F*CK FOREVER. NAVIGATE NOW.
A new kind of Sober Curious Support System.
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Drink Differently.
To drink differently you have to…
think differently.
act differently
do differently
we’re all about “different.”
Here’s what we’re about.
knowing
(not numbing)
sharing
(not shaming)
healing
(not hurting)
courage
(not coping)
Crave Curious believes that there are many paths and many ways that people get interested in understanding their relationship with alcohol. Ours is a path of least resistance. We make it easy to connect with someone who “gets” it. Because sometimes the best person to talk to isn't your bestie. And sometimes talking isn’t what you feel like doing. That’s why we have different ways, for different times. We know that rarely, is it a straight path.
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And we know that even those curious and brave enough to go down it, usually do so reluctantly. They can feel embarrassed, ashamed and sometimes even downright terrified. At Crave, we believe those types of feelings stem from somewhere. And that “somewhere” is usually a place where you haven’t found “your people.” That’s because they’re not easy to find. For people just “thinking” about their relationship with alcohol, it’s hard, if not nearly impossible, to find a place that’s in between. We’re that place. We’re that community.
The only day that counts to us, is this day. Today. We’re not asking for promises, commitments, decisions, or even for you to show your face. Because we know that sometimes, all you really want to do is hide. And that’s okay. Because we believe that you can hide and heal. And we believe that community can be as small as two people.
The truth is, we’re not asking you for anything. We’re inviting you. To show up. And to get curious.
Origin Story
“What’s the one thing you can change that can change everything else?”
Once upon a time, someone asked me that question.
I knew the answer immediately, but didn’t dare say it out loud. That would have been too shameful. That would have burdened me with taking action. That would have made me accountable. And so I pretended I wasn’t sure what the answer was. I bought time, by pretending to need time. Time to think. Time to reflect. Time to kill. But really, I knew it was only borrowed time. To continue living the way I wanted, rather than the way I needed. To continue living my way, even though at my core, I knew it wasn’t the best way. But it was the only way I knew (or so it seemed). And what we know, is what makes us comfortable.
But the question wouldn’t quit.
I tried to shoo it away repeatedly. I tried to shush it firmly. I tried to ignore it completely. I tried to drown it out with loud music. I tried to kill it with kindness. I even tried to bury it alive. It was invincible.
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Then one day, getting comfortable had no choice but to step aside and make room for getting curious. About the question. I tend to love questions (largely because I despise people trying to give me the answers, especially when they’re about me). I even tend to invite questions. But this one was different. It wasn’t a welcome guest. I’ve never wanted to be so wrong about knowing the right answer to a question, so badly. But I felt obliged to be a gracious host.
And so I sat with the question. I meditated with the question. I took long walks with the question. I binged on my favorite series with the question. I worked out with the question. I drank coffee with the question. I showered with the question. I sang in the car with the question. I held hands with the question. I ate breakfast with the question. Finally, I made love to the question. Meaning, I got naked, intimate and vulnerable (with the lights on). And I said the answer out loud. Alcohol.
I felt freedom. But also fear.
Because even though I suspected there were a million “me’s” out there, I couldn’t seem to find one. And I felt alone. Each time I searched for people and places I could identify with and feel a sense of belonging, I came up short. Fortunately for my sake, curiosity also doesn’t quit.
After what seemed like an endless and exhausting journey navigating what is unfortunately still a shameful, secretive maze of sobriety (especially for women), I found support in my own way, on my own time and of my own kind. Support that was in line with who I was, who I am and who I wanted to be (even if that wasn’t abundantly clear). At the end of the day I was learning and thriving in a unique, eclectic support system that I accidentally assembled, incorporating disparate approaches, styles and techniques that not only spoke to me, but likely saved me.
I was in the middle of a masterful mess.
Crave Curious pulls these scattered pieces together, curating a unique, sober curious support system.
We believe that those who have gone before have a responsibility to those who follow.
We believe that the road less traveled, can also be less challenging and less lonely.
We believe in modern support for modern needs (short term - no commitment - 15 - 60 min sessions); modern tools (text, in person, on a page); and modern life (after hours, early morning, in the moment, and IRL appointments that match when life really happens).
We believe that it’s not a one-size-fits-all.
Whether you want to think, talk, try, do, pause, fail, or try again at reimagining your relationship with alcohol, you are welcome to do all of it here.
Sometimes all it takes to find the ONE thing
that can change EVERY thing,
is the right person asking the right question.
I only wish someone had asked it sooner.
