Best podcasts about alcohol use disorder

Latest podcast episodes about alcohol use disorder

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP245 Minisode: You Don't Have To Think About That

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 12:30


In this episode, Colleen names the real culprit behind so many evening drinking spirals: not lack of willpower, but an overloaded nervous system weighed down by thought patterns we treat as facts. She challenges the idea that we need to “solve” our problems in order to feel better—and instead offers a radical invitation: what if the problems aren't the problem? What if it's our focus that's keeping us stuck? Through candid stories from her own life, Colleen models what it looks like to let go of the drama we're not meant to carry. From ex-spouses to global politics, she demonstrates the power of conscious disengagement—choosing presence over rumination, joy over justification, clarity over control. This isn't emotional avoidance. It's sovereignty. When we stop trying to manage what was never ours to fix, we finally free up the energy to create what we actually want.    

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP244 Minisode: You Can't F*** This Up

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 13:02


In this episode, Colleen shares a game-changing reframe about why we actually get stuck—even when we have the motivation, the clarity, and the plan. Building on fresh neuroscience from Dr. Kira Babinet, she introduces us to the habenula, a lesser-known part of the brain that slams the brakes on our behavior when failure is perceived—whether it's already happened or we're just afraid it might. Colleen unpacks how the brain's bias toward failure and loss doesn't just stall action—it can kill our momentum completely. But instead of forcing progress through pressure or willpower, she offers a gentler, radically effective solution: the iterative mindset. One that removes failure from the equation entirely, replacing it with curiosity, experimentation, and self-compassion. No more proving, no more perfection—just real change, one tiny tweak at a time. This isn't about setting better goals. It's about learning how to stop punishing yourself with the gas pedal when your brain's already hitting the brakes.    

You Are Not Alone - A Recovery Podcast
E237: Is It Bad Enough Yet?

You Are Not Alone - A Recovery Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 36:01


Send us a textIs it really that bad—or are you just starting to wonder? In this episode of the Sober Friends podcast, we talk about that quiet question many of us ask ourselves: “Do I actually have a problem with alcohol?” You don't need to lose everything to get sober. We explore what a “high bottom” looks like, how addiction can quietly damage your life long before rock bottom hits, and why questioning your drinking might be the biggest red flag of all. Whether you're 18 or 58, your moment of clarity doesn't have to come wrapped in disaster. Tune in for honest conversation, personal stories, and a few uncomfortable truths that just might change your life.Love the show? Stay connected between episodes with the Sober Friends Dispatch—our Substack newsletter packed with real stories, honest reflections, and tools to help you live your best sober life.

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP243 How to feel like the best version of you even when you make a mistake

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 31:10


If you've been trying to change so that you can feel ready, healed, better and in control, this episode will explain how it's possible to feel those things now–before you've figured everything out. I'm going to explain how to access your higher self—not as a future fantasy, or as someone you'll be someday when you get everything right, but as a real-time frequency shift grounded in neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and the principles of manifestation.. You'll learn: Why your higher self isn't someone you become—it's someone you tune into How to use quantum physics to attract positive thoughts and feelings that alter your reality The role your subconscious mind plays in your brainwave states and vibrational coherence between your heart and brain A simple daily practice using breath, emotion, and intention to align your internal frequency This episode blends science and soul. I'll show you how to reprogram your internal signal so that your reality reflects who you already are—not who you're still trying to become. Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP242 Minisode: The Process And Payoff Of Emotional Sobriety

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 19:00


In this episode, Colleen shares a quiet but powerful moment from one of her recent coaching calls—where a client celebrated a huge win, and Colleen noticed her own body signaling that something was off. What unfolded wasn't a rupture, but a subtle shift: a reminder that even seasoned leaders can bypass consent in moments of well-meaning reflex. And that noticing the signal doesn't mean spiraling—it means listening. Through her own self-check-in, she unpacks what it looks like to be emotionally sober in the face of mild shame: not resisting it, not fixing it, just feeling it long enough to hear what it's pointing to. Rather than defending her role or projecting the discomfort outward, Colleen models the kind of internal pause that turns self-awareness into relational repair—and deeper self-trust. This episode isn't about coaching techniques. It's about what happens when we make space to feel the moment before we justify it. Because sometimes, the most responsible thing we can do is let the feeling teach us—before we write the story.    

