“Now that I’m sober, my performances are a lot more connected.” Seth Gamble shares his journey from addiction to sobriety, detailing how overcoming substance abuse transformed his career in the adult film industry.

Instead of placing emphasis on one big, sex talk, parents can establish lasting trust which holds space for what should be dubbed “The Recurring Conversation.” Here are a few tips I learned from my mom and ones we can pass along to all children.

You Don’t Need ‘Liquid Courage’ to Have Good Sex — Tawny and SELF

For more than a decade, I relied on alcohol to feel less awkward on dates, more confident in bed, and even to psych myself up to try something sexual that I’d never do sober. The thought of dating or hooking up without so-called liquid courage was so terrifying that it was part of the reason I stayed active in my alcohol use disorder—despite the many negative impacts drinking had on my life. All those years, I thought post-happy-hour hookups were helping my sex life, but it turns out they were actually hindering it.

How to Start Sober Dating — Tawny and Women’s Health

Dating without drinking is awkward at first, but it can be wildly rewarding. You skip the buzz and go straight to connection. That means no wasted time pretending to vibe with someone just because you’re tipsy. It also means learning to deal with nerves — and rejection — with your whole heart intact.

In this Business Insider article, Tawny Lara—The Sober Sexpert and author of Dry Humping—shares her insights on maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. Drawing from her seven years of experience, she introduces the concept of a “sobriety tool kit,” a personalized collection of strategies and items designed to help individuals navigate alcohol-centric festivities. Lara emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs, such as ensuring adequate rest and nutrition, and suggests incorporating comforting physical objects, like a cherished keepsake, to provide grounding during stressful moments. She also advises practicing responses to social pressures, advocating for clear communication of one’s boundaries, and highlights the value of having an accountability partner to offer support. Through these practical tips, Lara offers a compassionate guide for those seeking to uphold their sobriety amidst the challenges of holiday gatherings.

In this Business Insider article, Tawny Lara—The Sober Sexpert and author of Dry Humping—shares strategies for navigating the emotional aftermath of a breakup without turning to alcohol. She challenges the cultural narrative that promotes drinking as a coping mechanism, emphasizing the importance of facing emotions head-on. Lara offers practical alternatives to common numbing behaviors, such as engaging in lighthearted reading, experimenting with new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing bath. By choosing presence over intoxication, she illustrates how sobriety can lead to deeper self-understanding and resilience during times of heartache.

In this Business Insider essay, Tawny Lara—known as The Sober Sexpert—shares how launching the non-alcoholic beverage brand (parentheses) with her husband, Nick, deepened their relationship. Initially hesitant to mix business with pleasure, they found that their shared sobriety and strong communication skills, honed through recovery, made them ideal business partners. Their journey illustrates how mutual support and understanding can transform both personal and professional collaborations.

In this candid Business Insider essay, Tawny Lara—The Sober Sexpert—shares how hiring a virtual assistant transformed her professional and personal life. Initially hesitant to delegate, Tawny recounts the turning point when multitasking led to a burnt pot of beans, symbolizing her overwhelmed state. Embracing assistance allowed her to focus on meaningful work, leading to the completion of her book and the launch of her business. She discusses the emotional challenges of asking for help, the process of finding the right assistant, and the profound impact of shared responsibilities on productivity and well-being.

In this heartfelt Business Insider essay, Tawny Lara—The Sober Sexpert—shares the inspiring story of her mother, who embarked on a college education at 55 after overcoming an eating disorder and years of single parenthood. Tawny reflects on their intertwined journeys through recovery, highlighting how both mother and daughter confronted their respective challenges—her mother with food, Tawny with alcohol and drugs. Their parallel paths to healing and self-discovery underscore the transformative power of education and the resilience required to pursue dreams at any age.

In her candid Lit Hub essay, Tawny Lara—The Sober Sexpert and author of Dry Humping—opens up about the emotional aftermath of publishing her debut book. Drawing parallels between releasing a book and the postpartum experience, she discusses the unexpected feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and vulnerability that followed her publication day. Lara delves into the pressures of maintaining a public persona, the challenges of seeking validation through social media, and the importance of acknowledging the complex emotions that accompany significant achievements. Her reflections offer a raw and honest look at the often unspoken side of the publishing journey.