It's Not About the Alcohol

EP216 Minisode: Pursuing Purpose Instead Of "Less Alcohol"


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In today's episode, you'll hear a deeply personal story about the night Colleen's college-age kids brought home a big bottle of vodka—and invited her to join them.

Years ago, this would've been the moment she feared the most. But something powerful has shifted. You'll hear how self-trust changes everything, how desire—not discipline—is what drives real transformation, and why the solution to alcohol use disorder has nothing to do with drinking.

Whether you're still stuck in the "managing it" phase or wondering how to build a life that feels bigger than your nightly glass of wine, this episode will show you how to trade self-protection for self-permission—and how to begin crafting a new kind of evening ritual, one that gives you energy instead of stealing it.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • You don't have to stop drinking—you just have to stop lying to yourself about what you actually want.

  • Self-trust doesn't mean never drinking—it means knowing you can, but not needing to.

  • Suffering happens when there's pain without meaning. Healing begins when you give your struggle a purpose.

  • The desire to stop thinking about alcohol is valid—but you must replace it with something you do want to think about.

  • Knowing isn't a thought. It's an experience.

✨ Action Step:

Create a "purpose list" for your evenings. No pressure, no big goals (seriously)—just a short list of new things you'd like to try, feel, or experience. The fastest way to uncover your deeper desires is to give yourself permission to explore. If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!

Find me on

TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer

X: @NotAboutTheAlc

Transcript

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It's Not About the AlcoholBy Colleen Freeland

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