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP241 Minisode: The POINT Of Feeling Your Feelings

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 23:01


In today's episode, Colleen walks us through a deceptively simple question that came up on a recent coaching call: How do I actually feel my feelings? The answer isn't mindset. It isn't a technique. It's presence. She explores the difference between thinking about emotions and physically experiencing them—without adding a story, a solution, or a label. With grounded metaphors and everyday honesty, she invites you to see emotions as temporary energy—not identity. You'll hear what happens when we resist that energy, and how easily it creates stagnation, self-protection, and shame loops that can shape entire patterns of behavior. If you've been trying to “work on yourself” without shifting how you relate to your emotional state, this episode may open a quieter, more embodied door.    

The Sober Edge
The Hidden Survival States That Drive Drinking

The Sober Edge

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 24:04


In this episode of The Sober Edge, we dive into the nervous system's survival responses—Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn—and explore how each one can unconsciously drive our alcohol use. Teri breaks down what each state looks and feels like in everyday life, and how recognizing our default response can be the first step toward healing and true emotional regulation without reaching for a drink. Tune in for the key to your own patterns, and, explore your healing journey. Show Notes HERE

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP240: How naltrexone and the Sinclair Method helped me stop binge drinking with Thrive Recovery's Katie Lain

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 34:48


Click here to watch this episode on YouTube! If you've ever wondered whether medication could help you drink less — or you've tried naltrexone and felt disappointed — this episode is for you. I'm joined by Katie Lain, founder of Thrive Recovery and a fierce advocate for the Sinclair Method — a science-backed approach that uses naltrexone to reduce alcohol cravings over time. Katie shares her personal story of going from daily binge drinking to finding freedom without needing to get sober. She's also going to explain what most people get wrong about relying on medication alone to change their relationship with alcohol. If you've been stuck in the “gray area” — drinking more than you want to, but not seeing yourself as an alcoholic — you'll love this conversation. You'll walk away with a big-picture understanding of what it takes to rewire the brain for lasting change, and how to move through the messy middle of behavior change without shame, guilt, or black-and-white thinking. Katie Lain is the founder of Thrive Alcohol Recovery. You can find her @thrivealcoholrecovery on YouTube, Instagram, Linked-In and Facebook.  Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking.   —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!  Email  

The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast
GLP-1's & Alcohol Use Disorder with Dr. Brooke Scheller

The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 38:15


In this insightful episode, Molly sits down once again with Dr. Brooke Scheller, clinical nutritionist and founder of Functional Sobriety, to discuss one of the most buzzed-about topics in the health and wellness space: GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy). Originally developed for treating Type 2 diabetes and now widely prescribed for weight loss, these drugs are increasingly being talked about for their potential to reduce alcohol cravings.Together, Molly and Dr. Scheller unpack the growing curiosity (and concern) surrounding the off-label use of GLP-1s by those trying to moderate or change their drinking habits. They dive deep into both the science and the speculation—discussing small but intriguing studies, anecdotal feedback from clients and community members, and what it really means to find a “magic pill” for reducing desire.But this episode doesn't stop at surface-level discussion. They explore the bigger picture: sustainable behavior change, the role of nutrition in alcohol use, and whether it's possible to replicate the effects of GLP-1s with food, lifestyle, and mindset shifts alone.What You'll Learn in This Episode:What GLP-1 medications are and how they workWhy they might reduce alcohol cravings—and what the science says so farWho might benefit most from GLP-1s—and who should be cautiousCommon side effects and risks associated with these drugsNatural strategies to support craving reduction and metabolic healthWhy addressing core beliefs about alcohol is critical to long-term changeLinks & Resources Mentioned:Dr. Brooke Scheller's program: Functional SobrietyDr. Scheller's book: How to Eat to Change How You DrinkConnect with Molly: Website: www.mollywatts.com Instagram: @alcoholminimalist Join the Private Facebook Community: “Alcohol Minimalists: Change Your Drinking Habits”Want to Change Your Drinking? Download Molly's free guide “Alcohol Truths 2023” and learn how to identify your personal safe level of drinking at mollywatts.com/resourcesLow risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP239 Minisode: Somebody put a vape in my car

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 17:22


In today's episode, Colleen shares a personal and refreshingly honest story about her relationship with nicotine—and how emotional sobriety has shifted the way she responds to temporary imbalance. What starts as a candid reflection on sneaky vape relapses becomes a powerful reminder that healing isn't about perfection. It's about how we respond when we veer off course. Colleen takes us through her own journey of regulating her nervous system, loosening old beliefs about addiction, and trusting that balance always returns—especially when we stop making a big deal out of being human. This isn't a story about failure; it's a blueprint for self-trust, grace, and gently coming home to yourself without shame. If you've ever found yourself back in an old habit and wondered, "Did I just ruin everything?"—this episode offers a softer, smarter answer: No. You just forgot for a second how resilient you really are.

