Ep. 93 Sober Curious Meets Bold AF: Abby Calabrese on Breaking Norms and Embracing THC Drinks

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Rethinking Sobriety: Exploring Tools, Authenticity, and Finding Joy with Abby Calabrese

How one woman’s alcohol-free journey—and her embrace of new wellness tools—is helping redefine what it means to live sober, vibrant, and truly “lit.”

Introduction

On Episode 93 of the Sober and Lit Podcast, hosts Susan and Ruby welcomed Abby Calabrese, creator of the Alcohol Free Rebellion. Abby’s story is a refreshing take on sobriety, blending her personal path to an alcohol-free life with a willingness to explore new, sometimes unconventional, tools for wellness—including THC-infused drinks. In this episode, Abby’s openness, humor, and intention shed light on new ways of approaching recovery, self-discovery, and living a vibrant, joyful life without alcohol.

The “Typical” Drinking Story & Taking Off the Blinders

Abby’s relationship with alcohol started like many others—college parties, fun and fitting in, followed by immersion in a lively New York City lifestyle. Drinking was both social and professional, especially in her role in corporate sales. Reflecting on those years, Abby described her pride in "being able to hang and drink with the guys" and treating bars like her living room. Yet, she began to notice a toll—hangovers became more severe, lasting several days and triggering anxiety spirals.

She explained how major life events—moving out of the city, marriage, parenthood—didn’t provide the “off ramp” from heavy drinking as she’d hoped. Instead, Abby found ways to fit alcohol into every stage of life, even as she became a parent. The tipping point came during COVID, when drinking at home supplanted social drinking and began to feel increasingly “icky.”

What distinguished Abby’s experience was an absence of dramatic rock bottom. Instead, her decision to quit drinking was rooted in a growing sense of misalignment and a desire for something better—for her own wellbeing and that of her family.

Listening, Learning, and the Power of Community

"I started listening to podcasts," Abby recalled. Hearing other women share candid stories about alcohol and recovery was eye-opening. Abby described how those conversations felt like "finally having the conversations I wanted to have," validating her feelings and struggles with alcohol.

Podcasts and online communities provided Abby with inspiration and support, this time without judgement. Abby began soaking in other people’s stories, ultimately deciding to embark on a 100-day alcohol-free challenge—treating it with the commitment and strategy she once brought to marathon training. The physical and emotional withdrawal was surprising; Abby experienced exhaustion, irritability, and the uncovering of new questions: What do I actually like? What are my passions? What truly brings me joy? Sobriety, she found, was an awakening—“like I’ve taken off the foggy glasses and can see clearly now.”

Redefining Sobriety: Intention and Exploring THC Drinks

One distinctive aspect of Abby’s journey is her openness to new tools, including THC-infused seltzers. She described her initial wariness—“the DARE program definitely worked on Abby”—but also her desire to find alternatives for relaxation and socialization that didn’t come with alcohol’s toxic baggage. A low-dose THC seltzer left her feeling present and relaxed, “more like a sound bath or a really good yoga class,” rather than drunk or out of control.

Abby is intentional about how she uses THC, emphasizing that it’s not a replacement for alcohol, not a daily crutch, and not something that takes up significant headspace. For her, it’s one tool among many—like meditation, journaling, yoga, and even adaptogens. Abby is clear that everyone’s sobriety is unique; “I get that people have had bad experiences… I’m open to if it doesn’t work in the future.”

Abby also shared her framework for warning signs: If she ever found herself obsessively planning, needing THC to get through situations, or feeling shame around it, it wouldn’t make the cut. Her priority is to stay alcohol-free and free from anything that tethers her attention or well-being.

Building a Joyful Life: Dance, Creativity, and Authenticity

Abby’s new alcohol-free life isn’t about deprivation—it’s about rediscovering joy. Dance has become a central source of happiness. Once reserved for drinking nights, it’s now a regular part of her routine: “I take tap and hip hop classes, dance around my office… it just makes me feel lit up inside.” Abby’s story illustrates how reclaiming childhood passions and creativity can help fill the void left by alcohol and foster genuine fulfillment.

Abby encourages others to be “awkward, brave and kind,” challenging the stigma around sobriety and inviting everyone to shed old labels—whether “party girl,” “alcoholic,” or “cringe”—in favor of living authentically.

Conclusion: Redefining the Alcohol-Free Journey

Abby Calabrese’s journey offers a dynamic blueprint for sobriety that’s intentional, supportive, and joyful. Through sharing her experiences, she’s helping redefine what alcohol-free living can look like—rooted in choice, exploration, and a well-stocked wellness toolkit. Whether it’s through podcasts, social media, new supplements, or simply dance, Abby’s story is a beacon for anyone seeking to get their “whole life back,” one freeing, vibrant day at a time.