Free Doesn’t Mean Freedom: Investing in Yourself for Lasting Sobriety

Kohdi Rayne
3 min readOct 17, 2024

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You know the age-old saying, “You get what you pay for”? Yeah, it applies to life-changing stuff like sobriety too. Spoiler alert: Free isn’t always the golden ticket to freedom. Sometimes it’s just the ticket to another round of the same old struggles.

Beyond Sober Nation

The Illusion of ‘Free’

You ever notice how things that are free tend to come with a side of “I-don’t-give-a-damn”? We’re talking free relapses, free guilt, free shame, free pain…the list goes on. Like, sure, you can sign up for a free session, get some free advice, maybe even score a free program. But what’s the catch?

You get free results. And by that, I mean, results that don’t stick. It’s like going to a concert with a free ticket — you might show up, but you’re just there for the vibe, not the music. Because there’s no investment, no skin in the game. And that, my friend, is where things get sticky.

Invest in Yourself Like You’re the Stock of the Year

Here’s the deal: You’ve gotta value yourself enough to invest in yourself. We’re talking time, energy, maybe even some cash. Think of it as buying stock in your own life. If you don’t see yourself as a good investment, then you’re probably not gonna get great returns. That’s just how it is, bro.

The folks who score the biggest wins in recovery are those who put something on the line. A little cash, a lot of heart, and a commitment to show up every day. It’s not about throwing money at a problem; it’s about showing up for the journey. And guess what? That’s where the magic happens.

The Proof is in the Participation

Quick story time: Every year, Beyond Sober gives away at least a thousand memberships. Free access to a program that could totally change lives. Guess how many of those peeps complete the six-week program? Zero. Zilch. Not a single one. Why? Because they didn’t have skin in the game. They weren’t invested, so they didn’t show up.

Contrast that with the 97% of folks who actually put in the effort, invest in themselves, and do the work. These people aren’t just signing up; they’re leveling up. They graduate, they get their certificate, they work with the community, and they transform their lives. They’ve got their eyes on the prize, and they’re ready to run the race.

Holding Yourself Accountable

Now, here’s a little truth bomb: The only one who can hold you accountable is you. You have to decide you’re worth it. Eric nailed it — it’s time to show up, ready to invest, ready to thrive. Your energy is precious, homie. If you keep pouring it into the problem, you’re just gonna amplify it.

So, what’s it gonna be? Are you ready to put your money where your mouth is and invest in a future that’s full of possibilities, not problems? Are you ready to stop living on autopilot and start driving? Yeah? Let’s go, dude.

Now what?

Okay, here’s your next move: Take a moment and ask yourself what you’re willing to invest in your own recovery journey. Is there a program, a community, or even a book that could be your next big step? Invest in it. And I don’t just mean financially — throw your heart and soul into it. Make it count.

And hey, if you’re curious about what Beyond Sober has to offer, we’re just a click away. Check out Beyond Sober and see how you might fit into the journey to a more kick-ass version of yourself.

-Kohdi

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Kohdi Rayne
Kohdi Rayne

Written by Kohdi Rayne

I’m an ex-alcoholic and liver failure survivor actively helping the world recover from toxic habits and design a life they love to live.

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