The Big Drink Rethink

Have you ever considered how deeply ingrained the culture of alcohol marketing is in your life? Today your host, Anna explores the fascinating world of gendered alcohol marketing, alongside guest expert, Professor Carol Emslie, the co-director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and co-chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network.They discuss the intriguing and often controversial world of alcohol marketing, and its societal impact. They look at how it is carefully crafted and targeted towards different genders. From the lucrative realm of pink drinks to sponsorships in sports, discover the profound effects of market dynamics on our perceptions and drinking behaviors. Don't miss this enlightening discussion.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:29 Research on alcohol aims to inform policies to reduce harm.06:52 The emergence of marketing alcohol to women.11:49 Brands align with causes like International Women's Day.14:42 Alcohol advertising subtly influences everyone.17:14 Women navigate identity through their drink choices.21:25 Brands aim to emotionally resonate with consumers.28:15 Women (particularly mothers) associate alcohol with taking a timeout.33:24 Alcohol references are frequent in Six Nations rugby matches.40:43 Challenge societal views on alcohol by increasing awareness of pervasive marketing and ingrained beliefs.44:22 #DontPinkMyDrink campaign to highlight how alcohol advertisers cynically target women.To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment:  https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Professor Carol EmslieProfessor Carol Emslie is co-Director of the Research Centre for Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and is co-Chair of the Scottish Alcohol Research Network.  Her applied research aims to understand the social context of drinking and explore ways to reduce alcohol harm. She has been interviewed by BBC Panorama, BBC Radio’s Women’s Hour, BBC Alba’s Eorpa, the Guardian and the New York Times and has presented her research at the Scottish Parliament.She has an international reputation for research on gender and alcohol and launched the #dontpinkmydrink social media campaign to highlight alcohol marketing to women. Recent work includes a WHO report on gender and alcohol, studies of drinking and alcohol marketing in LGBTQ+ communities, and ‘sober curiosity’ among sexual minority women.She leads Glasgow Caledonian’s Crucible programme for early-career researchers. This aims to develop leaders of the future who can communicate their research to the media, practitioners and policymakers and who are committed to working with partners to deliver positive social change.Find out more: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/staff/carolemslieCo-Director: Research Centre for HealthCo-Lead: Substance use research   Co-Chair: Scottish Alcohol Research Network   Links to work by Prof Carol Emslie (Glasgow CaledonianUniversity):BBC 1 PANORAMA Nov 2024 (Binge Drinking and me – HazelMartin https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025fyj Alcohol-related deaths from liver disease among women under 40 haverisen sharply over the last decade – but why? BLOG How alcohol companies are using International Women’s Day to sell more drinks towomen BLOG Drinking on the gay scene: why we need to take it more seriously#dontpinkmydrink social media campaignMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Ready to break the drinking cycle? In this toolkit episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey shares the science of habit formation and why relying on willpower alone often fails when trying to change drinking behaviours. She breaks down James Clear's habit loop concept and provides practical, actionable strategies for creating lasting change through small, intentional adjustments rather than dramatic overnight transformations.Anna explores how to work with your brain's natural wiring instead of against it, introduces the power of "friction" in breaking unwanted habits, and shares personal examples of how tiny changes can lead to significant shifts in behavior. Tune in to learn specific techniques for tracking new habits, the importance of identity in behavior change, and how to approach setbacks with self-compassion rather than judgment.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction03:52 Changing drinking habits involves working with the brain's habit system08:15 Understanding the habit loop reveals that habit change involves reprogramming 13:47 Make alcohol less accessible to encourage thoughtful decisions. 18:24 Focus on self-care to replace drinking habits22:07 Self-care involves healthier responses to triggers like drinking27:10 Drinking less varies daily; challenges are learning opportunities29:45 Focus on how you want to feel when adopting new behaviours35:22 Track daily activities to feel stimulated. Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! ProgrammeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Is a sense of unworthiness and shame keeping you stuck? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Janssen, a leading Performance and Mindset Coach with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, to explore how shame and unworthiness can keep people trapped in addiction. Chris, who has been sober for 18 years and is the bestselling author of "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want," shares her personal journey and professional insights on breaking free from shame-based thinking. Together, they discuss how community support, self-compassion, and rewriting one's personal narrative can be transformative tools in recovery, regardless of the path chosen. This conversation offers hope and practical strategies for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or struggling to believe they deserve a better life.