How I quit alcohol

In this episode I chat with Claire McCreedy from the ACT. Claire grew up in an unpredictable and emotionally unsafe environment, with an alcoholic mother and parents who lived quite reclusively. From a young age, her nervous system was wired for survival. Social skills didn’t come naturally, home life was isolating, and by fourteen, alcohol became her tool for managing social situations.

As life progressed, Claire found herself in ...

In this solo cast Danni dives into the benefits of trying out Dry July and looking at it as a really empowering choice.

Danni offers up some journaling prompts to help support you and also give you clarity to get into Dry July.

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

In this episode, Danni Carr interviews her sister Nat McColl about her journey with alcohol, particularly focusing on her decision to participate in Dry July. They discuss Nat's past drinking habits, the emotional connections to alcohol, and the importance of support systems. Nat shares her plans for Dry July, including healthy alternatives and new hobbies like yoga, emphasising the benefits of taking a break from alcohol and the p...

In this episode Danni chats with Jon from Melbourne. Jon started using alcohol as a social lubricant that gave him confidence and helped him deal with his shyness. After studying law in his mid twenties he started using alcohol to manage stress and anxiety. Massive binge drinking session letting his partner down and drinking to black out regularly but also feeling that was part of the norm. It wasn't until Jon started to realise ho...

In this episode, Danni shares her experience of attending her best friend's 50th birthday party as the only sober person. She reflects on the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the strategies she employed to stay connected to herself throughout the event. Danni emphasises the significance of preparation, coping mechanisms, and the journey of self-discovery in maintainin...

In this episode, Danni shares her experiences from a recent retreat and emphasises the importance of daily practices in maintaining sobriety. She discusses various foundational practices such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, and journaling, explaining how each contributes to self-awareness and nervous system regulation. Danni highlights the significance of mindfulness in decision-making and encourages listeners to view sobriety as ...

In this conversation, Danni and Lyndee discuss Lyndee's journey to sobriety, exploring her background, the progression of her drinking habits, and the realisations that led her to quit alcohol. They delve into the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, the importance of support from family and friends, and the reflections on past drinking behaviours. Lyndee shares her experiences of feeling like an enabler and ...

In this conversation, Danni and Nicola explore the journey of sobriety, the impact of COVID-19 on drinking habits, and the importance of compassion in recovery. Nicola shares her personal experiences with alcohol, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and how she found control amidst chaos. They discuss the role of education and personal growth in the recovery process, as well as the emotional triggers that can lead to drin...

In this solo episode, Danni explores the critical relationship between stress and alcohol use, particularly in the context of recovery and relapse. She delves into the neuroscience behind stress responses, the impact of alcohol on emotional regulation, and the importance of building resilience through mindfulness and self-care practices. Danni emphasises that while alcohol may seem like a quick fix for stress, it ultimately exacerb...

In this episode, Danni catches up with the HIQA, Ricci who shares her transformative journey from a life of heavy drinking to sobriety. Ricci discusses her past struggles with alcohol, the impact on her relationships, and the shame that accompanied her drinking habits. She reflects on her experiences in the HIQA challenges and retreats, emphasising the importance of self-discovery, support, and personal growth. Ricci's story highli...

In this episode, I catch up with transformation queen, Ash Butterss we dive into the emotional journey of sobriety—the grief of saying goodbye to your old life, the shifts in friendships, and the discomfort of not being invited to social events. We explore how to move through these sticky, uncomfortable emotions without avoidance, allowing them to be present rather than resisting them.

We also talk about the deep fears that arise wi...

In this conversation, Danni catch's up with Torquay local Suzie, who was the owner of the very well know Bird Rock Cafe in Jan Juc on the Surfcoast in Victoria. We talk about Suzie's journey to sobriety, exploring her experiences with addiction, the euphoria she initially felt, and the struggles she faced as her drinking escalated. Her drinking got so bad her family disowned her, when her drinking had escalated to 3 bottles of wi...

In this solo cast, Danni discusses the importance of regular check ins to managing the nervous system to prevent stress overload and alcohol cravings. She emphasises the need for moment-to-moment check-ins to recognise signs of dysregulation and offers practical techniques for self-regulation. Danni shares personal experiences and insights on how understanding one's nervous system can lead to better emotional management and overall...

In this conversation, I chat with functional nutritionist Samantha Lander, Sam shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and the challenges of maintaining sobriety. She discusses her experiences in rehab, the role of control and fear in her addiction, and the impact of relationships on her recovery. Samantha reflects on her struggles with parenting while dealing with addiction and the descent into alcoholism. She talks about ...

In this episode, Danni sits down with Chris Gimple from Clean Slate Clinic to talk about some of the things that shocked him in early sobriety. One of the biggest surprises was getting comfortable with boredom. Without alcohol, life can feel a little dull at times, especially when we’ve spent so long caught up in chaos. Chris opens up about how many of us unknowingly become accustomed to that sense of constant drama, and how adjust...

In this solocast, Danni explores the concept of experiential avoidance, particularly in relation to alcohol use as a coping mechanism. She discusses how avoidance of uncomfortable feelings can lead to a cycle of dependency on alcohol, emphasising the importance of awareness, acceptance, and developing healthier coping strategies. Danni highlights the significance of emotional flexibility and self-compassion in overcoming avoidance ...

In this episode, Danni interviews Tim, a graduate of the How I Quit Alcohol program, who shares his transformative journey of sobriety over the past two years. Tim reflects on his early experiences with alcohol, the influence of family, and the pivotal moments that led him to quit drinking. He discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety, the importance of support systems, and the personal growth he has experienced as a father....

In this episode I dive into why New Years Resolutions rarely work when they are born out of a place of self hatred and how to turn it around.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to

www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol 

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy ...