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

Episoder(981)

The Silent Impact of Childhood Domestic Violence on Adult Mental Health with Brian F. Martin

The Silent Impact of Childhood Domestic Violence on Adult Mental Health with Brian F. Martin

Many people believe trauma only counts if a child is physically harmed. This episode challenges that belief by exploring how witnessing domestic violence silently shapes the mind, emotions, and relati...

2 Feb 19min

When Getting Lost Becomes Your Turning Point with Tracy Smith

When Getting Lost Becomes Your Turning Point with Tracy Smith

In this deeply reflective episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sayan welcomes Tracy Smith, author of The Purpose Was in Getting Lost. Tracy opens up about her journey from feeling disconnected ...

1 Feb 21min

The Gap Between Achievement and Fulfillment: Rethinking Men’s Mental Health with Maxim Shapiro

The Gap Between Achievement and Fulfillment: Rethinking Men’s Mental Health with Maxim Shapiro

In this heartfelt episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sayan dives deep with Maxim Shapiro, exploring the silent struggle many men face — appearing successful on the outside while feeling lost ...

1 Feb 21min

Flow, Not Force: Harnessing Your Hormonal Cycle for Sustainable Time Management with Renae Fieck

Flow, Not Force: Harnessing Your Hormonal Cycle for Sustainable Time Management with Renae Fieck

Most productivity advice assumes consistency is key—but what if your body tells a different story? In this enlightening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sayan sits down with Renae Fieck, a ...

1 Feb 21min

Built to Break, Born to Heal: Understanding Protector Development and the Power of One Step at a Time with Ryan Reichert

Built to Break, Born to Heal: Understanding Protector Development and the Power of One Step at a Time with Ryan Reichert

In this deeply human and grounding conversation, guest host Sana sits down with Ryan Reichert to explore the concept of Protector Development—the inner armor we build to survive pain, trauma, and rele...

31 Jan 34min

Your Body Is Not a Machine: Relearning Movement in a Sedentary World with Pedro Wunderlich

Your Body Is Not a Machine: Relearning Movement in a Sedentary World with Pedro Wunderlich

As we have stepped into 2026, many of us are exhausted—not just mentally, but physically—from a world that rewards stillness and productivity over health. In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life...

31 Jan 39min

Moving from Survival-Driven Change to Compassionate Growth with Kerisma Vere

Moving from Survival-Driven Change to Compassionate Growth with Kerisma Vere

This episode explores the fundamental difference between change driven by survival instincts (which drains us) versus change built on safety and self-compassion (which sustains us). The conversation p...

31 Jan 24min

Protecting Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries with Samantha Kaye Harris

Protecting Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries with Samantha Kaye Harris

For many women, the hardest part of working in male-dominated industries isn't the work itself—it's the constant pressure to prove, tolerate, and stay quiet just to belong. In this powerful conversati...

31 Jan 26min

Populært innen Helse

fastlegen
hvordan-har-du-det-mann
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
rss-gukild-johaug
psykodrama
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
rss-garne-damer
leger-om-livet
bak-fasaden-en-reise-i-livet-med-sykepleier-ine
foreldreradet
hjernesterk
morten-ramm-lar-kakla-ga-til-du-sovner
klimaks
helsetipspodden
rss-sunn-okonomi
hormonelle-frida
g-punktet
rss-lopedrommen
kjed-deg-i-sovn-verdens-kjedeligste-podcast
hverdagspsyken