Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose.
Are you sober curious, a mindful drinker or simply looking to change your relationship with alcohol? Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose is here to help you take a more intentional, values-based approach to alcohol.
Join Dr Fiona Dowman, a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, as she shares expert, evidence-based tools grounded in mindfulness to help you drink less—one manageable step at a time. Understand the psychology behind why you drink more than you want to, and tackle those pesky thoughts, cravings and difficult emotions that keep you stuck in old habits . This is the mental health podcast that helps you take control of your drinking and focus on what truly matters.
Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose.
Understanding Cravings: Why You Get Them and What To Do About It. Ep.4
🎙 Episode Title: Understanding Cravings: Why You Get Them and What To Do About It. Ep.4
Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.
Episode Summary:
Cravings can feel overwhelming and out of your control, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I break down what cravings really are, why they happen, and how they affect your drinking behaviour.
You'll learn how cravings show up in your body and mind, what triggers them, and most importantly, how you can start responding differently. I’ll introduce a powerful technique called urge surfing, which helps you take the power back and respond with intention.
This is part one of a two-part episode on cravings, so stay tuned for the next episode where we’ll build on what you learn today.
What You’ll Learn:
- What cravings are and why they feel so strong
- The different ways people experience cravings (it’s not just in your head!)
- How triggers and cues lead to cravings—even when you’re not drinking
- Why distraction only works in the short term
- An introduction to “urge surfing” and how it can help you manage cravings mindfully
đź”— Resources I Mention:
🎧 Free 20-minute Mindful Drinking Audio Guide: www.purplebridgepsychology.co.uk/free-mindful-drinking-guide
📬 I'd love to hear how cravings show up for you or what you’re learning from this episode.
You can reach me at: info@purplebridgepsychology.co.uk
Or follow along on Instagram: @purplebridgepsychology
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As always, the advice in this podcast is not a substitute for personalised support. If you're concerned about physical dependence on alcohol, it’s important to speak to your GP or local alcohol service.
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