110. How to Rethink Drinking Without "Hitting Rock Bottom"
What if your relationship with alcohol doesn’t require a dramatic rock-bottom moment to change? In this episode of SetSet, I sit down with sobriety coach Martha Wright, who went from building a life around wine—professionally and personally—to questioning its role in her daily rituals. Just as I did with cannabis. Together, Martha and I explore what it means to be a “gray area drinker,” how midlife hormonal shifts impact our cravings and consumption, and how reframing our beliefs about alcohol can free us from it—without shame or labels. This conversation is rich in neuroscience, compassion, and personal insight, offering a fresh and empowering approach to alcohol use.
🔵 Key Takeaways
- Gray area drinking impacts 80% of alcohol consumers—many of whom don’t identify as addicts but still want change.
- Willpower isn’t enough—rewiring the brain’s dopamine reward system is key to sustainable change.
- Cultural myths about “normal drinking” prevent many women from questioning their habits.
- Midlife hormonal shifts (like menopause) significantly impact alcohol tolerance and desire.
- A “luscious sabbatical” from alcohol can reawaken sensory pleasure, curiosity, and joy.
Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/rethinking-alcohol-martha-wright
Hosted by April Pride
Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com
Follow on IG: @getsetset / YouTube: youtube.com/@getsetset / X: @getsetset
Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal: Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.