James Swanwick: Why High Achievers Struggle With Alcohol (And How to Stop)

High performers think they should have everything handled — except this one thing.

In this conversation, James Swanwick breaks down why entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, lawyers, investors, and other high achievers get trapped in alcohol-reliance… and why quitting feels harder for them than anyone else.

 

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

 

• The hidden emotional drivers behind high achievers’ drinking — stress, regret, unmet expectations, and the belief “I should be further ahead by now”

• Why willpower destroys long-term success, and James’ “flipperooni” method that rewires your desire at the root

• How cultural conditioning, parents, celebrities, films, music and “smiling assassins” keep even intelligent people stuck

• Why thinking about drinking (even when you’re not drinking) drains your cognitive bandwidth and hurts marriage, parenting, and business performance

• The identity shift that terrifies high performers — and how James helps clients build a new SELF-led identity without alcohol

• What actually happens when you stop drinking: clarity, sleep, weight loss, emotional stability, and better financial decisions

• Why high achievers transform faster and more completely when they join a like-minded tribe who hold them accountable

 

If this episode lands for you, support the show:

 

Subscribe to the 1000 Days Sober Podcast so you never miss an episode.

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Follow @leedavycoaching for the alternative view on everything alcohol-free.

Follow James at @jamesswanwick on Instagram and learn more at Alcohol-Free Lifestyle.

 

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