What It’s Like to Go to an Alcohol Service in the UK: In Conversation with Luna, Recovery Worker. Ep.8
Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist in the UK.
🎧 Episode Summary:
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when someone accesses an alcohol service, or if you've been curious but nervous about what to expect, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Luna Ng, a recovery worker from an alcohol service in London. She shares what a typical day looks like in her role, what kinds of support people receive, and the real-life challenges and goals people bring when trying to change their drinking. We also talk about why services focus on your goals—not someone else’s—and how recovery support can be a compassionate, non-judgemental process.
Whether you’re exploring change yourself or just want to understand the system better, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes insight into how alcohol services work.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
- What recovery work in an alcohol service actually involves
- The impact of alcohol on mental health, sleep, relationships, and more
- Why emotional drinking can keep people stuck in a cycle
- How recovery is shaped by personal goals—not pressure to be abstinent
- The power of small, consistent steps (not all-or-nothing thinking)
- What really helps people make changes—including motivation, support, and self-compassion
- The barriers to change
🔗 Resources I Mention:
Alcohol Change UK
📬 I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode or what you're learning on your journey:
Email me: info@purplebridgepsychology.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram: @purplebridgepsychology
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit.
And as always, this podcast is not a substitute for personalised support. If you’re concerned about your alcohol use, please speak to your GP or local alcohol service.
Share your feedback and Connect with me on Instagram @purplebridgepsychology
or Facebook
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!