She Shouldn’t Be Alive | Kat’s Shocking Story of Addiction & Recovery

Katherine Sorenson’s story is one of struggle, faith, and resilience. In a recent episode of Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero, she opened up about her path from alcoholism and destruction to over nine years of sobriety and helping others find recovery.

Early Struggles

Katherine grew up in Colorado, describing herself as restless and overly sensitive from an early age. She discovered alcohol as a teenager, and the effect was immediate—suddenly her inner discomfort disappeared. What began as experimentation quickly became a dependence she would chase for nearly two decades.

A Life Unraveling

On the outside, Katherine’s life appeared successful. She married young, pursued higher education, and built a career in the corporate world. Yet drinking always lingered in the background. What began with hidden drinks and excuses eventually spiraled into betrayal, shame, and divorce.

Katherine describes this period as a double life—working hard during the day while secretly feeding her addiction at night. Each “fresh start,” including a move to new cities, quickly collapsed into the same destructive cycle.

Hitting Bottom

Despite her faith and moments of clarity, Katherine couldn’t escape the pull of alcohol and drugs. By her early thirties, she was suicidal and exhausted. Her family’s ultimatum finally forced her to seek help, connecting her with someone in recovery who introduced her to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Finding Recovery

Katherine recalls that at first she resisted AA, insisting she wasn’t “one of them.” But the kindness and support she encountered gave her hope. She began working the 12 steps, embracing the discipline and daily practices required to stay sober.

Over time, she built a new life around recovery—morning prayer and meditation, regular meetings, sponsorship, and living by honesty and integrity.

From Patient to Leader

Katherine eventually left her corporate job to work in treatment. What began as an entry-level role grew into co-founding her own facility in Orange County. Today she is a co-owner of multiple treatment centers, using her story and experience to help others begin their recovery journeys.

Lessons Learned

For Katherine, recovery is not just about abstinence.

“The opposite of addiction isn’t abstinence—it’s connection. You can be sober and still miserable. The goal is to live happily and usefully whole.”

Her story is a reminder that while addiction can take everything, there is always a way back—through honesty, community, and consistent daily action.