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"I used to think that drugs and alcohol were really useful tools. That was before they became an addiction."

FROM THE DESK OF THE FOUNDER

Happy Friday, Sober Peeps!

This week we ask the questions Marvel won't: is Wolverine an alcoholic, and does adamantium count as a liver? We also revisit 18 sober musicians worth putting on repeat, Barbara Kingsolver's Pulitzer-winning gut punch, Hollywood's favorite fixer with a bottle problem, and a fresh-squeezed NA IPA that pulls its weight at any barbecue.

Superheroes, fiction, and hops. The archives contain multitudes.

Now let’s get to it…

— Alysse Bryson (*AB That’s Me 💋) / Seattle, WA 🌃 05.01.2006

HAPPY EVERY HOUR

Deschutes Fresh Squeezed NA IPA

My favorite hiking routine was sorely interrupted when I quit drinking alcohol. My ritual involved a weekly 4 to 8-mile hike in the North Cascades with a stop for lunch. And lunch always included a hoppy beer! The treat at the top kept me motivated to go up, and the beverage gave me a little buzz to distract me from my sore knees on the way down. So, it’s taken a bit of experimenting to find a worthy non-alcoholic substitute. And while Deschutes Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcoholic IPA doesn’t give me the same buzz, I am feeling good about my choice to do away with the alcohol, which is a high on its own.

ADDICTION FICTION

“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, but this isn’t just a literary exercise—it’s a gut-wrenching, deeply human story set in the rural heart of Appalachia. Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Women’s Prize for Fiction, this novel grabs you by the collar and pulls you headfirst into the life of Damon Fields, known as Demon Copperhead. It’s a story that explores the devastating effects of poverty, addiction, and systemic neglect in America—issues that are heartbreakingly familiar for many in the recovery community.

MOVIE NIGHT

Is Wolverine An Alcoholic? Exploring Wolverine’s Relationship with Alcohol

While my superhero roster usually includes Iron Man, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel, the allure of Marvel films holds a special place in my heart—second only to the galaxy far, far away of Star Wars. As we settled in for Deadpool x Wolverine, I found myself intrigued by the character of Wolverine, a figure previously unfamiliar to me despite the numerous films dedicated to his saga. Please don’t hate me, but I’m not a Hugh Jackman fan. I’ve never been able to pinpoint why exactly.

The keen observer in me couldn’t help but notice Wolverine’s frequent encounters with alcohol throughout the film. This sparked a curiosity that led me to ponder: Is Wolverine an alcoholic?

THE MINDFUL BINGE

“Ray Donovan” – Iconic Stand-Out Series in the Landscape of Modern Television

Ray Donovan, the Showtime drama aired from 2013 to 2020, is a gripping exploration of family dynamics, crime, and personal redemption. Created by Ann Biderman, the show stars Liev Schreiber in the titular role, with Jon Voight delivering an award-winning performance as his father, Mickey Donovan. Spanning seven seasons and culminating in a feature-length finale in 2022, Ray Donovan earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. 

SOBER POP CULTURE

Sober Musicians Who Prove Recovery Rocks

Music has the power to touch people in ways that words alone cannot. It has the ability to lift our spirits and provide a form of escape, even if only for a moment. Some musicians have chosen to lead a sober lifestyle and have used their talent and platform to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of sobriety.

Here is a list of 18 sober musicians who have made an impact in the music industry.

👉OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE ON TSC 📰

See you Monday!