Ep 82. Alcohol Rewind with William Porter

What really happens when we drink, and why does alcohol so often sabotage our intention to relax, connect, or recharge, especially on holiday? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey revisits her powerful conversation with William Porter, author of "Alcohol Explained," to discuss the science and psychology behind alcohol and why it’s become the UK’s favourite coping mechanism, and how a little knowledge can spark profound change. This is an invitation to get curious, notice how alcohol actually makes you feel, and experiment with a different kind of summer.Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction03:21 From paratrooper and lawyer to alcohol expert and author04:46 How alcohol use ramps up07:45 Rock bottom moments: Understanding what’s really happening10:18 Demystifying “addiction” and loosening alcohol’s grip13:59 What happens in your brain, and why you wake up anxious at 3am17:00 Cravings explained: psychological triggers, and breaking the cycle20:27 Holidays, happiness, and the myth that alcohol “makes it better”24:40 Socialising, endorphins, and why sobriety doesn’t mean missing out28:13 Alcohol’s impact on sleep, anxiety, and your mood41:36 Joy, hobbies, and rediscovering life beyond the glass🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINKHere’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/If you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethinkAbout the host Anna:Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.Connect with Anna:Website: thebeliefscoach.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonagheyInstagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethinkProduced by winteraudio.co.ukAbout William Porter:William is the author of Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Explained 2, widely praised guides for understanding and overcoming alcohol addiction. He began drinking at 14, and his alcohol use increased through a life that included military service in Iraq, a legal career, and work in London’s financial sector. In 2014, his clear-sighted analysis of alcohol’s effects helped him quit drinking, and he has since shared his insights through his books. He lives in West London with his wife and two children and continues to work as a lawyer.Connect with William:Website: alcoholexplained.com