Why We Self-Sabotage With Alcohol

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Self-sabotage and alcohol use can often go hand in hand, especially for those who are trying to quit drinking or are sober-curious. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for difficult emotions, but it can create a vicious cycle of negative emotions and self-sabotage that is difficult to break.

Why we use alcohol to self-sabotage

Alcohol is a depressant, and while it may provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety, it can ultimately exacerbate negative emotions and make them come back even stronger. This can lead to a reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism, making it even harder to quit drinking.

Self-sabotage can be driven by a variety of factors including:

  • low self-worth

  • a sense of powerlessness

  • fear of change

  • perfectionism

  • deep-seated negative beliefs

How to break the cycle of sabotaging your sobriety

Recognizing and challenging these negative thought patterns is an important step in overcoming self-sabotage and quitting drinking.

Becoming more aware of negative self-talk, surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people, and seeking therapy are all helpful tools in breaking the cycle of self-sabotage and alcohol use. It's important to remember that quitting drinking takes time and patience, but it's a worthwhile journey towards a more positive and fulfilling life.

Learn more in episode 144:

Gillian Tietz

Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and recently left her career as a biochemist to create Sober Powered Media, LLC. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction. Today, she educates and empowers others to assess their relationship with alcohol. Gill is the owner of the Sober Powered Media Podcast Network, which is the first network of top sober podcasts.

https://www.instagram.com/sober.powered
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The Stages of Alcoholism and How To Know When You Have a Problem