Exploring the Link Between Disordered Eating and Alcohol Misuse with Orlagh Reid

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Orlagh Reid. Orlagh is a qualified coach, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience in complementary health, psychology and coaching. Orla specialises in women’s health, alcohol freedom, and clinical sexology.Orlagh joins Han to discuss the often-overlooked relationship between alcohol use disorder and disordered eating, exploring the complexities and shared behaviours between the two.This week, we discuss:How alcohol is often used to self-soothe or replace food The cultural normalisation of alcohol and how it affects recovery The similarities between eating disorder and alcohol recovery journeys How neurodivergence and menopause in alcohol misuse The shift toward alcohol freedom, and what that truly meansThe importance of curiosity and awareness in your relationship with alcohol and foodTimestamps: 01:00 – The culture of alcohol in Ireland05:00 – How alcohol became part of Orlagh's work 08:30 – The all-or-nothing mindset in both EDs and alcohol use 13:40 – Neurodivergence, diet neglect, and alcohol patterns 20:00 – Social pressures and the reward cycle 26:00 – Alcohol and menopause 32:00 – Orthorexia, wellness extremes & personal reflectionTrigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating. Please check in with yourself before listening. Support is available via charities such as Beat and First Steps.Resources & Links:Orlagh's websiteTrigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