Self-Care and Alcohol: The Surprising Truth

Did you know, first of all, that more than 90% of all Americans have demonstrated some codependent behaviors? Codependency is the stepsister to substance abuse, including alcoholism. And there are apparently 15 million alcoholics. That’s why today’s show is around self-care and alcohol. I begin by reading an essay with some helpful questions to ask yourself when it comes to codependency, especially in hard times, A Codependent’s Checklist for Navigating Hard Times. Because if there’s one thing I know as a child of an alcoholic, once things get at all scary, insecure or uncertain, that codependent, controlling behavior badly wants to come out! I also have the great pleasure of interviewing Ruby Warrington in this show, the pioneer behind the ‘Sober Curious’ movement. She wrote the book on it, literally (see below) and has a lot to say about how casual drinking, even when we don’t really mean to, can undermine a life of beautiful self-care bliss. Ruby’s take is refreshing on this old chestnut of a topic. Here’s what I learned: What sober curious really means Some key questions to ask yourself about your drinking What is life like without using alcohol every day? The truth about stress and alcohol Some cues your body gives you when you need to cut back Navigating COVID-19 and alcohol use Easy tips on cutting back from 2 to 1 drink per day Thanks so much for making time for your self-care today! Take good care, RESOURCES The Busy Woman’s Guide to Self-Care Back to Happy Podcast SOBER CURIOUS: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection of Sobriety by Ruby Warrington Ruby’s Sober Curious Facebook Group Ruby’s Sober Curious Podcast Ruby on Instagram MORE ABOUT RUBY Ruby Warrington is the voice behind the term Sober Curious. Author of the 2019 book of the same title, her work has spearheaded a global movement to reevaluate our relationship to alcohol. Other works include Material Girl, Mystical World (2017), The Numinous Astro Deck (June 2019), and the upcoming Sober Curious Reset (Jan 2021). Founder of “Now Age” lifestyle platform The Numinous, and with 20 years’ experience as a lifestyle journalist, Ruby is also a sought-after speaker, book doula, podcaster, and brand consultant, and is known as a true thought leader in the modern wellness space.