Andrea DelZotto
Founder
Who I work with
As women, I know we're all one-of-a-kind. And yet I also know there are a million "me’s." Women who think, feel and do too much. Women with big brains, big hearts & a big tendency to say “yes.” To everything. And everyone. Women who crusade, captivate and compel. Yet also often the women who cope, collapse & crash. These are the women I support. I am one of these women. And I don’t believe that we are too much. Not at all. In fact, I believe that the world hasn’t given us enough. Let me help you fill the gap. Even a little. No big commitments. We don't need to think about tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. We only need to think about now. Because sometimes, that's more than enough. And I promise, so are you. Let me show you.
Here’s why we’re different.
no day count
(unless you want one)
no hassle
(or headaches)
no rules
(to break… or follow)
no sponsor
(we call it a “friend who gets it”)
We believe in choice.
We don’t criticize, compete or condemn other methods of support. Instead, we compliment. Because we think there should be different ways for different people. And the world is still coming up a little bit short on new ways to have an old conversation - honestly and openly.
Our offerings…
Word. (aka Truth)
what we offer
Words of wisdom. Words to live by. Words of support and encouragement. Words of hope. Words to hang on to. Words to read, re-read and then maybe read again. Words for you to reflect on and remember when you need them the most.
We also create space for you to share your words so you can “say” what needs to be said (and heard) . Words you put on a page (or a screen) when they are too hard to say out loud. Those important words that then become a keepsake to go back to so that you never forget where you started and how far you’ve come.
Words are powerful. We all use words in a few different ways and Crave Curious uses words to help and to heal in ways that we think make sense. Because you need different things - at different times. [And sometimes the words are easier to say, when they’re with someone different.]
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Text Talk (SMS)
A check in that's quick and easy, when life isn't.
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Letters & Lessons (email)
Modern Day "Morning Pages" that help to get it all out (and in).
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Mission Possible (Real Time SMS)
You can do things differently. Even if you can't imagine it. We got you.
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Face to Face (Zoom)
Our new “in real life” and almost as good as the real thing.
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Walk and Talk
For those who'd rather move than sit, or stare at a screen (and who live in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada)
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Slow & Small
Sign up for the 30 Day Rise & Shine Morning Message to keep you curious.
Choose the best option for you.
TEXT TALK
$15-$45
CAD
HIPAA compliant
Available in 15, 30, 60 minutes sessions
15 minutes $15
30 minutes $25
60 minutes $45
Not a planner? You can try to book on the fly by messaging us and see if anything’s available, anytime. Even now.
LETTERS & LESSONS
$35
CAD / MONTH
HIPAA compliant
Daily ‘letters’ (emails) for an entire month
Email reply within 48 hours
MISSION POSSIBLE
$125
CAD
HIPAA compliant
Reserve a 3 hour window of unlimited texts dedicated to YOU for REAL TIME response (up to 2 minutes)
FACE TO FACE (ZOOM)
$0-100
CAD
15 minute intro call - FREE
30 minute session - $75
60 minute session - $100
WALK & TALK
$150
CAD
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) only
60 minute outdoor session - $150
FAQS
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Sober Curious is a term that was coined in 2018 by Ruby Warrington, who wrote a book on the subject. It was aimed at those curious about their drinking and who want to examine the role that alcohol plays in their lives. Members of the community may wish to examine, reduce or even remove alcohol from their day to day. It supports people seeking answers to questions such as why they drink in the first place and what impact it has on their everyday lives. The Sober Curious community is most suitable for individuals that do not exhibit signs of having an alcohol use disorder.
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Crave Curious is not a support system exclusively for those with a desire to stop drinking. It is also not related to other programs that may have this aspect. If someone has a day count and it is meaningful to them, we are happy to incorporate it into our personalized coaching with them. For some people, a day count creates a hierarchy and feelings of loss and failure when they find themselves back at Day 1. We think every day should be counted.
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The coaches have various coaching credentials. They may have any or all of the following certifications:
Certified Professsional Life Coach (CPC), Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC).
CPRC Certification is accredited through the IAPRC (International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches) associated with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Professional Recovery Coaching is related to use of alcohol or drugs and is a strengths based recovery program.
All coaching adheres to an industry Code of Ethics.
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Unlike counseling which often involves a clinical assessment and diagnosis with a treatment plan, coaching does not include a therapist or clinician. Coaching is a relationship, in which the coach may serve as an accountability partner and accompany a client on a journey of personal growth and self discovery. Coaching is future focused and guided by the clients own personal motivation.
A recovery coach provides non-clinical coaching services for anyone wishing to change their relationship with drugs and alcohol in various ways. Very often the client feels comfortable exploring the possibilities with the help of a coach who is familiar with both addiction and recovery.
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A mutually convenient, public location in Toronto and GTA.
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Celebrate! Well done! Half of the booking fee goes toward the coach that was on call for your reserved three hour window - and the remaining half can be used toward a future Mission Possible booking if it is scheduled within the next 90 days.
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Yes - the software that we use for text communication is HIPAA compliant with encryption.