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP238 Minisode: How To Get Unworried

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 10:05


In today's episode, Colleen lifts the veil on a common self-sabotage mechanism that often flies under the radar: worry. What begins as a moment of genuine joy and success quickly dissolves into anxiety—and not because something actually went wrong, but because her nervous system quietly panicked at how good it all felt. Using a relatable personal story and the concept of the “upper limit problem,” Colleen explores how we unconsciously block positive emotions the moment they start to expand. Whether it's a burst of pride, creative momentum, or a deep sense of peace, many of us unknowingly kink the hose of our own emotional flow—defaulting to worry as a way to shut it all down. This episode offers a practical and empowering reframe: your worry isn't a warning—it's a signal that something good is trying to get in. If you're ready to stop letting anxiety pull the plug on your joy, this one's for you.

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP237 Why sobriety programs don't work (and what to do instead)

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 30:17


Click here to watch on YouTube! If you've ever done an alcohol free challenge for 30, 60 or 90 days, maybe even a year, only to fall back into old habits when you started drinking again— this episode is for you. In today's deep dive, Colleen Freeland explains why behavior-based sobriety models (like Sober Sis, Annie Grace, and Casey Davidson's approaches) can actually keep you trapped in the very drinking cycle you're trying to escape. You'll learn why the real issue isn't alcohol — it's the perfectionistic, all-or-nothing mindset these programs reinforce. Colleen unpacks the neuroscience of habit change and explains why shame, identity labels, and emotional avoidance block your brain's ability to rewire for good. She'll walk you through the Default Mode Network, Reticular Activating System, and the Habenula — three key parts of the brain where habits live — and show you how to reprogram your subconscious mind through identity-based change and emotional safety.

Addiction Medicine Journal Club
62. Naltrexone Pills vs Injections for Alcohol Use Disorder

Addiction Medicine Journal Club

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 36:14


In episode 62 we discuss the article “Oral vs Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder.” Magane KM, et al.Oral vs Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for Hospitalized Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2025 Jun 1;185(6):635-645. We also discuss reduced overdose deaths and changes in buprenorphine labelling to include higher doses. NPR:Drug deaths plummet among young Americans as fentanyl carnage eases Federal Register:Modifications to Labeling of Buprenorphine-Containing Transmucosal Products for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence --- This podcast offers category 1 and MATE-ACT CME credits through MI CARES and Michigan State University. To get credit for this episode and others, go tothis link to make your account, take a brief quiz, and claim your credit. To learn more about opportunities in addiction medicine, visitMI CARES. CME: https://micaresed.org/courses/podcast-addiction-medicine-journal-club/ --- Original theme music:composed and performed by Benjamin Kennedy Audio editing: Michael Bonanno Executive producer:Dr. Patrick Beeman A podcast fromArs Longa Media --- This is Addiction Medicine Journal Club with Dr. Sonya Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan. We practice addiction medicine and primary care, and we believe that addiction is a disease that can be treated. This podcast reviews current articles to help you stay up to date with research that you can use in your addiction medicine practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP236 Minisode: The Litmus Test For Your Truth

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 18:38


In today's episode, Colleen peels back the curtain on one of the most radical shifts we can make: recognizing that we are not our thoughts—we're the observer behind them. What starts as a reflection on managing the energy in your body becomes a masterclass in emotional authorship, reminding us that our thoughts, not our circumstances, are what create our lived reality. Using the metaphor of a self-driving car, Colleen breaks down how most of us are unconsciously letting outdated programming steer our lives. But it doesn't have to be that way. When you take back the wheel—choosing how you want to feel and filtering your thoughts through that emotional compass—you begin to rewrite the narrative of your life, one aligned action at a time. This episode is both a wake-up call and a permission slip: to believe what feels good, let go of what causes suffering, and trust that healing your inner world is how you change the outer one. If you've ever wondered whether it's really possible to feel free, peaceful, and powerful in your own skin—this is your answer.    

