261. A Tool for Dealing with Urges to Drink
Have you ever decided you weren't going to drink, only to find yourself negotiating with that familiar voice in your head a few hours later?
"You've had a long week."
"Just a couple won't hurt."
"You can always start again on Monday."
Sound familiar?
In episode 261 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, men's life and sober coach Patrick Fox explores why the voice telling you to drink isn't necessarily the voice you need to listen to.
Our brains are brilliant at learning habits, and sometimes the urge to drink is simply an echo of past behaviours rather than a reflection of what we genuinely want.
Patrick shares a personal experiment he's been trying to interrupt habitual urges: talking to himself out loud.
It might sound a little strange, but speaking out loud can help break the hypnotic spell of an urge, interrupt familiar thought patterns and reconnect you with the decisions you've already made.
In this episode, Patrick explores:
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Why drinking urges can feel so convincing, even when you've decided to stop drinking.
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How habitual thoughts can keep you stuck in the same internal negotiations.
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Why speaking out loud might help you respond differently to alcohol cravings.
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What one client's first 30 alcohol-free days reveal about moving beyond the constant mental battle.
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A simple three-step exercise to try the next time an urge appears.
The takeaway? You don't have to believe every thought your brain offers you, and you certainly don't have to act on it.
That voice might simply be an echo of your past.
But you get to decide what you say, and what you do, next.
Your challenge this week: Recognise the urge. Get curious. Speak out loud.
Give it a try and let Patrick know what happens.
Connect with Patrick Fox
Website: https://www.patrickjfox.com
Explore coaching and support for men who want to rethink alcohol and create lasting change.
Connect with Patrick:
Instagram: @thealcoholrethinkpodcast
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