Podcasts about alcohol use disorder

In this follow-up episode, Colleen shares a personal holiday stumble—an experience she originally recorded in late 2024, but one that still rings true as we look ahead to the upcoming season. She names it a “relapse,” not because of how much she drank but because of the disconnect between what she wanted and what actually happened. Instead of hiding it, she walks through the three-question framework from Part One, showing in real time how to turn what looks like failure into data, compassion, and next steps. Through honest reflection, she reframes her week of drinking with family as a learning lab: noticing where it could have been worse, expanding the timeline to see real improvement, and uncovering the lesson that unrealistic expectations set her up to struggle. What emerges is a radically different take on relapse—not as proof you're broken, but as proof you're still learning. This isn't just a confession—it's a model of how to meet yourself in the mess, stay curious, and come back stronger.  

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking Swedish research on GLP-1 receptor agonists as a potential new treatment for alcohol use disorder. Could diabetes medications like semaglutide revolutionize addiction treatment where traditional therapies have fallen short? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 72 Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Weight Gain?

As the holiday season approaches, this episode—originally recorded after Thanksgiving 2024—offers perspective that's just as relevant now as it was then. Colleen pulls apart one of the biggest myths of change: that it's the behavior itself that's hard. The truth? It's the act of change—the moment you take your brain off autopilot—that feels so uncomfortable. From holiday chaos to daily overwhelm, she shows how perfectionism and constant performance keep you stuck, and why setbacks are not proof of failure but invitations to learn. She reframes relapse, stress, and “slip-ups” as tests—opportunities to gather information instead of self-destruct. She makes the case that baby habits can't yet compete with old, well-worn patterns in times of stress, and that setting realistic expectations is the most compassionate, powerful strategy for lasting growth. This is more than a pep talk. It's a playbook for walking through the holidays (and any high-pressure season) without letting setbacks steal your progress—or your self-trust.  

In this episode, Colleen unpacks one of the most common struggles in early sobriety and beyond: bone-deep exhaustion. She shares her own experience quitting alcohol (and much more) all at once, and how the “post-acute withdrawal syndrome” myth left her believing she'd be tired and unmotivated for years. What she eventually discovered is that tiredness isn't just physical—it's an emotional signal tied to how you're thinking, what you're carrying, and how you're responding to your body. She reframes fatigue as a feeling, not a fixed fact. She lays out the calls to action—hydration, movement, thought work, environment shifts—that help you recharge in real time instead of waiting for some mythical “dopamine reset.” This episode will show you how to trust your body as the litmus test for truth and to respond in ways that restore energy, purpose, and hope.    

In this episode, Colleen gives an update on the behind-the-scenes of what happened after being suddenly cut from a program she'd once called home. At first, she carried the weight of unfairness and betrayal, convinced it would take a long time to heal. But what started as a sting that clung to her body and mind turned into something radically different: a live demonstration of releasing the story that was holding her hostage. Through an unexpected NLP exercise with her coach, she revisits the childhood wound at the root of her pain and dismantles the old belief that others get to decide her worth. In real time, you'll hear how her body shifted, her brain rewired, and her story transformed from “I've been wronged” to “I'm free.” What looked like rejection became a clean slate, a wider horizon, and a reminder that freedom comes when you reclaim the pen and rewrite your own narrative. This isn't just an update—it's a case study in emotional sovereignty, showing how quickly you can drop a heavy story and walk away lighter.    

You know that sinking feeling of disappointment or even disgust you get when you're looking at yourself in the mirror and wishing you were thinner? That feeling is actually wrecking your metabolism.  My guest today is Sarah Haas, host of the Boss Body podcast. She's here to share her story of how, after years of being thin and fit and looking like she had it all together, she found herself as a single mother dealing not only with her young son's type 1 diabetes, but also breast cancer–which included radiation, chemo and a double mastectomy. She had to learn that loving your body is not about working harder to look better. It's about releasing the emotional heaviness that is figuratively and literally weighing you down. In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Sarah Haas, host of the Boss Body podcast, shares how the stress of being a single mom and battling breast cancer–including radiation, chemo and a double mastectomy, taught her that loving your body is not loving how you look, it's releasing the emotional heaviness that is figuratively and literally weighing you down. Highlights: Why body love often feels impossible when you've let yourself go—and where to start instead The toxic role of the inner critic (and how to change the voice in your head) How midlife can become a catalyst for deeper self-worth and vibrant health Practical steps to boost metabolism in perimenopause and beyond   Whether you're trying to lose weight or simply ready to feel more comfortable in your own skin—this conversation will give you the mindset shifts you need to begin.   If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.    Click here to get Sarah's Rev Up Your Metabolism Guide. Find her on social media: @sarahhaaswellness   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  

