
Episode 24 | Why Success Can Trigger Drinking (The Hidden Alcohol Trigger Nobody Talks About)
The Wine O'Clock WomanShow Notes
Have you ever noticed that after being praised or recognised for something you’ve done well, you suddenly feel the urge to pour a glass of wine?
In this episode, I explore a rarely discussed alcohol trigger: success itself. For many capable women, compliments, praise, or recognition can feel surprisingly uncomfortable in the nervous system and alcohol can become a quick way to regulate that feeling.
I share a personal story from my teaching career, explore how this pattern can begin in childhood, and offer practical ways to respond differently when someone praises you.
In this episode we explore: • Why praise and recognition can trigger the urge to drink • The nervous system response behind the “success trigger” • How childhood experiences shape our response to praise • Simple phrases that help you receive compliments with ease If success or praise has ever felt strangely uncomfortable, this episode will help you understand why, and how to change the pattern.
If this episode has left you thinking about your own relationship with alcohol, I'd love you to join me at Beyond the Booze Live, my free monthly 90-minute Zoom workshop.
You'll understand why you can promise yourself you won't drink in the morning, only to find yourself reaching for a glass that evening.
You'll begin to see what's happening before that first drink, why alcohol has become your go-to for feeling better, and how to start making different choices without relying on willpower alone.
Beyond the Booze Live: Come and understand your drinking better.
Find out more and save your free place here:
Find out how to work with me If you're ready to make changes- I offer two ways to work together:
The Homecoming Group Programme™ – six months of support to help you break the cycle of drinking, regain control and make choices around alcohol that feel right for you, alongside a community of women working towards the same thing.
The Homecoming Reset™ – private 90-day one-to-one support, tailored to you.
Explore both programmes
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Why do we keep falling back into old patterns, even when we really want things to change? Julie Smith joins me to talk about the subconscious beliefs behind our behaviour, why willpower only gets us so far, and what needs to change underneath the habit for things to start feeling different.
What are you really looking for when you think, “I need a drink”?