James Swanwick
James Swanwick
Negotiating With Alcohol Is Exhausting, here’s the Smarter Play - Victoria English
Negotiating With Alcohol Is Exhausting, here’s the Smarter Play - Victoria English
Negotiating With Alcohol Is Exhausting, here’s the Smarter Play - Victoria English
Friday 4th July 2025
Discover why moderation can be mentally draining and explore a smarter way to achieve peace with alcohol in this engaging episode.
20 minutes
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James Swanwick
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Get the buttons here!Break Free From Exhausting Alcohol Negotiations
Episode Overview
- Moderation can lead to mental exhaustion and decision fatigue.
- Understanding brain systems helps explain cravings.
- A 90-day alcohol break can reset your system.
- Moderation often reinforces craving pathways.
- Living without alcohol negotiations brings freedom.
"Moderation means every day is a negotiation. Will I drink tonight? Can I stick to one? Is this a special occasion?"
Victoria English brings a refreshing perspective to the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle podcast, challenging the exhausting cycle of negotiating with alcohol. If you're someone who's tried every trick in the book to moderate your drinking but still feels stuck, this episode might just be the eye-opener you need. Victoria dives into the mental toll of moderation, explaining why it often feels like a never-ending negotiation.
She discusses the science behind craving and decision fatigue, pointing out how moderation can keep you trapped in a loop of anticipation and reward without truly rewiring your brain. Victoria introduces listeners to two critical brain systems: the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and goal-setting, and the midbrain, which is driven by habit and reward.
As she explains, even when you decide to have just two drinks, the moment alcohol enters your bloodstream, the midbrain takes over, reinforcing cravings rather than diminishing them. It's like trying to put out a fire by using less gasoline each time. The episode also explores the concept of decision fatigue, which is particularly challenging for high achievers who are already juggling numerous responsibilities. Adding complex drinking rules only adds to the mental load, leading to exhaustion.
Victoria suggests that taking a 90-day break from alcohol could offer a much-needed reset for your brain and bring a sense of freedom from constant negotiations. Through stories like Ben's—a tech executive who found clarity after a 90-day alcohol-free experiment—Victoria illustrates how stepping away from moderation can lead to greater emotional well-being and self-trust.
This episode encourages listeners to consider what life could look like without the burden of alcohol negotiations and invites them to explore a new path towards living fully. So, why not give yourself a chance to experience the peace that comes with letting go of moderation?