What if taking a break from alcohol was not about losing something, but finally feeling like yourself again? For many midlife women, the nightly glass feels comforting, yet the anxiety, poor sleep and low mood often reveal a different story.

In this episode, Sarah Rusbatch shares the science and lived experience behind reducing or removing alcohol. From better sleep and calmer moods to clearer thinking and stronger relationships, she explains the changes thousands of women notice when they step out of gray area drinking.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why 30 days can completely shift your sleep, mood and energy

• How dopamine and GABA rebalance after drinking stops

• Why alcohol often intensifies perimenopause symptoms

• Tools for managing cravings and avoiding cross addictions

• How to navigate social pressure without losing confidence

• What loved ones can do that truly helps

• How gut health and serotonin change when alcohol is removed

• Why life often becomes calmer, brighter and more connected

If you have ever wondered whether alcohol affects your mood, hormones, energy or sense of self, this episode offers compassion, clarity and real hope for change.

Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.app

For more resources from Sarah Rusbatch:

Follow Sarah on Instagram, visit her website and download her free guide “100 Things To Do Instead of Drinking” here.

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:

Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts

https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

00:00:00 – Why Women Reevaluate Drinking

00:01:25 – Sarah Rusbatch and Her Work

00:02:03 – How to Cut Back on Alcohol

00:04:16 – Alcohol Free Socialising Tips

00:05:44 – Handling Slips and Setbacks

00:06:44 – The Truth About Moderate Drinking

00:09:33 – Supporting Someone Cutting Back

00:11:01 – Barriers to Drinking Less

00:12:08 – Alcohol and Relationship Dynamics

00:13:15 – When to Seek Professional Help

00:15:31 – First Weeks Alcohol Free

00:19:33 – Alcohol Hormones and Menopause

00:20:22 – Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk

00:26:01 – Alcohol or Perimenopause

00:27:21 – Alcohol and Dopamine Changes

00:29:40 – Cross Addiction Strategies

00:30:19 – Filling the Space Alcohol Leaves

00:31:24 – Navigating Unsupportive Friends

00:32:23 – Friendship Shifts When You Drink Less

00:33:50 – Alcohol and True Calm

00:34:46 – How Alcohol Affects Sleep

00:36:08 – Life Satisfaction After Drinking Less

00:40:15 – Managing Social Anxiety Without Alcohol

00:42:30 – Rebuilding Identity Beyond Drinking

* Gray area drinking

* Stop drinking midlife

* Alcohol and perimenopause

* Alcohol anxiety women

* Dopamine reset alcohol

* Alcohol and sleep problems

* Quit drinking support

* Sarah Rusbatch

* Dr Shauna Watts

* Alcohol free lifestyle

* Midlife health

* Gut health and alcohol

* Perimenopause symptoms

* HRT and alcohol

* Women and alcohol use