This podcast discusses the concept of mindful drinking as an alternative to the abundance vs. abstinence debate. It features an author who shares her personal experience and provides a plan for achieving mindful drinking. The podcast also explores the challenges of cutting down on alcohol consumption and offers resources for those seeking help.
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Quick takeaways
Mindful drinking emphasizes moderation as a third option between excessive consumption and total abstinence.
Developing a structured plan, embracing progress over perfection, and exploring alternative coping mechanisms are crucial for achieving mindful drinking.
Deep dives
Understanding the Shift in Drinking Trends
The podcast discusses how Americans are changing their relationship with alcohol. While the younger generation is drinking less and non-alcoholic beverages are gaining popularity, the pandemic has led to increased drinking as a coping mechanism. The conversation around drinking often revolves around total abstinence or excessive consumption, neglecting the importance of moderation. The guest, Rosamund Dean, highlights the need for resources for those who want to be more in control of their drinking habits. She emphasizes the significance of a structured approach and a reset period to develop a mindful and moderated relationship with alcohol.
Challenges in Cutting Down on Drinking
The podcast explores the challenges individuals face when trying to cut down on their drinking. The guest, Rosamund Dean, shares her personal journey of trying to change her drinking behavior. She highlights the difficulty of relying solely on willpower and the need for a structured plan. She also discusses the mindset shift required to move away from shame and self-blame, emphasizing progress over perfection. The conversation delves into the significance of self-awareness and understanding the role that alcohol plays in managing stress and anxiety.
Approaching Drinking with Mindfulness
The podcast delves into the concept of mindful drinking as an alternative approach to complete abstinence or excessive drinking. Rosamund Dean suggests starting with a period of abstinence, such as Dry January, to reset tolerance and experiment with alternative ways to cope with stress. She recommends creating a plan for the week ahead, identifying specific drinking days and limits, such as the rule of three: drinking only three nights a week and limiting drinks to three or less in one sitting. Rosamund emphasizes the importance of preparation, accountability partners, and exploring alcohol-free drink options to support the goal of mindful drinking.
Navigating Social Situations and Overcoming Challenges
The podcast addresses the challenges individuals may face in social situations and provides strategies for navigating them. Rosamund Dean advises being open about cutting down on drinking with supportive friends and creating a positive narrative around the decision, rather than presenting it as a difficult struggle. She suggests pretending to drink or finding alternatives in situations where social pressure or potential conflict arise. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-kindness, acknowledging the difficulty of the process, and the benefits of experiencing the joys of socializing and connecting in a more present and authentic way.
Dry January has come and gone, but the conversation about alcohol—and rethinking our relationship with it—is still very much with us. This week’s listener, Natalie, wants to move past the abundance vs. abstinence debate and talk about a third option: thoughtful moderation. In this episode, Courtney Martin brings on journalist Rosamund Dean, author of Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Lifeand Well, Well, Well, a Substack about living better, for longer. She shares how she found moderation through mindfulness—and how you can too.
If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive drinking, consider contacting SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. You can also find a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting by visiting aa.org.
Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.
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