Ep. 37 Mental Battles of Moderation: Your Path to Alcohol Freedom (Part 2)

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Do you catch yourself saying "F-it"?

 

How Moderation Challenges Can Lead to a Healthier, Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

Welcome back to the "Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast" blog, where we continue to explore the complex journey towards an alcohol-free life. In Episode 37, Part 2 of the Moderation discussion, hosts and coaches Ruby Williams and Susan Larkin delve deep into the struggle of moderation, the mental and emotional toll of trying to manage drinking habits, and the liberating experience of fully embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

The Challenge of Moderation

Susan Larkin shares her personal story of attempting moderation after eight months of being alcohol-free. Like many, Susan wanted to believe she could be a "normal drinker" and enjoy alcohol without the negative consequences. Her experience, however, revealed the difficulty of moderation. She describes feeling irritable and mentally exhausted as she battled to control her drinking.

The attempt to moderate often led to more stress and over-functioning, causing her drinking to escalate. Susan candidly shares the misery and self-hatred that accompanied this period, highlighting how moderation can sometimes feel like a battle against oneself.

The Emotional and Mental Burden

Both hosts discuss the heavy mental and emotional burden that attempting to moderate drinking can bring. Ruby expresses her own frustrations and self-doubt in relation to her drinking habits, echoing the feelings Susan describes. They both emphasize how thinking about alcohol consumed their thoughts and headspace, leaving little room for peace or relaxation.

Susan shares the struggle of trying to reset her drinking habits multiple times, each attempt draining her energy and resolve. These experiences underscore the importance of self-acceptance and the challenging process of changing subconscious beliefs about alcohol.

The Role of Coaching and Support

Ruby and Susan highlight the pivotal role that coaching and support play in challenging drinking behaviors and beliefs. They emphasize the importance of having a coach who can reflect back what clients may not see themselves and help shift their mindset.

Susan discusses the use of intuition in assessing where clients fall on the alcohol use disorder spectrum and setting realistic goals for moderation. Ruby adds that shifting beliefs about alcohol as a coping mechanism is crucial for effective coaching.

The Subconscious Triggers for Alcohol

The hosts caution listeners about the subconscious triggers that can reignite a desire for alcohol. Susan recounts a restaurant incident where she was served a mocktail containing alcohol. Although she realized it quickly, the incident underscored the need for mindfulness and caution in recovery.

Ruby brings up the potential issue of non-alcoholic drinks, like kombucha, which may still contain traces of alcohol. They both emphasize the importance of being honest with oneself about the effects of alcohol-related substances.

Emphasizing Self-Care and Financial Benefits

One of the standout benefits that Susan and Ruby discuss is the financial savings from not drinking. They use the money saved to treat themselves to skincare and wellness services like facials and massages, which leads to a discussion on the positive effects of being alcohol-free on their skin and overall health.

Engaging with the Alcohol-Free Community

The hosts invite listeners to join their alcohol-free community on Facebook, offering a safe space for support and sharing experiences. They also encourage listeners to be part of their YouTube channel for more personal interaction.

Practical Tips and Resources

To help those considering an alcohol-free lifestyle, the hosts offer a free resource called "A Wine Free Weekend," encouraging listeners to try living without alcohol even if just for a weekend. They stress the importance of doing something to help oneself feel "lit" and focus on self-care.

Concluding Thoughts

The journey to an alcohol-free life is filled with challenges, especially when trying to moderate drinking. Through personal stories and professional insights, Susan and Ruby provide valuable guidance and support. They emphasize self-acceptance, the role of coaching, and the benefits of a sober lifestyle. Their message to listeners is clear: you are not alone, and there is a supportive community ready to help you embrace a healthier, alcohol-free life.

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I want to hear from you! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle. Your question could be the highlight of a future episode!

Grab your copy of our FREE WineFree Weekend Guide to help you on your alcohol free journey. https://feellitpodcast.com/Guide

Find community and connection on the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/feellitalcoholfreepodcast

Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/

Follow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching