This is a question that I recently asked myself; my response came back as ‘most probably, yes’! Although, my husband and I ‘normally’ have 3-4 nights without alcohol, we do drink over the recommended units at the weekend as we socialise with family and friends.

I then came across an article in psychologies Magazine’s February issue, which made me think about our relationship with alcohol and so I thought I’d share it with you too. See below:

Sober Curious – by Ruby Warrington (Psychologies Magazine – Feb Issue)

As Dry January takes hold, author Ruby Warrington asks you to consider how different your life would be if you stopped drinking on autopilot, or stopped drinking altogether?

Why is alcohol everywhere? Why are the only people who don’t drink those who choose not to because of religious or health reasons? I call this questioning getting sober curious, says Ruby Warrington, co-founder of Club SODA NYC, a community for people to discuss sobriety.

1: Be curious about why you drink. Ask: Is my life so bereft of joy that the hangover is worth the high? How will drinking really make me feel? What am I drinking not to feel? What else makes me feel alive? How can I have fun without booze? How can I relax without it? How can I connect with others while sober?

2: Get emotionally conscious. Awareness helps us make choices that support our highest self. ‘Listening to your feelings helps you discover what’s wrong; what you need; what you can do about it. Feelings don’t like being ignored, especially if they have information about our wellbeing. Drinking numbs unmet emotional needs. The only way to hear what our feelings are trying to tell us is to sit with them when we’re sober,’ she says.

3: Consider moderation: ‘This is relevant if you still believe your happiness is linked to alcohol; it’s how you relax; connect; find joy. Being ‘sober curious’ is learning to trust the truth for you over the messages about booze. What do you need alcohol for, even in moderation?’

The conclusion I came to for my husband and I, is that we drink for the pleasure and enjoyment of our social gatherings; pairing quality wines with the food we are eating is fun and we love it!

However, I see many clients who do have a negative relationship with alcohol for different reasons, some drinking until they pass out, which is obviously dangerous and unhealthy. If you think that you might have a dependency on alcohol or are simply feeling uncomfortable with the amount you drink and want to reduce it, call me to arrange a confidential appointment.  Using hypnotherapy, NLP and other techniques can facilitate change fast, leaving you free to move forward in life feeling confident and positive.

Sophia – 07391295766  www.reflections-hypnotherapy.co.uk

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