I Quit Wine - how to stop drinking and have a much better life

Sarah Louise Leather
  • 5.0 (12)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
I Quit Wine - how to stop drinking and have a much better life

Sarah Louise Leather has been working with women for over 30 years and is passionate about helping them to live much better lives. For the past 15 years, she's explored her relationship with alcohol and the effects it has on women, especially in menopause and beyond. She talks about overthinking drinking, brain chemistry and the role of hormones. Sarah is on a transformational health journey and being free from hangovers (waking up clear-headed every day) is a massive part of this. Follow Sarah @ https://www.instagram.com/iquitwine_withsarah/ ; DM her with any questions or comments.

  1. FEB 21

    036 Your Questions Answered: How Hard is it to Stopping Drinking? Can I Reset my Drinking?

    In this episode of I Quit Wine, I’m answering some of the biggest questions about quitting alcohol—how hard it really is, what to expect in early sobriety, and whether you can ever “reset” your drinking habits. I’ll also share insights from my own journey, what finally worked for me after years of trying, and why addressing the root causes of alcohol dependence is so important. ✅ Early sobriety is challenging, but it gets easier with the right support and daily practices.✅ Alcohol cravings aren’t just triggered by stress—happy moments can also lead to urges.✅ There’s no such thing as “resetting” drinking habits—quitting completely is often necessary.✅ Long-term sobriety isn’t just about avoiding alcohol; it’s about healing the deeper reasons we drink. 🔹 The Challenge of Early Sobriety The first 30 days can be tough, but they’re also crucial. Around 80-100 days, something shifts, and sobriety starts to feel easier. Daily practices are key—willpower alone won’t keep you sober. How my Freedom Formula helps create a sustainable alcohol-free life. 🔹 Why Triggers for Alcohol Go Beyond Stress Cravings don’t just come from bad days—good days can trigger them too. Our beliefs about worthiness and happiness can play a huge role in drinking. Alcohol is often used to cope with both struggles and celebrations. The nervous system’s role in processing emotions (and why it matters in sobriety). 🔹 The Myth of “Resetting” Drinking Habits There’s no such thing as a fresh start with drinking. The “downward-facing escalator” analogy—why every relapse brings you back to the same spot. The importance of addressing the root causes behind drinking. My personal experience of multiple attempts before finally stopping for good. 🔹 Why Professional Support Makes a Difference Trying to quit alone can be harder than it needs to be. My ICW Freedom Formula helps women quit drinking in a way that actually lasts. I use trauma-informed coaching, somatic work, and emotional sobriety coaching techniques alongside Root Cause Therapy. Trying to quit alone can be harder than it needs to be. 💌 Need support? I’m here to help! 📧 Email me: iqwwithsarah@gmail.com 📲 DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iquitwine_withsarah_/ 💬 Thinking about quitting? Let’s chat—book a call with me to talk about your next steps: https://calendly.com/iqwwithsarah/connect-with-sarah ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: If you’re a heavy daily drinker, please consult a healthcare professional before quitting abruptly.

