Episode 111. Solo Episode: How I Made It To 5 Years Sober!

Ep 111. Solo Episode: How I Made It To 5 Years Sober!


In this special solo episode of Behind the Smile, Ash Butterss marks a huge milestone—five years of sobriety. Reflecting on her journey from rock bottom to a life beyond her wildest dreams, Ash shares the raw truth about what it really takes to break free from addiction and step into a life of clarity, peace, and purpose.

From walking into rehab convinced she’d learn to “drink like a lady” to realising she needed to create an entirely new life, Ash opens up about the lessons, struggles, and profound shifts that have shaped her over the last five years. She talks about overcoming shame, rebuilding self-trust, and learning to surrender to something bigger than herself.

If you’re navigating your own transformation, whether in sobriety or any other area of life, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and a powerful reminder that real change happens one small step at a time.

The episode highlights are:


00:00 Celebrating Five Years of Sobriety

02:55 Reflecting on the Journey to Recovery

06:10 The Transformation of Life Post-Rehab

09:00 Understanding the Roots of Addiction

11:55 The Role of Self-Discovery in Sobriety

15:11 Building a New Life After Addiction

17:57 The Importance of Community and Support

20:55 Facing Challenges in Early Sobriety

23:45 The Shift in Perspective on Alcohol

26:48 Embracing Change and Growth

30:03 The Power of Small Steps in Recovery

32:57 Finding Freedom in Sobriety

36:12 A Message of Hope and Encouragement


The episode I referenced is called: Ep 61. Impulsivity, genetics and the science of addiction with Aaron Thomas

To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.


Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok

⁠Facebook

Website⁠

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:

• A healthcare professional

• Alcoholics Anonymous

Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)

• CheckPoint (Global)

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Episode 110:  The Truth About Healing at 20+ Years Sober, with Dean Beattie