Rethinking Alcohol: Turning “I Need a Drink” Into Real Needs (Confidence, Connection, Calm) with Anna Donaghey

Rethinking Alcohol: Turning “I Need a Drink” Into Real Needs (Confidence, Connection, Calm) with Anna Donaghey

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty talks with Anna Donaghey—alcohol mindset coach, author, and host of The Big Drink Rethink—about why high-achievers quietly struggle with drinking and how to replace alcohol’s “jobs” (confidence, belonging, relief) with tools that actually nourish. We unpack Anna’s “What are you truly thirsty for?” framework, practical pause-and-choose strategies, and how boundaries, self-awareness, and nervous-system care build a life you don’t want to escape. If you’re sober-curious, rethinking happy-hour habits, or ready to change your relationship with alcohol without shame or moralizing, this direct, science-informed conversation is for you.

About the guest :

Anna Donaghey spent 25 years as a strategy director in high-pressure advertising before confronting a growing dependence on alcohol. Now an alcohol mindset coach, podcast host of The Big Drink Rethink, and author of the forthcoming What Are You Thirsty For?, she helps people identify the unmet needs behind the drink and choose healthier ways to meet them.

Key takeaways:

  • Name the “job” you’re giving alcohol (confidence, connection, relief, sleep). Once named, you can meet that need directly.

  • Micro-pause practice: before you drink, ask, “What am I really thirsty for right now?” Even if you still drink, the pause builds choice.

  • High achievers are vulnerable: perfectionism, control, and overperformance can become an Achilles’ heel, pushing private, compensatory drinking.

  • Alcohol isn’t the root problem; it becomes a placeholder for unmet emotional needs. Replace numbing with nourishing inputs.

  • Build a life you don’t want to escape: core nutrients (body, mind, soul), better boundaries, and tools for regulation reduce urges.

  • Treat sensations (tension, cravings, fatigue) as information, not failure. Respond with rest, connection, movement, or creativity.

  • Success can mimic a drug (dopamine loops), just like work, scrolling, gaming. Swap quick hits for sustainable fulfillment.

  • This is not about deprivation; it’s about empowerment—making alcohol small and irrelevant so you choose with intention.

  • You don’t have to quit to begin; you do need to stop using alcohol as an emotional management tool.

  • Start today: identify your top two “thirsts” (e.g., calm, belonging) and list non-alcohol ways to meet each in 10 minutes or less.

Connect with the guest :

  • Podcast: The Big Drink Rethink (search on your favorite app)

  • Book: What Are You Thirsty For? (forthcoming)

  • Find Anna via her podcast show notes and professional profiles on her website

  • Instagram

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

ContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik™Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite: www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in: India & USA

Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikBe a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguestVideo Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonialsJoin Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymindSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/

OUR SERVICESBusiness Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavikYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavikInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavikLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclubPinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/

SHARE YOUR REVIEWShare your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/Share a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness#comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers#StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success

Jaksot(999)

From Crisis to Creation: Overcoming Bipolar Disorder, Homelessness, and Substance Abuse

From Crisis to Creation: Overcoming Bipolar Disorder, Homelessness, and Substance Abuse

This episode of "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life" podcast features a conversation between the host and Brad, who shares his journey from struggling with bipolar disorder, homelessness, and substance abuse to becoming a successful author and podcaster. Brad discusses his early life challenges, including his battle with bipolar disorder, drug addiction, and a physically and mentally abusive relationship. He recounts his experience of homelessness, sleeping on buses and benches, and the turning point when he sought therapy. Brad emphasizes the significance of getting sober, the challenges he faced in recovery, and the role of therapy and support groups. He also highlights how writing became a therapeutic outlet and eventually led to a successful career.

23 Elo 202417min

Forgiveness: A Journey to Inner Peace and Emotional Freedom

Forgiveness: A Journey to Inner Peace and Emotional Freedom

In the podcast "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life", Avik Chakraborty introduces Katharine Giovanni, a three-time award-winning author and speaker known for her work on forgiveness and personal growth. Katharine shares her journey of overcoming a turbulent childhood and battling stage 3 breast cancer. She emphasizes that forgiveness is essential for personal peace and growth, explaining that it is not about forgetting or condoning wrongs but about freeing oneself from negative emotions. Katharine acknowledges the challenges in forgiving deep hurts or betrayals and suggests starting with smaller grievances to build the ability to forgive more significant wrongs. She advises forgiving oneself for not being able to forgive immediately and recommends breaking down painful memories into smaller parts to forgive each aspect individually. Using energy transformation, she suggests forgiving the energy around people and places associated with negative memories. Katharine concludes that forgiveness leads to emotional neutrality towards past hurts and involves recognizing and transforming the energy of negative emotions to achieve inner peace. The overall message is that forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal healing and growth, allowing individuals to achieve inner peace and emotional freedom.

