You’re Not Broken: Why Drinking Feels Like Survival - Victoria English

You’re Not Broken: Why Drinking Feels Like Survival - Victoria English

Imagine alcohol as a survival tool rather than just a habit. In this episode of the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Podcast, Victoria English, Head Coach at Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, explores the idea that drinking can be a way to cope with unresolved emotional pain. She shares her personal journey and insights gained from coaching others in Project 90, a 90-day alcohol cessation programme. Victoria discusses how high achievers often use alcohol to mask underlying issues such as grief, shame, or loneliness.

These emotions can stem from childhood experiences, where conditional love and unpredictability shaped their nervous systems. Victoria challenges the notion that addiction is a disease, suggesting instead that it's an attempt to solve deeper problems rooted in pain. Drawing on the wisdom of trauma expert Gabor Maté, she highlights how alcohol may seem like a comforting escape but ultimately serves as a temporary fix for bigger emotional struggles.

Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Victoria encourages you to confront these issues with compassion rather than self-criticism. This episode invites you to consider whether your drinking is simply a symptom of something deeper. It’s about self-rescue – stepping away from reliance on willpower and towards understanding and healing. Victoria's message is clear: you're not broken; you're adapting. If you’re ready to explore new ways to nurture yourself without alcohol, this episode offers valuable insights and support.

So why not give it a listen? You might find the courage to embrace change and connect with the younger version of yourself who deserves compassion and care.