Have you ever woken up at 3am with a pounding heart and a regretful mind, questioning your decision to indulge in those extra drinks? Or found yourself promising to cut back, only to slip back into old habits when stress kicks in? Today Bella talks about her 10 unmistakable red flags that signal it's time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Whether it's the wake-up calls, the failed moderation attempts, or the realisation that you're self-medicating, we're tackling these issues head-on.

Taking a break from drinking isn't just about giving up something; it's about gaining a whole new perspective on life. Imagine feeling healthier, looking better, and having more energy – that's the transformative power of drinking less. If you're wrestling with moderation, you no longer enjoy activities you used to enjoy or experience anxiety in moments you used to breeze through, we’ll guide you through the benefits of taking a break, seeking professional guidance, from counselling to coaching programs.

Link to our previous episode on Secret Drinking.

10 RED FLAGS

1. 3AM wake up
2. Self medicating stress, anxiety and depression
3. Moderation fails
4. Not enjoying activities that you used to enjoy
5. Fixated with alcohol vs liberated
6. Secret Drinking
7. Panic and claustrophobia
8. Emotionally burnout: cynicism, detached, demotivated
9. General risks: youth, family members, trauma
10. Staying Power

MEG & BELLA

Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Isabella Ferguson: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Instagram: @kidsandalcohol

I never imagined that so many special memories in my life would be a blur. The harsh reality of alcohol-induced blackouts left a mark on what should have been some of the clearest and happiest days of my life. Tune in as I, Meg, unravel the harrowing connection between these blackouts and anxiety, and the role they've played in my own journey. It's a stark look at the silent battle many face, as the quest to ease social nerves can lead to moments lost in time and the frightening inability to form memories.

This episode isn't just a personal reflection—it's a broader discussion on the perilous impact of alcohol misuse on society, from the risks of domestic violence to the tough conversations we must have with our loved ones about safe drinking practices. Through my story, and experiences, we explore the importance of awareness around how and why blackouts occur when it comes to alcohol. If you're grappling with these challenges or know someone who is, this conversation aims to offer a guiding light to those ready to step towards understanding and breaking free from alcohol's grip.

MEG & BELLA

Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Isabella Ferguson: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Instagram: @kidsandalcohol

Veronica Valli, a recovery coach with nearly 24 years of sobriety, and one of the "originals" of the modern alcohol free movement, joins us to share how she maintains her sober practice after all these years. Hint - she's written about how she does it in her insightful book, Soberful, which talks about 5 pillars of a sustainable sobriety, that Veronica believes are essential for a happy sober life. Listen on to hear what these are!

We cover many topics in this episode, including drinking to "deal with" anxiety, common misconceptions of sobriety and the potential for a life filled with genuine fun and connection without the need for alcohol. So, if your curiosity is piqued and you're seeking motivation, our experiences as sobriety coaches might just be the guiding light you need to take that first step towards an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Bella's May Alcohol Freedom Small Group Coaching Challenge: Learn more & join here

Meg's Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

VERONICA VALLI

Veronica's website: https://soberful.com/

Veronica's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicajvalli/

Veronica's Free Facebook group: https://soberful.com/facebook/

Soberful podcast: https://soberful.com/episodes/

MEG & BELLA

Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub

Isabella Ferguson: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
Instagram: @kidsandalcohol