Using alcohol to numb emotions—does it really keep you safe, or just keep you stuck in old patterns? For Ann, alcohol became the shortcut to avoid conflict and silence emotions she’d been told to keep hidden since childhood. For Mandy, the urge to drink after work felt like the only way to shut off stress and self-criticism. In this powerful coaching session, Coach Zoe invites both women to explore what’s really underneath the desire to drink when feelings become overwhelming. Together, they uncover the links between shame, perfectionism, anxiety, and cravings—and learn practical ways to process emotions without running from them. Their stories show how self-compassion, body awareness, and simple grounding tools can open the door to healing. This conversation is both raw and hopeful, reminding us that the urge to numb is really an invitation to feel, heal, and choose differently.

In Ann’s session:

The lifelong habit of emotional suppression

The neuroscience behind drinking to numb feelings

Learning to identify and name emotions for the first time

Recognizing that needing is not a threat to survival

Starting to care for yourself and your body as a path to healing

The power of holding space for yourself and your emotions

Acknowledging the journey of emotional recovery

And more topics…

In Mandy’s session:

The emotional weight of unprocessed past experiences

How a lifetime of hypervigilance creates the need to escape

Realizing that self-sabotage is a coping mechanism

Finding new, creative hobbies to replace drinking

The wisdom of the body and the courage to feel

Gaining confidence in your own perspective and voice

Acknowledging that the journey to healing is not always linear

And more…

Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.

Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/

Episode links:

nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How To Rewire Your Brain To Stop Drinking - Meet Our Coaches -  E827 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-rewire-your-brain-to-stop-drinking-e827/

 Feeling Your Emotions Without Alcohol - Understanding the Urge to Drink - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E799 - https://thisnakedmind.com/understanding-the-urge-to-drink-e799/

Healing From Using Alcohol to Numb Emotional Pain - Reader’s Question - E564 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-564-coaching-questions-how-to-start-healing-from-numbing/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

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