Romanticizing Alcohol: A Sobriety Journey
Episode Overview
It's normal to romanticize alcohol during early sobriety. Our brains often remember only the good times, much like with an ex-partner. Writing down the negative consequences of drinking can help remind you why you chose sobriety. Be honest with yourself about the full picture of your drinking days. The reality of a sober life is far more rewarding than fleeting moments of pleasure.
If it was not that bad, I would not have quit.
Madeline Forrest dives into a topic that resonates deeply with many on their sobriety journey - romanticizing alcohol. She starts by drawing a parallel between letting go of alcohol and getting over a breakup, likening the process to grieving an old flame. Madeline shares her own struggles with these feelings, emphasising that it's completely normal to have moments where you miss alcohol, especially in the early stages of sobriety.
She uses her personal experiences to illustrate how our brains can trick us into remembering only the good times, much like how we might look back fondly on a toxic ex-partner. One standout moment is when she recalls seeing someone with a bottle of wine and feeling a pang of jealousy, only to remind herself that the anticipation of drinking was often better than the reality.
She also discusses how our memories tend to focus on the early, seemingly carefree days of drinking, rather than the later, more problematic times. Madeline offers practical advice, such as writing down the negative consequences of drinking to remind yourself why you chose sobriety in the first place. She encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about the full picture of their drinking days, not just the fleeting moments of pleasure.
This episode is a comforting reminder that while it's normal to romanticize alcohol, the reality of a sober life is far more rewarding. So, if you're struggling with these thoughts, this episode is a must-listen for you.