Angela Pugh

Addiction Unlimited

Angela Pugh

  • The Mental Exhaustion of Trying to Control Your Drinking

The Mental Exhaustion of Trying to Control Your Drinking

Wednesday 13th August 2025

Angela Pugh tackles the myth of moderation in drinking, revealing its hidden costs and offering steps towards true freedom.
23 minutes
Informative
Honest
Supportive
Encouraging
Engaging

About this podcast

Addiction Unlimited
Author:
Angela Pugh
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Breaking Free from the Moderation Trap

Episode Overview

  • Moderation often leads to mental exhaustion rather than empowerment.
  • The brain's familiarity with alcohol can make quitting feel daunting.
  • Moderation is a delay tactic, not true control over drinking habits.
  • Focusing on gains rather than losses can aid in quitting alcohol.
  • Making one clear decision simplifies the process of quitting.
"Moderation isn't a sign of control – it's a stall tactic that keeps you in a constant mental tug of war."
Ever felt like you're playing a game of mental gymnastics with your drinking habits? In this episode of Addiction Unlimited, Angela Pugh dives into the exhausting cycle of moderation and why it often leaves you feeling more drained than empowered. Angela, a seasoned coach and recovering alcoholic, shares her experiences with moderation attempts and explains why they tend to unravel despite our best efforts.
You'll hear about the brain's sneaky tricks that keep you stuck in the moderation loop, convincing you that you're in control when really, you're just delaying the inevitable. Angela offers a candid look at the hidden costs of trying to moderate – from emotional turmoil to physical strain – and challenges the notion that moderation equals freedom. Instead, she encourages shifting the focus from managing alcohol to creating a life where it becomes irrelevant.
Through relatable anecdotes and straightforward advice, Angela paints a picture of what true freedom from alcohol looks like, emphasising that it's not about losing something but gaining clarity and peace. The episode is packed with practical tips for breaking free from the moderation trap, including making one clear decision to quit and focusing on what you gain rather than what you lose.
Angela's engaging style and no-nonsense approach make for an enlightening listen, whether you're just starting your sobriety journey or have been contemplating change for a while. So if you're tired of tracking drinks and negotiating with yourself, this episode might just be the nudge you need to redefine your relationship with alcohol. Why not give it a listen and see how it resonates with your own experiences?
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