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP235 Minisode: The Solution To Every Problem Is To Own It

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 14:11


In today's episode, Colleen walks us through a high-stakes moment with one of her clients—standing at the emotional fork in the road between old habits and radical self-responsibility. After a tense night at her childhood home, surrounded by triggering family dynamics and judgment, this client found herself spiraling into shame after a single shot of tequila… and a familiar pattern of self-attack. With her sister likely ready to confront her, she reached out for support—not to fix the situation, but to reclaim her power before it got hijacked. What unfolds is a masterclass in nervous system protection, mindset choice, and learning how to stop reacting to the stories in your head (and the ones projected onto you). This episode is your reminder that peace isn't earned through explanation—it's chosen in the moment, with breath, presence, and courage. If you've ever felt like you have to prove, fix, or defend your choices just to feel okay again—this one will show you another way.

UBC News World
Alcohol Use Disorder Affects Millions: How To Know When It's Time To Seek Help

UBC News World

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 5:19


Learn the warning signs of AUD, from drinking more than intended to neglecting responsibilities. This medical condition exists on a spectrum from mild to severe, but treatment works at any stage—despite the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. Learn more at https://sayarc.com Addiction Resource Center LLC. City: Yuba City Address: 1002 Live Oak Blvd. Website: https://sayarc.com

Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang
Menopause, Sleep & Alcohol: The Triple Threat to Your Brain, Body, and Heart

Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 28:41


Think that glass of wine is helping you relax and drift off? Think again. Your favorite nightcap may actually be sabotaging your sleep and fueling your menopausal symptomsIn this episode, we're unpacking the science behind alcohol's impact on sleep and menopause, explaining how it can intensify hot flashes, brain fog, and belly fat. You'll also discover empowering alternatives to support your energy, reclaim your sleep and protect your long-term brain health.What to Listen For:[00:01:00] Why your evening glass of wine might be making your hot flashes and belly fat worse[00:02:00] How alcohol disrupts your brain's ability to detox and repair overnight[00:04:00] Why women are more vulnerable to alcohol's effects, especially during menopause[00:07:00] The science behind how your liver processes alcohol — and why this matters more as we age[00:09:00] How hormonal changes make alcohol hit harder (and linger longer) in your system[00:12:00] The genetic differences that affect how we metabolize alcohol — and why you might flush red[00:14:00] The ways alcohol worsens menopause symptoms like night sweats and brain fog[00:17:00] The vicious cycle of alcohol, dehydration, and increased cravings[00:18:00] Key questions to help you explore your true needs beyond that glass of wine[00:22:00] Alternatives and strategies to find comfort, calm, and connection without alcoholIn this episode, we explore how alcohol, sleep, and menopause create a perfect storm for your health and what you can do to break the cycle. This isn't about guilt or deprivation — it's about empowerment and creating habits that support your brain and body as you age. If you're ready to make some changes, book a free mini-coaching session!Subscribe & Review in iTunesIf you like what you hear, please subscribe to my podcast.  I encourage you to do that today as I don't want you to miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe on iTunes!Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is.RESOURCES: Register for the FREE Masterclass: 5 Keys to Protecting Your Brain Health Book a FREE Discovery Call with Amy Lang Order Amy's book Thoughts Are Habits Too: Master Your Triggers, Free Yourself From Diet Culture, and Rediscover Joyful Eating. Follow Amy on Instagram @habitwhisperer

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP234 The Silent Collapse of a High Performer: Mike Hardenbrook's story

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 46:22


Click here to register for the neural rewrite masterclass! How to escape your negative self-talk. Click here to watch this episode on YouTube!  What happens when you're the person everyone counts and you're secretly falling apart? In this episode, Colleen sits down with tech founder, entrepreneur and coach Mike Hardenbrook for an honest conversation about what it looks like when high-functioning people hit their limit. Mike opens up about the moment his drinking stopped working, why success can be a mask for burnout, and what it really takes to start living from self-trust instead of self-discipline. Mike's story is proof that you don't have to lose everything to change—but you do have to stop pretending everything's fine. If you're tired of performing under pressure, this episode will show you how to walk away from the bad habits that aren't serving you anymore without losing your edge--or the fun version of yourself.  Mike has also developed a brand of supplements specifically for drinkers looking to cut back that have been shown to reduce alcohol cravings up to 60% and correct the nutritional deficiencies caused by regular drinking.  Find Mike: Mike's Instagram  Mike's Website.  Click here to shop for the Cloud 9 supplements mentioned in the interview.   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc  YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!   

