Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change

Why "Mostly Dry January" is Enough


Listen Later

It’s the first full week of the new year — and if Dry January is on your mind, than this episode is for you. 

In this solo episode, Molly shares insights from her current Mostly Dry January program and explains why your month doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You’ll learn what the science says about cutting back (even partially), how to rewire your drinking habits using positive reinforcement, and why “mostly dry” is more than enough.

If you're ready to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and start building real momentum with your relationship with alcohol, this episode will help you do it — one small decision at a time.

 In This Episode:

  • Why “failing” Dry January doesn’t mean starting over
  • What research says about partial reductions in alcohol
  • The real reason willpower isn’t working — and what to try instead
  • How to use temptation bundling to feel good about change
  • Why moderation isn’t an excuse — it’s a skill

Resources & Links:

  • Download the Temptation Bundling Worksheet
    Create alcohol-free routines that feel good — not forced.
     Download the PDF
  • Explore Drink-Less Success
    A 30-day neuroscience-based support system for peaceful drinking habits.
     Start Drink-Less Success
  • Try the Sunnyside App (15-day free trial)
    Molly’s top recommendation for mindful drink tracking.
     Join Sunnyside

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.


★ Support this podcast ★
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior ChangeBy Molly Watts, Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change Coach

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

156 ratings


More shows like Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change

View all
Recovery Elevator by Paul Churchill

Recovery Elevator

1,713 Listeners

Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

Well Beyond 40

1,082 Listeners

This Naked Mind Podcast by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind Podcast

2,558 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by Perfect Strangers

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,775 Listeners

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ by Everyday Wellness™

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

142 Listeners

Live Like a Girl with Dr. Mindy Pelz by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Live Like a Girl with Dr. Mindy Pelz

1,372 Listeners

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women by Casey McGuire Davidson

The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women

719 Listeners

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober by Gillian Tietz, MS, CPRC

Sober Powered: The Neuroscience of Being Sober

1,245 Listeners

How I quit alcohol by Danni Carr

How I quit alcohol

187 Listeners

Hot, Healthy, Never Hungry by Lauren Hubert MS, Registered Dietitian | Healthy Eating & Weight Loss Tips

Hot, Healthy, Never Hungry

563 Listeners

The Sober Mom Life by Suzanne Warye

The Sober Mom Life

1,087 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,524 Listeners

The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

The Oprah Podcast

1,794 Listeners

The Tamsen Show by Tamsen Fadal

The Tamsen Show

472 Listeners

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver by Audacy | Mary Claire Haver, MD

unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

1,211 Listeners