Episode 129: Having an Emotional Dependence on Alcohol
SUMMARY
In the Sober Vibes podcast episode, host Courtney Andersen discusses how just because one wasn't physically dependent on alcohol doesn't mean drinking is excused. Andersen explains that everyone has an emotional dependence on alcohol, as they rely on it to regulate their emotions, and the media has not done us any service in portraying alcoholism and addiction in a positive light. Anderson notes that people in movies and TV are often seen having a couple of glasses of wine and getting a little loopy, or drinking a whole bottle of wine to themselves, and nothing happening. Anderson emphasizes that this should not be seen as acceptable behavior.
In this conversation, she discusses emotional dependence on alcohol. Courtney points out that many people start out with an emotional dependence, which can lead to physical dependence. They emphasize that it is important to be aware of this and that there is no need to put oneself on a pedestal as high functioning simply because one does not have a physical dependence. They explain that many people use alcohol as a crutch to deal with difficult emotions, such as family frustration or work stress. The speaker wants to emphasize that it is important to be aware of these issues, and to have conversations about it.
The conversation discussed the perception of alcohol in the speaker’s household and how it was always available. The speaker then asked questions about the reasons why people turn to alcohol and why they become emotionally dependent on it. They suggested that alcohol won’t make someone happy and will only magnify negative emotions. They added that it’s important to recognize the reasons why one turns to alcohol and to look for other solutions rather than relying on it. Lastly, they concluded that alcohol will never be the answer to finding joy, love, and happiness.
Courtney emphasizes the importance of being black and white in terms of alcohol: it's either yes or no. The speaker also talks about the current trend of people chugging lower-percentage wines, thinking it's okay. They also discuss the importance of being comfortable in the gray area of thinking, where you don't have to be perfect all the time but rather accept yourself and your limitations. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that if alcohol is no longer working for you, you should get off the ride completely and be honest with yourself.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00:31 "Exploring the Difference Between Physical and Emotional Dependence on Alcohol"
0:04:02 Exploring the Dynamics of Emotional Dependence on Alcohol
0:06:33 "The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse and Emotional Dependence"
0:13:06 Heading: Exploring the Gray Area of Thinking and Alcohol Consumption
0:15:26 "Four Ways to Deal with Emotional Dependency on Alcohol"
0:17:26 "Four Ways to Deal with Emotions without Booze: Find a New Hobby, Try Breathing Techniques, Condition Yourself, and Utilize Soberlink"
0:23:14 "Managing Emotions Through Healthy Habits"
0:28:50 Episode Summary: Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Dependency
HIGHLIGHTS
But go for a walk. Go to the gym, whatever your deal. Go to a spin class, go to a yoga studio. Put your emotions into that and get it out. Shit, you got anger issues. You got pent up aggression. Go take some boxing classes or go into sign yourself up for some mixed martial arts. There's ways to do this and live life and regulate your emotions and become dependent on something else that is healthy for you.
So find something for yourself to do. Two breathing techniques. Breathing techniques. My favorite is box breathing. That one also too, helps with anxiety. If you want to go a more extreme route, look up Wim HOF. There's so many out there. Find the one that works for you. Go search YouTube right now and search in breathing techniques for beginners and watch what happens. So then when you start becoming stressed or an emotion comes up that's making you feel uncomfortable, you've got some anxiety, maybe some anger is coming.
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