23 Elo 202423min

Embracing Struggles: The Power of Acknowledging Hard Times and Self-Compassion

Embracing Struggles: The Power of Acknowledging Hard Times and Self-Compassion

In the episode “Embracing Struggles: The Power of Acknowledging Hard Times and Self-Compassion” from “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty and guest Maritza Garcia discuss the importance of embracing struggles and practicing self-compassion during tough times. Maritza, a digital marketing expert and business coach, shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of mindset, resilience, and self-compassion in both personal and professional life. She talks about the challenges of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, the importance of balancing ambition with self-compassion, and the role of recognizing hardships in achieving long-term success and mental well-being. Practical strategies discussed include avoiding comparisons, managing social media pressure, and focusing on creation over consumption. The episode concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and the importance of maintaining a healthy mind for a healthy life.

23 Elo 202411min

Referral Revolution: Building Client Relationships Without Social Media

Referral Revolution: Building Client Relationships Without Social Media

In this episode of the “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life” podcast, host interviews Mark Newsome about strategies for small business owners to generate referrals and build long-lasting client relationships without relying on social media. Mark shares his journey from the paper industry to becoming a marketing expert, emphasizing the importance of leveraging non-traditional marketing strategies. He explains how small businesses can monetize their assets and resources by working smarter, not harder. Mark also highlights common mistakes business owners make and provides practical examples of collaboration and leveraging existing customer relationships to maximize profits

23 Elo 202420min

Overcoming Barriers to Learning Music: A Conversation with Mika Blake

Overcoming Barriers to Learning Music: A Conversation with Mika Blake

How learning an instrument can positively influence mental and emotional well-being, acting as a form of meditation and holistic engagement of mind, body, and soul. The discussion highlights the transformative power of music and encourages listeners to pursue their musical interests regardless of perceived barriers.

23 Elo 202425min

Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Journey from Suppression to Brain Fitness

Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Journey from Suppression to Brain Fitness

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana welcomes Arnold Beekes, a pioneer in brain fitness, who shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to a brain fitness advocate. Arnold discusses the importance of breaking free from mental and emotional constraints and how personal experiences with mental illness in his family motivated him to focus on preventive mental wellness. Tune in to explore how upgrading our brains can unlock hidden potential and lead to optimal well-being.

23 Elo 202424min

Finding Light in Words: Arden’s Journey from Grief to Creative Expression

Finding Light in Words: Arden’s Journey from Grief to Creative Expression

In this episode, we sit down with Arden, a remarkable non-binary author who has channeled their experiences of depression and grief into powerful storytelling. From their roots in rural Nebraska to a creative life in North Carolina, Arden's journey is a testament to the healing power of writing. They share how writing became a vital tool for processing life's challenges, including the loss of a loved one and navigating mental health struggles. Arden discusses how poetry and creative writing helped them cope, offering a unique perspective on how channeling emotions into words can lead to profound personal growth and self-awareness. Tune in to hear Arden's inspiring story and their insights on the therapeutic nature of writing.

23 Elo 202419min

Building Mental Toughness and Grit: A Journey of Resilience with Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard

Building Mental Toughness and Grit: A Journey of Resilience with Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard

In this episode of Healthy Mind,Healthy Life, host sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard, an esteemed leadership coach and keynote speaker, to explore the crucial elements of mental toughness and grit. Dr. Pritchard shares her inspiring journey from overcoming childhood adversity to becoming a beacon of resilience and authenticity. She delves into the importance of mental toughness in leadership, how to cultivate resilience, and why grit, as defined by passion and perseverance, is essential for personal and professional success. Tune in to discover practical insights on developing these vital traits, and learn how to bounce forward, not just back, in the face of challenges.

23 Elo 202431min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-pitaisko-erota
tiedenaiset-podcast
psykopodiaa-podcast
meditaatiot-suomeksi
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
selvin-pain
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
rss-nautinto
junnut-pelissa
rss-rentoudu-podcast-rentoutumiseen-hanna-viljanmaa
terapiassa
paritellen
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
rss-en-saa-unta
kaikki-ihonhoidosta
lepakkosafari
rss-pt-paahtio