    17 min

  2. FEB 15

    035 Finding Joy Beyond the Glass: Relearning Happiness Without Wine

    I Quit Wine Podcast - Episode 035Finding Joy Beyond the Glass: Relearning Happiness Without Wine Episode Summary:In this episode, I discuss the challenges of quitting alcohol and discovering true joy in life without wine, particularly for women in midlife and menopause. Many women struggle to imagine a fulfilling life without alcohol, viewing it as their "best friend" and main source of joy. However, breaking free from this dependence opens the door to a richer, more meaningful life—though it takes time, reflection, and support. Key Topics Covered:✔️ The emotional and psychological ties to alcohol and why it feels like a “best friend”✔️ Overcoming the fear of life without alcohol and learning to find joy in new ways✔️ How self-worth, productivity, and busyness can contribute to alcohol dependence✔️ Personal story: A 3-month camper van trip that highlighted lifestyle differences and the importance of stillness✔️ The role of hormones in midlife (decreasing estrogen & oxytocin) and their impact on self-reflection and purpose✔️ The rise in alcohol consumption among Gen X and Boomer women compared to younger generations✔️ The unique challenges midlife women face—caring for aging parents, raising teenagers, and experiencing perimenopause✔️ The importance of self-compassion, curiosity, and patience in exploring life without alcohol✔️ Practical steps for rediscovering joy through non-drinking activities like coloring, walking, and beach visits✔️ The role of support, self-reflection, and addressing subconscious patterns in quitting alcohol✔️ My experience with Root Cause Therapy and how it helped uncover underlying worthiness issues Resources & Support:🎥 Free guide & video training: Assess your relationship with alcohol📩 Email me at iqwwithsarah@gmail.com to request the guide📲 Message me on Instagram @iquitwine_withsarah for more support💬 One-on-one coaching is available to explore the root cause of your drinking, your unique challenges and create a plan for an alcohol-free life. Email 'coaching' to iqwwithsarah@gmail.com Call to Action:✨ Reflect on your personal relationship with alcohol and where you find joy outside of drinking✨ Consider reaching out for support, whether through the free guide, a conversation, or one-on-one coaching✨ Explore new activities and hobbies that bring you fulfillment without alcohol✨ Be kind and patient with yourself—change takes time, but a better life is waiting on the other side Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might need it. Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more insights and encouragement on your alcohol-free journey. 💜

    16 min

  3. JAN 21

    034 How you do alcohol is how you do everything (& why this is wonderful news)

    In this episode, I explore my relationship to alcohol and how this is playing out in other areas of my life. How you do alcohol is how you do everything is actually excellent news as it will teach you how to have a much better life. I share how a recent detox from sugar has reminded me about dopamine sensitivity and how many of us will react. Join me in the IQW Freedom Formula to learn to exact steps to having a much better life without wine: https://iquitwine.com/iqwff/

    18 min

  4. JAN 5

    033 People lie about how much they drink (& why it doesn't matter)

    Sarah discusses how people often underreport their alcohol consumption, with the common belief that individuals drink at least double what they admit to. She reflects on her experiences as a student nurse seeing patients with severe alcohol-related health issues. Sarah shares how her views have evolved, noting that the focus should be on how alcohol makes someone feel rather than just the quantity consumed. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's personal relationship with alcohol, especially for "gray area drinkers" who may experience negative impacts from relatively moderate consumption.| Sarah encourages the listener to reflect on how their drinking makes them feel, rather than just the amount. She shares examples of women in her programs who struggled with the impacts of even a small amount of alcohol. She invites the listener to explore her "I Quit Wine Freedom Formula" program to address their relationship with alcohol. https://iquitwine.com/iqwff/ Sarah invites the listener to follow her on Instagram, send her a message, and share any insights from listening to her podcast episodes. She emphasizes her approachability and desire to engage with her audience. https://www.instagram.com/iquitwine_withsarah_/

