle not as a restriction, but as freedom. She’s proof that even after 32 years of addiction, it’s never too late to start over—and that sometimes, the loneliest path leads to the most profound transformation.

"Recovery didn’t just give me back my life—it introduced me to myself." —Lori Olinger


If you have a story that you would like to share with our community please drop us a quick email to [email protected] and we will ensure to contact you back asap to discuss your journey…

Today’s Mantra

Every sober choice plants seeds of freedom

Sobriety News

  1. North Dakota's "ND Sober Ride" initiative provided 119 discounted Lyft rides during the Red River Valley Fair, helping attendees choose safe transportation over drunk driving. The program, part of Vision Zero's fatality-prevention campaign, proves planning ahead keeps celebrations from turning tragic.

  2. A new nonprofit, Chris' Haven of Hope, is converting a 5,000-square-foot home in rural western Maine into a 20-bed sober living facility for men, honoring the legacy of co-founder Marc Montplaisir’s late brother, Chris, who battled addiction. The project addresses a critical gap in rural recovery resources, offering long-term housing, community support, and therapeutic activities like gardening, with overwhelming local donations and volunteers fueling its launch by year’s end.

  3. A year after beloved DJ Chris VanZant was killed by a drunk driver, the wrecked cars from the crash are now displayed at the Butler County Fair—a visceral warning about the deadly consequences of impaired driving. The exhibit, which has left fairgoers shaken, underscores how one reckless decision can devastate families, as the offender (who was speeding, unlicensed, and twice over the legal limit) serves a 15-year sentence.

  4. Birdie Murphy is biking RAGBRAI sober to promote The Phoenix—a fitness-based recovery community—proving you don’t need beer gardens to enjoy the ride. Her mission sparks conversations about sober living while offering an inclusive alternative to the event’s party culture.

  5. Alabama's proposed $33M Longleaf Lodge recovery center in Shelby County aims to provide sobriety support for 60 patients, pending approval. Public input on the Sterrett facility is open until September 8.

Tip of the Day

"The 60-Second Reset"
If paralyzed by overthinking, set a timer for 60 seconds to:

  1. Name one value (e.g., honesty, health)

  2. Take one tiny action that honors it (e.g., drink water, text a friend)

Join Our Community

Our Sobriety Facebook Groups alone amount to over 650,000 members and we’re giving you the chance to be apart of a solid community of sober individuals, so come join us over on our Patreon and become a part of the Sobriety Daily family and here’s what you’ll have access to:

  • Facebook Group Chats (These chats are released daily and very active)

  • Discord Community Chat

  • Whatsapp Community Chat

  • Extra Newsletter Coverage

  • Merch Discounts

  • Access to a solid army of sober individuals

Stay Strong, Stay Inspired.
The Sobriety Daily Team