In this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly revisits one of the show’s most popular topics: buffering.

Buffering is what we do when we use alcohol, food, shopping, scrolling, or other distractions to avoid uncomfortable emotions. It is not a character flaw—it is a human coping strategy driven by a brain wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain.

Molly explains how alcohol can become a buffer for stress, boredom, insecurity, or discomfort, and why temporary relief often leads to more anxiety, regret, or overconsumption later. The goal is not to feel good all the time. The goal is to build awareness, feel your feelings, and stop using alcohol to escape your life. 

In This Episode

You’ll learn:

•  What buffering is 
•  Why alcohol is commonly used to avoid emotions 
•  How the lower brain seeks quick relief 
•  Why buffering creates temporary pleasure but long-term consequences 
•  How awareness helps you change your drinking habits 
•  Why feeling discomfort is part of creating a peaceful relationship with alcohol 

Key Takeaway

Buffering does not solve uncomfortable emotions—it only delays them. When you stop using alcohol to numb, distract, or escape, you can begin to understand what you are actually feeling and create real, lasting change.

Reflection Question

The next time you want a drink, pause and ask:

“What am I feeling right now, and what am I trying not to feel?”

Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.

Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.