Episode 155. The Raw Reality of Recovery, Relapse and Rebuilding with Gabby Williamson (Part Two)
Ep 155. The Raw Reality of Recovery, Relapse and Rebuilding with Gabby Williamson (Part Two)
In part two of this conversation, Gabby opens up about what happened after her first attempt at recovery, when alcohol crept back in and the old patterns she thought she’d left behind began to resurface in new, painful ways.
She speaks honestly about the experience of being a “dry drunk,” white-knuckling her way through sobriety without true emotional healing, and how that disconnection eventually led her back to party drugs and an inevitable rock bottom. Through raw reflection, Gabby unpacks the misconceptions she once held about addiction and sobriety, the fear that kept her stuck, and the moment she finally became willing to seek deeper help.
She explores the ongoing nature of recovery: the reality of relapse, the weight of unaddressed trauma, and the mental health struggles that don’t magically disappear when the substances do. Ash and Gabby talk about the power of community, the safety of honest relationships, and the courage it takes to let others in when shame is loud. At the heart of this episode is a message of hope, about the transformative role of gratitude, self-awareness, and self-care in building a life that is not just sober, but genuinely connected and worth staying for.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
01:00 First Round of Recovery: A Journey Begins
05:51 The Struggle with Alcohol and Denial
09:59 The Dry Drunk Experience
14:01 Revisiting Old Habits: The Return of Party Drugs
19:53 Rock Bottom: A Descent into Darkness
28:16 Facing Fear and Seeking Help
31:42 The Journey to Rehab
32:39 Discovering Community in Recovery
35:40 Relapse and Realizations
38:17 Understanding Rock Bottom
41:54 Navigating Mental Health in Recovery
45:49 Exploring CPTSD and Healing
51:53 Finding Balance in Recovery
57:24 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life
Connect with Gabby:
IG: @bellylaughsbrutalhonesty and @gabriellesiobhan
Podcast: Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty
Follow and connect with Ash on:
Instagram @ashbutterss
Upcoming Workshops:
A Return To You | One Day Retreat
Sunday 22nd February, 2026
Join Ash on retreat in 2026!
The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026
Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026
Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!
Support Services
If this conversation has brought anything up for you, please know you don’t have to go through it alone. Support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for mental health support and guidance, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 for free counselling.