197. Dealing with Triggers to Drink: Sun, BBQ's & Normalising Thoughts About Drinking

Why is it that real change feels easier to imagine after you've done the very thing you said you wouldn’t?In episode 197 of The Alcohol Rethink Podcast, Patrick explores why it's so common to feel a surge of clarity after drinking, overeating, or falling into old habits, and why that moment holds incredible power for change if you use it right. He shares practical ways to reflect without beating yourself up, highlighting the difference between simply thinking about drinking and feeling an urge to drink, and shares how to plan for triggers like sunny weather and barbecues as summer approaches.Key Takeaways:Why you often reflect on change after the event, not before, and why that's normal.The crucial difference between a drinking thought and a drinking urge.How to use post-action reflection for building awareness, not shame.Why sunshine, holidays, and barbecues can spark old drinking thoughts, and how to plan ahead for them.How learning to observe your thoughts without reacting can help you stay in control.This episode will help you to rethink how you respond to the unexpected thoughts that pop up, and remind you that awareness, not perfection, is the real goal. What could change for you if you learned to listen to your mind without making it mean something has gone wrong?Ready to Stop Drinking? Start Here:The Alcohol ReThink Podcast Guide: - A simple guide featuring the top 3 podcast episodes, each with exercises to help you rethink alcohol for good.👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get your guide here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Alcohol Mindset Reset Challenge: Transform your relationship with alcohol in 30 days with this free email series. Build sober wins and feel proud of yourself.👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the challenge here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Patrick:Stop waiting and start creating a life free from alcohol👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Patrick:Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠patrickjfox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@thealcoholrethinkproject⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The Alcohol ReThink Project⁠⁠