110. How to Rethink Drinking Without "Hitting Rock Bottom"

What if your relationship with alcohol doesn’t require a dramatic rock-bottom moment to change? In this episode of SetSet, I sit down with sobriety coach Martha Wright, who went from building a life around wine—professionally and personally—to questioning its role in her daily rituals. Just as I did with cannabis. Together, Martha and I explore what it means to be a “gray area drinker,” how midlife hormonal shifts impact our cravings and consumption, and how reframing our beliefs about alcohol can free us from it—without shame or labels. This conversation is rich in neuroscience, compassion, and personal insight, offering a fresh and empowering approach to alcohol use.

🔵 Key Takeaways

- Gray area drinking impacts 80% of alcohol consumers—many of whom don’t identify as addicts but still want change.

- Willpower isn’t enough—rewiring the brain’s dopamine reward system is key to sustainable change.

- Cultural myths about “normal drinking” prevent many women from questioning their habits.

- Midlife hormonal shifts (like menopause) significantly impact alcohol tolerance and desire.

- A “luscious sabbatical” from alcohol can reawaken sensory pleasure, curiosity, and joy.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/rethinking-alcohol-martha-wright

Hosted by April Pride

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