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP233 Minisode: Becoming The Master Of Your Own Attention And Focus

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 11:18


In today's episode, Colleen shares a real-life moment of emotional sobriety in action—when an old blog post, a rogue email, and a morning scroll tried to hijack her peace before she even got out of bed. What begins as a minor tech task quickly spirals into a stress response… until she catches it. Instead of reacting from urgency, she pauses, reconnects with her intention for the day, and remembers: just because it feels urgent doesn't mean it is. This episode is a practical, embodied reminder that emotional sobriety isn't about getting it perfect—it's about noticing the pattern before it runs your whole day. If you're done letting false alarms steal your time, energy, and presence, this one shows you how to reclaim control—without rushing to fix anything.

Weirds of a Feather
Ep. 117: ADHD & Alcohol Use Disorder–Called to the Sea

Weirds of a Feather

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 88:03


Mix up a mocktail and settle in for another addition to our ADHD & addiction series.   This episode, we're on a mission to bring back fun, lighthearted conspiracy theories before diving into the Meat, where Kristin is teaching us about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).    She's covering the diagnostic criteria for AUD, how alcohol affects the brain and body, why ADHDers are especially drawn to it, and some judgment-free suggestions for reducing your use.  Resources: Alcohol Use Disorder: Screening, Evaluation, and Management - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf Alcohol use disorders and ADHD - ScienceDirect Increased Sensitivity to the Disinhibiting Effects of Alcohol in Adults with ADHD - PMC ADHD and Alcohol Use: What's the Link? | Psych Central ADHD & Alcohol: Exploring the Connection and Overcoming Challenges The Clinically Meaningful Link Between Alcohol Use and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - PMC Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM–IV and DSM–5 | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Effects of Alcohol on the Brain, Animation, Professional version. Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions - PMC Associations between childhood ADHD, gender, and adolescent alcohol and marijuana involvement: A causally informative design. - Abstract - Europe PMC Faye Lawrence - ADHD, Grey Area Drinker & Behaviour Change Coach Atomoxetine treatment of adults with ADHD and comorbid alcohol use disorders - ScienceDirect Common Nightingale - YouTube

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP232 Minisode: Healing Emotionally Abusive Thinking Habits

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 9:24


In today's episode, Colleen reveals the sneaky way our own thoughts quietly become emotional abuse—and how to interrupt the habit of thinking things that hurt. From bedtime mirror pep talks to buried beliefs about being “a hot mess,” this episode explores how subconscious thought loops create the feelings that sabotage your confidence, relationships, and self-trust. Colleen explains how your nervous system isn't reacting to your circumstances—it's reacting to your story. And most of that story? It's fiction you've been rehearsing for years. If you're ready to stop bullying yourself with thoughts you'd never say out loud to a friend, this episode is your start to choosing a better script and creating safety in your own mind.

Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang
Alcohol and Sleep: The Silent Threat to Your Brain Health

Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 33:02


Think that nightcap is helping you unwind? You might be shocked to learn how alcohol and sleep interact and what that means for your long-term brain health. In this episode, I'll walk you through the six stages of change to help you take compassionate, actionable steps toward deeper rest and a healthier mind.What to Listen For[00:04:00] Why even small amounts of alcohol aren't as heart-healthy as you've been told.[00:06:00] How alcohol affects deep sleep and REM sleep—and why that matters for Alzheimer's prevention.[00:09:00] The difference between sedation and true sleep .[00:13:00] Questions to ask yourself if you're contemplating changing your alcohol habits.[00:14:00] Why your "why" is more important than any quick fix—and how to find yours.[00:15:00] The role of compassion and self-forgiveness in changing sleep and drinking habits.[00:16:00] How therapy, coaching, and even medication can support your journey.[00:20:00] Practical sleep hygiene strategies beyond "avoid electronics in your bedroom."[00:21:00] Why timing your meals and sunlight exposure can dramatically improve sleep.[00:22:00] The hidden link between poor sleep, brain fog, and increased Alzheimer's risk.Alcohol might seem like a quick fix for sleep, but the science tells a different story. By understanding its real impact on your brain and body, you can start making empowered choices that support deeper sleep and long-term brain health.If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, share it with a friend, and check out the links below for even more resources.From the episode:Book a free mini-coaching session with AmyDownload the free Sleep GuideSubscribe & Review in iTunesIf you like what you hear, please subscribe to my podcast.  I encourage you to do that today as I don't want you to miss an episode.  Click here to subscribe on iTunes!Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is.RESOURCES: Register for the FREE Masterclass: 5 Keys to Protecting Your Brain Health Book a FREE Discovery Call with Amy Lang Order Amy's book Thoughts Are Habits Too: Master Your Triggers, Free Yourself From Diet Culture, and Rediscover Joyful Eating. Follow Amy on Instagram @habitwhisperer

