How to Figure Out Why You Drink (and What to Do Instead) | Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E857

What if the feeling you’re trying to avoid is actually pointing to what you need most? In this episode, Coach Cole and Coach Hayley guide T and Jean through compassionate exploration of the urges driving their drinking. T describes anticipation, ritual, and the itchy “deprivation sweater” she feels when she skips a drink. Jean shares how isolation and social anxiety feed her belief that she’s “not interesting.” Both women dive into how to figure out why you drink - not to shame, but to uncover hidden needs, from creativity and space to self-worth and connection. In T’s Session: Translating the “deprived/itchy” sensation into data, not danger. How anticipation builds the ritual—and how to disrupt it kindly. Micro-pause practice: five minutes to explore how to figure out why you drink. “No room to grow” → portable creativity kits and boundary conversations. Reframing anger as an unmet-need alert, not a failure. Shifting from measuring pours to measuring alignment and relief. Choosing compassion tools over control tactics. And more topics… In Jean’s Session: Social anxiety’s storylines: “I’m boring,” “I’ll say it wrong,” “I’ll stay home.” Worth vs. worthiness feelings: why the difference matters. Hand-on-heart anchors and compassionate self-talk before events. Understanding how to figure out why you drink to stop pre-event numbing. Low-stakes connection reps to unwind isolation loops. “I’m in the process of…” turnarounds that feel true (not toxic positivity). Progress over perfection: practicing courage in small doses. And more… Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time. Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious! Quince: For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/nakedmind with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind Cozy Earth: Black Friday came early at Cozy Earth! Stack my code NAKEDMIND with their sitewide sale for up to 40% off.