Episode Title: 🎙️ Are You Drinking to Numb Emotional Pain?

With Dr Fiona Dowman, Clinical Psychologist, UK

Episode Summary:
Do you find yourself reaching for a drink after a stressful day, an argument, or when you’re just feeling… off? You're not alone. In this episode, I unpack emotional drinking—why it happens, how emotions work, and what to do if alcohol has become your go-to coping mechanism.

I explore the emotional drinking cycle and how difficult feelings like stress, shame, or anxiety can trigger a pattern of drinking → self-criticism → more discomfort → more drinking. I’ll walk you through why our brains turn to alcohol for relief, the real cost of this short-term fix, and how to begin responding to emotions in a healthier, more sustainable way.

This episode includes a grounding mindfulness practice to help you pause, notice what you’re feeling, and create space between your emotions and your actions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why emotional discomfort often leads to drinking
• What emotions actually are and why we experience them
• The common emotional drinking cycle (with a relatable example)
• The “quicksand metaphor” for why struggling with emotions makes things worse
• A simple exercise to help you pause and respond to feelings mindfully

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
🎧 Free 20-minute Mindful Drinking Audio Guide: www.purplebridgepsychology.co.uk/free-mindful-drinking-guide
📬 Questions or thoughts? Email me at: info@purplebridgepsychology.co.uk
📲 Or connect on Instagram: @purplebridgepsychology

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As always, this podcast is not a substitute for personalised support. If you’re concerned about alcohol dependence, please speak to your GP or local alcohol service.

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