Why We Keep Drinking: Unmasking the Illusion of Alcohol’s Appeal
Episode Overview
Understand the concept of faded effect bias and its impact on the relationship with alcohol Explore the exercise 'Itinerary of Alcohol Misdemeanors' to confront drinking consequences Shift the perspective from associating alcohol with pleasure to associating it with pain Encourage rewiring the brain to break free from the cycle of addiction or harmful drinking habits Embrace sobriety as a skill that requires practice and intention
Sobriety is a skill... The more you work at it, the better you're going to get at it.
Have you ever sworn off alcohol after a rough night, only to find yourself back at it by the weekend? You're not alone, and Patrick Fox is here to explain why. In this eye-opening episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick dives into the psychology behind our drinking habits, focusing on something called Faded Affect Bias (FAB). This bias tricks us into forgetting the hangovers and remembering the 'fun' times instead.
But Patrick isn't just about pointing out the problem; he's got solutions too. One standout tool he shares is the 'Itinerary of Alcohol Misdemeanors' exercise. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep the negative consequences of drinking fresh in your mind. By staying conscious of the pain rather than just the pleasure, you can start to unlearn your desire to drink.
Patrick also tackles the common issue of self-blame, reminding listeners that beating yourself up over past mistakes doesn’t help anyone. Instead, he offers a compassionate approach to understanding why we drink and how we can change our habits. This episode is perfect for anyone tired of the cycle of drinking and regret, looking for practical advice on how to break free.
Whether you're aiming for sobriety or just trying to cut back, Patrick's insights could be the key to changing your relationship with alcohol for good.