In today’s episode, Colleen unpacks a common fear for those trying to reduce their drinking: What if I want more? If you’ve ever found yourself preoccupied with making sure you have enough alcohol to get through an event—or worrying that you shouldn’t want more—this episode will shift your perspective.

Instead of battling with your brain over how much you’ll drink, Colleen introduces a powerful mindset shift: Ask yourself how you can support yourself to feel satisfied and complete with what you actually want.

Key Takeaways: 1. The Thought “What If I Want More?” Is Just Mental Noise

• The fear of not enough is a learned response, not a fact.
• It’s like an old song on the radio—just because it plays doesn’t mean you have to listen.
• The key is to stop reacting to the thought and start questioning it.

2. How You Frame the Goal Changes Everything

• Alcohol use disorder thrives on negative goals (I don’t want to drink too much).
• Shifting to a positive goal (I want to enjoy one glass of wine and feel satisfied) gives your brain a clear, achievable task.
• Your brain is always trying to solve for what you want—make sure you’re giving it the right instructions.

3. Your Environment & Actions Matter More Than Willpower

• Instead of focusing on resisting more, focus on setting yourself up for success.
• Example: Before drinking, pour yourself a mineral water or another enjoyable drink so your brain already feels relaxed.
• Visualizing yourself feeling happy and complete after a single glass helps reinforce the experience before it happens.

Actionable Steps to Make One Glass Enough

✔ Reframe the Question: Instead of What if I want more? ask, → How can I support myself in feeling satisfied and complete with one glass?

✔ Set a Positive Goal:

• Visualize yourself feeling happy with just one glass.
• Imagine how good it will feel to go to bed clear-headed and content.

✔ Prep Your Environment:

• Have a second drink option ready that isn’t alcohol (like mineral water & ginger juice).
• Shift your focus to social connection or relaxation, not just the drink.

✔ Recognize Old Thought Patterns:

• When you catch yourself thinking What if it’s not enough? remind yourself—it’s just an old habit, not a truth.

Homework:

🚀 Next time you plan to have a drink, practice setting a positive goal. Instead of thinking, I don’t want to overdo it, think: I want to enjoy a single glass and feel happy when it’s gone.

 

Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL. If you’re ready to fully commit to your personal growth and do the work to get emotionally sober (side effects include an 80 percent reduction in drinking),You'll walk away from our call with a clear understanding of how to get the skills you need to transform your life.

 

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