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction06:08 Shame inhibits recovery from addiction by fostering unworthiness.10:04 Shame is about self-worth, while guilt focuses on behavior change.14:58 Persevere with positive self-talk to replace negative beliefs.19:18 The book addresses overcoming perfectionism, shame, pride, and the struggle of restarting sobriety.21:03 Community alleviates shame through empathy and support23:26 Struggling drinkers may feel undeserving of better.27:50 Start recovery from where you are.32:29 Shared experiences in supportive communities alleviate self-judgment and shame, fostering mutual understanding and growth.34:19 The theme is separating addiction from identity to view oneself as worthy and not defined by it.47:05 Self-help is important, but service and community keep us humble by countering negative ego-driven thinking. Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Chris Janssen:Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a leading results coach in performance and mindset and a bestselling, award winning author. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic achievements, Chris trained with and worked on Tony Robbins’ team of results coaches at the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world.As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counselling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage and rewrite narratives. Through her successful and sustainable Living All In methods, clients learn to attach meaning to life events and circumstances beyond their control. To purchase Chris’s book  "Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want”:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1637633378/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SfN6tVL2s2ZmoJn1eGkcgPhRvRdJ_BIZ1aARcUyoYUTn02KqZ9eH54oTCxXbyQSH_gJNZDiXSeofgFeSvlHhdKxDLmEgKwhEgURjTlisF5cZCtEOaPMftkv6je17IPWzPwUqkFOEdopn-r-7yvAijByQL2gUR0-aCWVHYZE1dGKvyPgzADiW04ekBMCEok7J7LjLqpLeZMgvfmbAy0aRvg.9Um1nzBC86WIakycnPAR9Yntwbt_Vs4_cArvng1uY80&qid=1739802882&sr=8-1Find out more: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/Connect with Chris:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssenMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

How does one deal with shame and embarrassment around their drinking behaviour? In this Q&A episode, host Anna Donaghey tackles this deeply personal question from a listener who struggles with past actions and memory gaps related to their drinking. Drawing from Brené Brown's research, Anna breaks down the differences between shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, offering practical journalling exercises and self-compassion techniques to help listeners process and move beyond their shame. She explains why shame thrives in silence and provides actionable steps for writing a self-forgiveness letter to release the burden of past regrets.Here are the highlights:00:57 Shame from drinking spans minor embarrassments to significant life impacts, including broken relationships and neglect.08:09 Embarrassment is temporary and sometimes humorous, unlike the persistent nature of shame.12:26 Use journalling to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion15:19 Reflect and write on struggles.18:01 Write kind words to yourself as you would to a friend.22:29 Expressing and confronting personal regrets and emotions can be transformative and healing.For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationAnna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to hit rock bottom, and whether you need to wait for that moment before making a change? In this powerful episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Karla Adkins, whose harrowing journey with alcohol nearly cost her life at just 37 years old. Through raw and emotional storytelling, Karla shares how her relationship with alcohol began as a solution to anxiety in college, but ultimately led to acute liver failure and a near-death experience. As co-owner of The Zero Proof Life and author of "And She Came Tumbling Down," Karla's story is not just about survival - it's about the shame, stigma, and silence that keeps so many people stuck in dangerous patterns with alcohol. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their assumptions about what problem drinking looks like and offers hope that there are many supportive paths, all while emphasising that you don't have to wait until you hit rock bottom to make a change.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:20 Anxiety began subtly but grew, I was introduced to alcohol at High School.14:04 In my late twenties, I struggled with fear and shame around drinking.18:13 Drinking caused confusion and health issues; all bodies react differently.22:05 Experience of liver failure due to excessive drinking.28:34 Feared death without sharing untold truth, worried about being misjudged as an alcoholic.29:33 Understanding alcohol's impact is more than just quitting.36:59 Discussing shame in addiction is crucial, because shame keeps us stuck.46:38 I wanted to write about the increasing mortality rates among young women because of drinking.49:33 Being alcohol-free involves effort and nervous system adjustment.52:30 In ‘The Zero Proof Life’, we ended up working together as diverse coaches, creating a judgment-free, supportive community. I'm proud of this space.Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programmeFor the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Karla Adkins:Karla is co-owner of The Zero Proof Life, and author dedicated to guiding individuals toward a life free of alcohol. With a passion for helping others, Karla brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her coaching practice. Her transformative approach emphasizes self-discovery, empowerment, and sustainable lifestyle changes.As the author of, "And She Came Tumbling Down", Karla shares her personal journey of triumph over alcohol addiction, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration for those seeking to change their relationship with alcohol. Karla started her alcohol free journey in 2014 and is committed to providing a safe, judgement-free space so others can find their own path to freedom. Connect with Karla:Website: https://www.thezeroprooflife.comBook: And She Came Tumbling Down https://shorturl.at/V2FbJMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Today we're doing things a bit differently. Your host Anna Donaghy is bringing back her old friend and fellow Coach, Tabbin Almond. Together, they're exploring their personal alcohol struggles and coaching journeys, sharing insights and tools that they wish they had when they felt well and truly "stuck”.Anna and Tabbin are not just talking about the problems - they’re also unveiling an exciting new program called Unstuck!, designed to help you break free from the alcohol cycle. If you've ever felt trapped by your drinking habits, this episode will resonate deeply and provide you with practical resources to help you move forward.Tune into this discussion about the universal feelings of being stuck and the proven strategies that lead to real change. Let's get started on the path to getting 'unstuck' together!Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:37 Many people feel universally "stuck", but talking about it can help12:37 Feeling stuck can lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of control, hopelessness, and shame.15:12 How hindsight shows the feeling of being stuck in a drinking cycle and the impact of addiction25:28 Feelings of regret and the lessons of willpower32:59 Life is challenging, but we can control our reactions and perceptions instead of avoiding reality40:44 Your invitation to join our 12-week course47:01 Compulsive behaviours, like drinking, involve avoiding reality by altering brain chemistry.48:18 Habits begin as intentional but become unconscious with repetition and alignment.To find out more about the Unstuck! programme and how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programme For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Tabbin Almond:Tabbin had a long and largely secret struggle to regain control over alcohol. Alcohol-free since 2018, she now works full-time as an alcohol-freedom coach, speaker, podcast host and writer. Her book ‘Bottling Up Trouble – how alcohol is harming your business and what you can do about it’, is an Amazon best-seller.Website:  https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/winetowatercoachingFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/winetowatercoachingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almondLinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wine-to-water-coaching/Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Today, we are exploring the intricate world of habits and dependency, particularly related to alcohol consumption. Join your host Anna Donaghey and Christopher Richards, the esteemed founder of Atomic Growth and an expert in psychology and human behaviour. Christopher shares his insightful perspectives on how habits form, the fine line between habits and dependency, and the role of rituals, identity, somatics, and environment in breaking the cycle of alcohol usage.Christopher illuminates how quickly casual drinking can morph into a more concerning dependency, often driven by our desire for immediate benefits like confidence and relaxation. He emphasises the importance of building positive habits before attempting to cut out alcohol.Whether you're navigating Dry January or trying to change your relationship with alcohol, tune in for a great conversation about to break habits.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:08 Automatic habits are unintentional routines, often influenced by social and psychological factors.07:39 The challenge in addressing alcohol use is its perceived positives.12:48 Alcohol is used to fill perceived emotional voids.21:05 Investing in personal growth and well-being yields long-term benefits.30:31 Choose growth over comfort to impact future generations.35:47 Consciously rewire identity through rituals (doing), identity (thinking), and somatics (feeling) to improve life and understand drinking impulses.39:07 Lack of body-mind connection can lead to mindless actions.47:01 Compulsive behaviors, like drinking, involve avoiding reality by altering brain chemistry.48:18 Habits begin as intentional but become unconscious with repetition and alignment.For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkTo turn Dry January into a fantastic learning experience, you can purchase The Big Drink Rethink Experiment at the discounted price of just £99.Follow this link, and simply apply coupon code POD99 at check-out:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Christopher Richards:Christopher Richards is a transformational leadership consultant and the founder of AtomicGrowth. He served for 15 years in the British Army, becoming one of the lead experts in the Criminal Intelligence Bureau, and is an expert in psychology, leadership, and human behaviour. He is a visionary futurist and a keynote speaker on the topics of global innovation and human advancement.For the last 10 years, he has helped business owners and corporate executives to quickly find and fix the internal barriers to their success, helping them to become even greater leaders for their business, family, and their own daily life. And he achieves this by understanding, identifying, and demystifying the patterns of the mind, behaviour, and identity.Originally from London and now touring the United States, Christopher works with vision-driven leaders to help them become unstoppable forces for higher good and positive global advancement.Connect with Christopher:Website: atomicgrowth.co.ukFacebook: facebook.com/chris.richards01Instagram: instagram.com/chris_richards_official/X: x.com/ChrisRichardsAG/Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