In this episode, Colleen pulls back the curtain on a personal “bitch slap from the universe” that arrived in the form of a sudden, unexplained expulsion from a coaching program she once considered family. What could have been a spiral into shame became something else entirely—a masterclass in emotional sovereignty. She walks you through the shock, the grief, and the moment she realized: this wasn't actually about her. Instead of chasing fairness or demanding explanations, she chose action over rumination, redirecting her energy toward opportunities that actually align with her values. With candor, humor, and zero self-pity, Colleen models what it looks like to process hurt without handing away your power—and to see a painful ending as a door swinging wide to something better. This is more than a story about rejection; it's a real-time demonstration of the freedom that comes from owning your emotional narrative and refusing to let someone else's decisions define you.    

In this episode, Colleen dismantles one of the most costly habits we carry through life: the obsession with figuring out whose fault it is. She makes a powerful distinction between fault—the cause of a problem—and responsibility—your power to choose how you respond. The moment you stop waiting for someone else to make things right, you stop handing them your power. With humor, wordplay, and grounded examples, she shows how clinging to blame keeps you stuck, resentful, and drained—while letting go frees you to act from a place of choice, not victimhood. Whether it's waiting on an apology, reimbursement, or just “closure,” the real cost is the energy you lose while holding someone else accountable for your own next move. Colleen invites you to reclaim your response-ability, stop making other people's actions the condition for your own happiness, and give situations “all the attention they deserve—none.” Because when you drop the weight of fault, you gain the freedom to create the life you actually want.    

When my client, Michele, told me she was going to reintroduce alcohol. I'll be honest — I was nervous. Actually, that's bullshit. I felt like a failure. She'd been sober for 10 months.  I was her sobriety coach. And at that time, I was still operating on the mindset that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. Because everybody knows you can't unpickle a cucumber.  But as we learn in coaching school, the client is the expert on their own lives. Telling people what they should and shouldn't do is condescending, not coaching. So I checked my own fear and anxiety and held space for her. Michele is the first client I coached with a truly open mind — where there is no “right” way to drink, no moral high ground for whoever has the most sober days, and no starting over after you have a drink. Alcohol is neutral–it's not good or bad or right or wrong. It's not the problem and it's not the solution. Working with Michele completely changed the way I think about recovery from alcohol use disorder. She is my patient zero, if you will. This experience laid the foundation for the work I do now as a mindful drinking coach. And she's here today to share her story and talk about what it's really like to learn how to trust yourself again…to heal your relationship with yourself so you don't have to worry about your relationship with alcohol. It's raw. It's honest. It's messy. And for me, it's personal — because this opened my eyes, my mind and my heart to see what's really possible when you stop using the past to predict the future.    If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to 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

About the Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a prominent expert in the field of functional health, known for her impassioned work in spreading well-researched health information through her platform, Functional Health Radio. With a keen focus on the intersection of lifestyle choices and health outcomes, Dr. Hieshetter draws on extensive research to inform her discussions on critical health topics, including alcohol consumption and its links to cancer. She has garnered appreciation for her analytical approach and commitment to empowering listeners to make informed health decisions. Episode Summary: Join Dr. Kristin Hieshetter as she delves into the critical connection between alcohol consumption and breast cancer on this episode of Functional Health Radio. As alcohol use remains prevalent, understanding its health implications becomes crucial, especially in light of emerging research. Dr. Kristin examines the cultural shifts in alcohol consumption and the heightened awareness about its potential risks, leading into an in-depth discussion based on recent medical findings. In this informative episode, Dr. Kristin highlights the sobering reality illustrated by recent studies, showcasing the increased risk of breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption. From alcohol's biological impact on estrogen levels to its epidemiological connection to various cancers, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the inherent health risks. Dr. Kristin also provides practical advice on reducing these risks, emphasizing mindful consumption and advocating for better dietary and lifestyle choices to mitigate cancer risks. Key Takeaways: Alcohol is widely consumed but poses significant health risks, including increased cancer risk, particularly breast cancer. Studies reveal that every 10-gram increase in alcohol consumption raises breast cancer risk significantly. Alcohol contributes to numerous cancer types, raising estrogen levels, which can exacerbate cancer risk, especially in post-menopausal women. Reducing alcohol intake can significantly lower cancer risk, encouraging more mindful drinking habits. Mocktails, like a raspberry basil concoction, provide healthy, antioxidant-rich alternatives to alcohol. Notable Quotes: "People are just using [alcohol] to medicate, right? Like, well, screw it. The virus is still here, and it's snowing again. I'm gonna have myself a beverage." "Alcohol causes three out of four of those genetic mutations. Scary, right?" "If there's anything you can do to prevent from ever needing cancer or chemotherapy, I want to be in your corner helping coach you through that process." "Be safe, everybody. Okay? So these different patterns of alcohol drinking may have different effects on breast cancer." "One beverage a day raises your risk 200%. Say it again. Have a beverage on a holiday. Have a beverage once a month." Resources: PubMed - Source of numerous studies including data on alcohol and cancer. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Statistics on alcohol use disorders. Pharmacological Reports - Source for the discussed article on alcohol and breast cancer. Women's Health Initiative Observational Study - Study investigating alcohol and cancer risk. Functional Health Mastery Group For a deeper dive into the compelling research behind these findings and to gather more actionable insights on improving health through informed lifestyle choices, tune in to this enlightening episode. Don't miss more expert insights and informative discussions on Functional Health Radio with Dr. Kristin Hieshetter.

