Why You Keep Drinking (And How to Finally Stop the Cycle)
Why do you do fine for a bit…then the wheels fall off? This episode breaks down the relapse loop—the trigger, the promise, the rationalization—and shows you how your brain quietly justifies “just one.” You’ll learn practical, science-backed strategies to interrupt cravings, outsmart self-talk, and build a repeatable plan so “doing better” isn’t a phase—it’s your new default.

What you’ll learn

The 3-step relapse pattern (trigger → vow → rationalization) and where to break it

Why this isn’t about willpower (hello, brain shortcuts + reward circuitry)

Micro-moves that snap you out of a craving in 90 seconds

A simple Relapse Interrupt Plan you can use anytime, anywhere

How to turn slip-ups into data, not drama

Chapters

00:00 Hook: “Why do I keep doing this?”

01:30 The relapse loop you don’t see forming

06:15 Cognitive traps: “I deserve it,” “Just one,” “I’ve been good”

12:20 Craving toolkit: urge surfing, pattern breaks, 2-call rule

18:40 Build your Relapse Interrupt Plan (RIP)

24:00 From streaks to systems: making progress stick

28:30 Next steps + resources

Key takeaways

You don’t have a willpower problem; you have a pattern problem.

Plan beats mood. Put the steps in writing and rehearse them once a day.

A slip is information. Use it to strengthen your plan, not shame yourself.

Resources mentioned

Soberlink: https://www.soberlink.com/amber

FREE Cheatsheet (Disputing Irrational Beliefs): https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/manifesting-recovery

30-Day Jump Start (Early Recovery): https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/30-day-jump-start

Strength-Based Recovery Coaching: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/invisible-intervention

Rapid Relationship Repair Course: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/rapid-relationship-repair

24/7 Counseling (10% Off): https://www.betterhelp.com/PutTheShovelDown

Streaming tool: StreamYard ($10 off): https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4991328482492416