Faith, Sobriety, and Self-Control: Angie Montanez on Navigating Recovery Without Shame
What does it really mean to be sober—and what does it look like when you're trying to honor your faith while navigating a relationship with substances? In a recent episode of Sobriety Uncensored, we sat down with Angie Montanez, host of In the Rough podcast and longtime follower of Christ, to talk about sobriety, shame, and why being spiritually alert matters more than ever.
From her teenage years spent chasing acceptance through marijuana and shoplifting to choosing to walk away from substances at age 21, Angie’s journey is layered with lessons, setbacks, and deeply honest reflections.
This conversation isn’t about rules or judgment. It’s about staying clear-minded, questioning the normalcy of substance use, and choosing a path that keeps you aligned with your purpose—even when it’s uncomfortable.
🎧 Watch my full interview with Angie on the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast below:
Why Do We Still Drink?
Many of us reach for alcohol or THC products not because we want to party—but because we want peace. It becomes a tool to manage stress, pain, or social anxiety. Angie explained that while she doesn’t have a daily struggle with alcohol, she’s always aware of the potential it holds.
“If I’m using a substance to be okay, that’s something I need to question.”
Sometimes, drinking a glass of wine at dinner seems harmless. But over time, that can shift. The question isn’t always how much you’re drinking or using, but why.
Angie’s Backstory: From Lighthearted to Lost
As a child, Angie described herself as a happy, goofy kid—someone who loved to make people laugh. But when her family moved multiple times, she struggled to adapt. Loneliness led to insecurity, and that cracked open the door to poor choices.
By 16, she was smoking pot, drinking, and shoplifting—not because she wanted to be rebellious, but because she wanted to be accepted.
“I compromised my convictions because I wanted to be carefree with people who would accept me.”
For many, that’s how it starts—not with addiction, but with loneliness
The Turning Point at 21
After a brief run-in with the law while trying to attend a music festival, Angie made a vow to God: If you get me out of this, I’ll never smoke again.
She did get out. And for the most part, she kept that vow.
What helped her stay on track? Moving away from old environments, surrounding herself with people who supported her new direction, and beginning a deeper relationship with God.
“Sometimes, you have to physically remove yourself from temptation. Not everyone does—but for me, that was necessary.”
So, What Is Sobriety?
Sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. In today’s world, the lines are blurred. With CBD, THC drinks, and “California sober” becoming common, Angie began asking hard questions:
What counts as being out of your mind?
Is it wrong if it's legal?
Does using it take me further from God or closer?
She shared a pivotal moment when she drank a THC beverage and felt her old habits flooding back. Even though it was technically legal and mild, the experience left her spiritually and mentally unsettled. The Bible verse that grounded her:
“1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober minded. Be alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.””
It wasn’t about judgment. It was about staying clear-minded so she could listen to God.
Table: How Substances Impact Spiritual and Mental Clarity
| Substance | Legal Status (State Dependent) | Alters Mind? | Angie’s Reflection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Legal | Yes | Occasionally, not problematic |
| THC | Legal in some states | Yes | Conflict, affects alertness |
| CBD (no THC) | Legal | No | Seen as harmless |
| Prescription meds | Legal (Rx) | Varies | Needs caution, case-by-case |
Religion vs. Relationship
Angie spoke openly about the trap of legalism—trying to “earn” God's favor by cutting out everything instead of talking to Him.
“I thought I had to be perfect to hear from God. But the truth is, He loved me in the worst of it.”
It’s not about following rules for the sake of appearances. It’s about listening to God’s voice—even if it’s telling you something different from what others say is okay.
Staying Grounded: Church, Prayer, and Community
Angie stays spiritually rooted through a few key practices:
Attending a grace-filled church (not one driven by shame)
Reading scripture regularly
Group Bible studies with other women
Honest prayer—even when she’s confused or struggling
“When I’m clear-minded, I can hear God. And when I’m not, that’s when I know something’s off.”
Switching One Substance for Another? Still a Trap
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Angie’s caution around “substance-switching.” Many people stop drinking but turn to marijuana or prescription sleep aids to numb or cope.
The name may change, but the habit remains.
“If you’re high every day, are you really sober? Are you really alert? Or are you just numbing in a new way?”
She reminded listeners that just because something is legal or socially accepted doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Defining Sobriety as a Christian Woman
Angie’s take is simple but profound:
“If I’m out of my mind—if I’m not making sound judgments or staying alert—I’m not sober.”
She’s not against medication. In fact, she shared her experience with anxiety and how, after years of avoiding antidepressants, she learned that taking something to regulate her brain chemistry didn’t separate her from God—it helped her stay present.
To Anyone Feeling That Nudge…
What would she say to someone who feels God pulling them toward sobriety?
“Start talking to Him. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be honest. Ask for help. And if you can, find someone who can pray with you or keep you accountable.”
Your Identity Is Not Your Struggle
One of the most important takeaways from this conversation is that our worth isn’t tied to the substances we’ve used—or still struggle with.
“What you’re caught up in isn’t who you are. It’s not your identity. God’s not trying to take your fun—He’s trying to free your mind.”
Sobriety is a journey of rediscovery, not perfection. And even when it’s messy, confusing, or full of setbacks, it’s still worth walking.
Ready for Your Reset from Alcohol?
Angie’s story is raw, vulnerable, and filled with the kind of honesty the sober community needs more of.
Final Word: Keep Talking to Him
In every season—when you're slipping, when you're strong, when you're somewhere in the middle—keep the conversation with God open. He meets you in the middle of the mess, not just at the finish line.
You’re not alone. And you’re not disqualified. Keep going.
