Feel Good Alcohol-Free with Lindsay Hennekey

Episode 12: The Emotional Cycle of Quitting Drinking

May 28, 2025

Quitting drinking is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. Discover the five emotional phases that often accompany this journey. Learn that setbacks are simply part of the process, not failures. It’s essential to manage emotions without relying on alcohol, fostering personal growth. Setting boundaries protects sobriety and creates healing space. Embrace kindness to yourself as you navigate this transformative experience, recognizing the truly liberating yet challenging task of rebuilding your identity.

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INSIGHT

Emotional Sobriety Is The Real Work

Quitting drinking is only a small part of sobriety and emotional work carries the rest of the load.
Emotional sobriety means learning to feel and manage emotions without outsourcing them to alcohol.

INSIGHT

Quitting Is Nonlinear And Slow

Quitting is not linear and often begins long before the last 'day one.'
The path includes thinking, trial and error, and sometimes slips before finding footing.

ANECDOTE

The Inner Negotiator Wore Her Down

Lindsay describes living with constant internal negotiation about drinking and calls it exhausting.
She compares it to living with a full-time lawyer in her brain arguing for and against the next glass.

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In this episode of Feel Good Alcohol-Free, Lindsay dives deep into the emotional journey of quitting drinking. It's not just about the day you stop, but everything leading up to it and what comes after. Lindsay explores the non-linear, often messy process of emotional sobriety and provides insights, tools, and support to help you navigate each phase without self-judgment.

What You'll Learn:

Understand the five distinct emotional phases individuals typically go through when quitting drinking
Learn that quitting is a non-linear journey with ups, downs, and potential slips, and that this is a normal part of the process.
Discover that true sobriety is about learning to feel and manage emotions without relying on alcohol.
Gain insights into dealing with the emotional challenges that arise when you stop using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Understand how setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your sobriety and creating space for healing and growth.
Learn practical tools to navigate the emotional rollercoaster.
Recognize the importance of being kind to yourself throughout the process and understanding that setbacks are not failures.

Resources and Links:

👉 Top 5 Quit Lit Books: https://amzlink.to/az0u9kmh6piOQ

👉 Book a Free Discovery Call: https://www.lindsayhennekey.com/apply-for-coaching

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Thanks for listening! If you want to stay connected with Lindsay:

Follow her on Instagram: @lindsay_hennekey
Subscribe to her newsletter at www.lindsayhennekey.com/subscribe
Learn more about her coaching programs at www.lindsayhennekey.com

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And remember, Lindsay is a sober coach, not a health professional. If you are chemically dependent on alcohol, consult your doctor on the steps you need to take to safely detox.