In this episode, we unpack the real reason so many of us turn to alcohol, weed, and drugs to escape pressure, stress, and exhaustion.

This conversation isn’t about addiction labels, it's about understanding why we feel the need to “take the edge off” in the first place.

We explore:

• Why being “high-functioning" doesn’t mean you’re emotionally healthy
• The cultural normalization of drinking and substance use
• How we learn to cope through escape instead of emotional regulation
• How these patterns disconnect us from our partners, families, and ourselves

This episode is part of our Season 2 series exploring the many ways men disappear while appearing completely fine on the outside.

If you’ve ever told yourself “I don’t have a problem, I just need to relax,” this conversation is for you.