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP231 Here's 5 science-based strategies to reduce your drinking TONIGHT

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 33:24


Click here to register for the Rewrite Neural Pathways to Escape Negative Self-Talk Workshop on July 12th Click here to watch this episode on YouTube   Do you have confidence and discipline in most areas of your life, and feel befuddled as to why your drinking feels so hard to control?   If your drinking feels out of alignment with your values, your goals, or your sense of self, this episode will give you a clear understanding as to what's really going on, and also five powerful, science-based strategies that will help you stop yourself from over-drinking—without relying on willpower, restriction, or shaming yourself into submission.  Whether you're trying to moderate, avoid shame spirals, or feel more in control after a stressful day, these tools will help you reset your nervous system, reconnect with your values, and get your brain off autopilot so you can build new habits that align with who you really are.

Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
Naltrexone vs. Topiramate: FDA-Approved vs. Off-Label Options for MAUD

Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 10:07


In this episode, we explore groundbreaking head-to-head research comparing topiramate and naltrexone for alcohol use disorder, revealing surprising equivalence in effectiveness. Could the off-label option actually be as good as our FDA-approved standard for treating problematic drinking? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 69 Can Topiramate Replace FDA-Approved Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder?

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP230 Minisode: Processing The Background Alarm

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 15:29


In today's episode, Colleen unpacks why your background alarm is going off—and how to finally turn it off. You're not lazy. You're not broken. And your bedtime resistance, your anxious spinouts, your self-sabotage? They're not random. They. Are. Patterns. Habits formed by younger versions of you who were just trying to stay safe. This episode dives into how childhood beliefs shape your nervous system, why emotional energy gets trapped in the body, and how to reclaim that energy instead of wasting it on panic, shame, or perfectionism. If your anxiety feels like it runs the show, Colleen gives you a way to interrupt the pattern and stop thinking your way out of a feeling problem. Whether you're healing from overdrinking, a divorce, or just trying to move through your day with more peace, this one shows you exactly how to get back into your body and claim your power. Key Takeaways: That “resistance” you feel? It's not laziness—it's a child part of you stuck in a story. Your background alarm (aka chronic anxiety) is often a relic from the past—not a reaction to the present. Trying to think your way through a feeling problem only keeps the alarm ringing. If you're done spiraling, numbing, or wondering why you sabotage the things you say you want—this episode is your wake-up call to stop overriding your body and start listening. And if you're ready to reduce your drinking by 80% and finally trust yourself again? Schedule a discovery call with Colleen or the team- BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.    Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!  Find me on: YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer  X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc  Transcript  

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP229 Minisode: The Black Mirror

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 10:10


You've probably heard me say the common phrase “the call is coming from inside the house” — but what if every judgment you make about someone else is too? In this episode, Colleen unpacks the concept of The Black Mirror — the idea that your emotional reactions to other people are often projections of the stories, beliefs, and insecurities you hold about yourself. You'll learn how to flip the script when you're triggered by someone else's behavior, turn judgment into powerful self-awareness, and use emotional sobriety skills to stop reacting from fear and start responding from clarity. This is shadow work, made practical. This episode is for the woman who is ready to take her power back… by owning what's hers and releasing what isn't.    

It's Not About the Alcohol
EP228 “I've become the person I've always wanted to be” –Carley's recovery story (part 2)

It's Not About the Alcohol

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 50:26


Click here to watch the full interview with Carley on YouTube In Part 2 of Carley's story, we dive into the healing that began once she joined the program. You'll hear how she learned to regulate her nervous system, rewire her brain, and change the story she told herself about who she was. Carley shares how she finally stopped chasing external validation, started putting herself first without guilt, and showed up more fully — not just for herself, but for her kids, her husband, and her work. We also talk about what it means to “be emotionally sober” and why drinking less wasn't the ultimate win for Carley — it was becoming the woman she never thought she could be. This part of the conversation is a celebration of what's possible when you stop trying to get sober and start learning to feel safe in your own body. What you'll hear in Part 2: The skills Carley developed that helped her reduce her drinking by 80% How emotional sobriety changed her marriage, her parenting, and her self-talk Why she now calls herself “unrecognizable” — in the best way What she would say to any woman who's scared to take the first step   Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL if you're ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober. Side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking. Want daily updates from me? TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Twitter (X): @NotAboutTheAlc YouTube: @hangoverwhisperer —Do you want coaching from Colleen on a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question. Your name will not be mentioned on air!