When you picture rehab, what comes to mind?A gloomy old building with flickering lights and someone yelling down the corridor? Maybe a slightly dishevelled Hollywood celeb getting wheeled into group therapy?Yeah… us too. We imagined something scary, shame-filled, and full of awkward meetings where you have to open up in front of strangers while sitting in a plastic chair.But is it really like that? In this episode, we're unpacking all the outdated ideas we had about rehab and exploring what options are actually out there for people struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder.We're joined by Dr Chris Davis, founder of Clean Slate Clinic, who's here to tell us about a very different kind of recovery — one you can do from your own home, in your trackies, without a hint of shame. We talk about how modern rehab can be discreet, flexible, and tailored to real life, and why the traditional image of recovery might be stopping people from getting the help they need.And yes, we do go slightly off track with a conversation about peacocks. Obviously.If you've ever wondered what real rehab looks like and how it could look for you...Tune in, get comfy, and let's find out.

In this episode, Colleen shares a raw, behind-the-scenes moment from her own emotional funk and breaks down exactly how she worked through it—thought by thought, feeling by feeling. From vacation wine to love-bombing exes to that post-holiday productivity pressure, she shows how even seemingly minor emotional clutter can trigger deep, subconscious beliefs that hijack your nervous system. Instead of bypassing or blaming her mood, Colleen slows down and listens—uncovering the core belief underneath it all: I've done something wrong. What follows is a masterclass in emotional self-leadership. You'll hear how she clears the subconscious “rock in her shoe,” replaces it with a more empowering truth, and reclaims her mental space, energy, and creative flow. This isn't emotional perfectionism. This is radical presence—and it's how you clear the emotional backlog that's actually running your life.    

In this episode, Colleen reframes one of the most misunderstood experiences in recovery: anxiety. Far from being just a diagnosis or a quirk of personality, anxiety is presented as a signal—an embodied alert system that points to the quality of your thoughts. She breaks down the real reason alcohol feels impossible to control: not because you're broken, but because your brain, hijacked by stress, is obsessing over a problem it thinks it must fix. And when that problem is alcohol, you become trapped in a loop of overthinking, guilt, and trying harder—while your body begs for presence, stillness, and care. She offers a radical shift: your anxiety isn't something to be solved. It's something to listen to. Not with your mind, but with your body. This isn't a mindset hack—it's nervous system healing. And it starts by learning how to stop listening to your brain's recycled stories, and start thinking on purpose.    

If you've ever been told you're “too sensitive,” this episode is for you.. Today, I'm talking with podcast host Tina Marx to explore the deep connection between being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and the tendency to use alcohol to self-soothe. This isn't a conversation about addiction or willpower. It's about how sensitivity without emotional safety often leads high-achieving women to drink in secret—while still keeping everything else together on the outside. We talk about why HSPs are more susceptible to overwhelm, anxiety, and perfectionism, and how alcohol becomes a temporary escape—not just from stress, but from the full-body experience of feeling too much. If you've ever said, “I just need to turn my brain off,” or “I wish I could stop overreacting,” this episode will help you reframe what's really going on—without shame, without labels, and without needing to commit to permanent sobriety.

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.    

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.    

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.

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!

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.    

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.    

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

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  

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 ★

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.