Ep 48. The anxiety that comes with being a socially acceptable binge drinker, with Victoria Vanstone

In this week’s episode I’m chatting with author, podcaster and mum of three Victoria Vanstone. Vic grew up in the UK, in an environment where drinking and socialising went hand-in-hand. As a result, Vic developed an identity as “the party-girl,” and was forever surrounded by people who drank the same way she did. Vic continued drinking and partying into her thirties however the impact on her mental health was starting to take its toll. Crippled with anxiety and a looming sense of guilt and shame, she knew she needed to take a break from booze. On the day she quit drinking, Vic started writing and she hasn’t stopped. Five years on, Vic has created an online sober community called Cuppa and is the co-host of the wildly hilarious podcast, Sober Awkward. Through sharing her story, Vic shows that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to change your relationship with alcohol. We had a brilliant chat and covered a range of topics including: Hiding your truth and people pleasing – 4:22 Wearing different masks – 13:00 Being a socially acceptable binge drinker – 23:27 Anxiety and mental health wobbles – 27:30 Asking for help and starting a new life – 34:15 Loneliness in sobriety – 40:30 To see Vic’s Behind The Smile photo, head to Ash’s website. You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss You can find Vic using the links below:Website: Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy Instagram: @drunkmummysobermummy If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:•A healthcare professional•Alcoholics Anonymous•Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)•CheckPoint (global)If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST ⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.