In this conversation, Jane and Amanda discuss anxiety and its relationship with alcohol. They explore the role of emotions in drinking and the common experience of using alcohol to manage anxiety. They emphasize the importance of changing our relationship with anxiety and offer tools for coping with anxious thoughts. They also address the fear of being labeled an alcoholic and provide strategies for reframing negative thoughts. Overall, the conversation highlights the normalcy of anxiety and the potential for personal growth and transformation in an alcohol-free life.

Takeaways

• Anxiety is a normal and healthy state that humans need to survive.
• Changing our relationship with anxiety is essential for living an alcohol-free or sober curious life.
• Negative thoughts about being labeled an alcoholic can be reframed by focusing on personal health and well-being.
• Testing our thinking by considering the worst case, coping strategies, best case, and likelihood can help challenge anxious thoughts.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Catching Up

01:48
The Role of Anxiety in Drinking

06:07
Changing Our Relationship with Anxiety

09:20
Understanding Anxiety as a Normal State

12:08
Problematic Anxiety and Avoidance

13:37
Shifting from Defensive to Offensive

16:14
Addressing the Fear of Being Labeled an Alcoholic

22:31
Testing Your Thinking: Worst Case, Coping, Best Case, and Likelihood

27:40
Changing Negative Thoughts and Choosing Positive Ones

31:49
Conclusion and Invitation for Listener Questions