After a year of transformative insights and practical tools on The Big Drink Rethink podcast, Anna takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the most impactful strategies for rethinking their drinking habits. This episode reflects on the tools and advice discussed over more than 50 episodes, simplifying access to life-enhancing resources available for free on Anna’s website. Join Anna as she revisits pivotal conversations with experts like Professor David Nutt and Adrian Chiles, and shares the tools designed to foster a sober curious lifestyle, from alcohol tracking guides to mindfulness exercises. Whether you're a long-time listener or a newcomer, this episode is your go-to summary for actionable steps on your path to a healthier relationship with alcohol. The link to the free resources is below.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction03:55 Identify motivations, understand alcohol use, and track consumption.09:46 Minimise self-created stress for a more balanced life.14:10 Journaling improves well-being, breaks evening drinking habits.19:02 Visualising future choices transformed my life's direction.23:08 Evaluate life using a tool scoring 10 emotions to measure happiness, and assess if alcohol affects this score.24:44 Moderation tips for a healthier alcohol balance are available.30:43 Journaling helps process emotions, and beliefs.31:38 I’ve added a visualisation tool to help control alcohol intake.For the free resources mentioned in this episode, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registrationIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkTo turn Dry January into a fantastic learning experience, you can purchase The Big Drink Rethink Experiment at the discounted price of just £99.Follow this link, and simply apply coupon code POD99 at check-out:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Today your host Anna is answering one of the most common questions for those trying to take a break from alcohol: "When will I begin to feel better?”  She will share the physical, emotional, and visible changes you can expect - from better sleep and increased energy to potential weight loss and healthier skin - and a sense of when these benefits will kick-in. Plus, discover why keeping a log of your journey can be a game-changer. Whether you're participating in Dry January or just starting to rethink your drinking habits, this episode is packed with insights that will help you navigate change and stay motivated.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction04:45 Medical advice for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.10:56 Be patient; sleep cycle rebalancing takes time.13:51 Alcohol disrupts blood sugar and insulin regulation.18:33 Emotional recovery from quitting alcohol takes time.20:19 Change beliefs about alcohol to feel better emotionally.24:08 Alcohol stored quickly as fat, and disrupts your metabolism.29:15 Quit alcohol for noticeably improved skin appearance.30:06 Take a break, you'll benefit within weeks.If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkTo turn Dry January into a fantastic learning experience, you can purchase The Big Drink Rethink Experiment at the discounted price of just £99.Follow this link, and simply apply coupon code POD99 at check-out:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukMentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607

Discover the hidden costs of alcohol from a police perspective in this eye-opening episode of The Big Drink Rethink. Join host Anna Donaghey as she explores the profound societal impacts of alcohol consumption with retired Chief Superintendent, Maria Fox. Learn about the staggering statistics, the operational challenges for police, and Maria’s personal journey to transform the drinking culture within the force. Don’t miss this compelling discussion and the insights that could reshape your understanding of alcohol's pervasive influence on society.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction05:35 Delayed statements hinder resource allocation and services.06:26 Deaths in custody are a major concern, as custody staff have a duty of care to individuals who can't monitor themselves.09:30 Night-time economy impacts crime and resource allocation.13:31 Alcohol impacts society; everyone bears the personal and economic costs.18:22 Education and awareness about alcohol needed.20:49 Investigations delayed by unfit interview scenarios, frustrating.28:59 Detective bravado, being stressed led to frequent drinking.32:33 Retired officers face increased post-service drinking.33:19 Habits form the brain pathways and are difficult to break.40:35 Used “This Naked Mind” to overcome personal burnout.46:14 Leaders must lead by example to inspire change.If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkTo turn Dry January into a fantastic learning experience, you can purchase The Big Drink Rethink Experiment at the discounted price of just £99.Follow this link, and simply apply coupon code POD99 at check-out:https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout Maria Fox:Maria Fox has recently retired from her final role as Chief Superintendent in Derbyshire Constabulary.  She began her career in Greater Manchester Police in 1994 after completing a Theology degree at the University of Manchester. She subsequently worked in West Midlands Police and has been a senior leader since 2003. Her policing experience and leadership spans detective, and uniform policing roles at every rank and as a senior leaders she also worked in CTP policing.  Maria is also a trained and certified coach with This Naked Mind and took responsibility for the design and delivery of the 30 day Alcohol experiment for policing and now bluelight services.  In 2023 she became an author, writing “Crisis to Comeback - a roadmap to health transformation after burnout”, where she shares her story of burnout, including her relationship with alcohol in a courageous and transparent way to encourage others in policing and highly stressful roles to better navigate self-care so that they can improve their own health and wellbeing. After navigating her way out of an increasingly dangerous relationship with alcohol, she certified as a coach with This Naked Mind. In 2022/23 whilst still serving she developed the alcohol experiment initiative for organisations with peer coaches. This has been truly transformational for many and she is driven by the passion to remove the stigma, fear and loneliness that a spiralling relationship with alcohol can bring and provide a safe and effective place for change.  She is also a trained fitness instructor and metabolic health coach.  Connect with Maria:Website: https://www.livewellandfree.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livewelland_free/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaFoxWellness Buy Maria's book: 'Crisis to Comeback: A roadmap to health transformation after burnout' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crisis-Comeback-roadmap-transformation-burnout/dp/1739387716?dplnkId=d1d4136e-6d3c-4b6c-870a-fa461c56e9b2&nodl=1Mentioned in this episode:To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607