    8 min

  5. 09/25/2024

    032 But I love the taste of wine!

    Episode Title: But I Love the Taste of Wine Host: Sarah Leather Episode Summary: In today’s episode of I Quit Wine, Sarah dives into a common challenge for people quitting alcohol: “But I love the taste of wine!” Sarah shares her personal story of once loving the taste of wine with certain meals, but realizing that it's not just the taste she was craving. It's the feeling that alcohol provides after those first few glasses, not the taste itself. She explains how our brains have been conditioned to associate certain feelings with the consumption of alcohol, and offers a perspective shift that helps break free from that mindset. Sarah also touches on the role alcohol has played historically in nursing homes and hospitals and how alcohol was used for various purposes in medical settings. She reflects on her own experiences, her changing relationship with alcohol, and how she now feels indifferent or even repulsed by it. Sarah encourages listeners to observe their thoughts about alcohol and the stories they've told themselves, like "I drink for the taste," and gently challenges these beliefs. She shares how emotional sobriety is about shifting perspectives and seeing the truth about what alcohol has taken from your life. Finally, Sarah highlights the importance of building new, healthier habits and mindsets, while encouraging listeners to explore her IQW Freedom Formula for deeper support. Key Takeaways: We often convince ourselves we drink for the taste, but it’s really the feeling that follows that we crave. Alcohol doesn’t taste good on its own—our associations with it have been built over time. The journey to emotional sobriety involves breaking down long-held beliefs and building new ones that support a healthier, happier life. Sarah shares personal stories, from her teenage drinking years to her now peaceful, alcohol-free life, where the smell of wine no longer tempts her. The I Quit Wine Freedom Formula is a supportive resource for those seeking to quit alcohol. Mentioned in This Episode: I Quit Wine Freedom Formula – A self-paced program to help you transform your relationship with alcohol. Visit iquitwine.com/iqwff for more information. One-on-one coaching sessions are available! Sarah is offering deep-dive coaching to help you create a clear plan for quitting alcohol. Book your session via the link in the show notes here: I have a new offering: 75-minute one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized guidance. It includes the IQW Freedom Formula (if you've already purchased it, you will get a 30-minute follow-up session). You can ⁠see it here⁠: https://bit.ly/IQW75minuteFFbonus Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @iquitwine_sarah Website: iquitwine.com Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or rating! It helps other people find the podcast and makes a big difference. Sarah would love to hear your thoughts—send her a DM on Instagram to share your story! Podcast Links: I Quit Wine Freedom Formula Book a One-on-One Coaching Session

    18 min

  6. 09/15/2024

    031 The Joy of Simplicity & Introducing the Freedom Formula

    In this episode of the I Quit Wine podcast I discuss the importance of simplicity in quitting alcohol and introduce a new program for alcohol-free living. Simplicity and constraint can significantly ease the decision-making process when quitting alcohol I have created the "IQW Freedom Formula," a comprehensive 30-day program to help women quit drinking The program offers tools for managing cravings, emotional sobriety, and addressing underlying reasons for drinking I emphasize the ongoing nature of emotional sobriety and the importance of continual self-work Simplicity is one of my top values, along with spaciousness and freedom Constraint concept: fewer choices lead to more ease and simplicity Analogy: Low-frills supermarkets (e.g., Lidl, Aldi) offer less choice, reducing decision fatigue Quitting alcohol eliminates complex decision-making around drinking, reducing mental burden Example: My weekend alone - only one alcohol-free beer consumed, contrasting with past behavior Includes first 3 modules immediately, with others released over time Features a private podcast for deeper, more honest discussions Covers mindset processes, thought management, and creating desired results Priced at a "ridiculous" one-time fee, with potential price increases in the future Tools for managing cravings Strategies for both good and challenging times Information on brain chemistry, nutrition, and environmental factors Naturopathic insights from Sarah's 25 years of practice Guidance on achieving emotional sobriety Techniques for managing the "voice" that encourages drinking Distinction between stopping drinking and achieving emotional sobriety Emphasis on the process nature of recovery - cannot be rushed or fast-tracked Importance of continual self-work and gradual improvement Strategies for managing the ego or "voice" that undermines sobriety efforts Interested listeners can access the IQW Freedom Formula at iQuitWine.com/IQFF Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iquitwine_withsarah_/ for updates and connection Listeners are encouraged to email me at iqwwithsarah@gmail.com with questions or stories Please leave a review or rating for the I Quit Wine podcast - it will make me so happy!

    22 min

  7. 09/04/2024

    030 Birthdays & Overthinking Drinking

    Sarah reflects on her 59th birthday, contrasting youthful drinking experiences with mature overthinking about alcohol Drinking habits often evolve from social fun to problematic coping mechanisms, leading to overthinking and health issues Sarah is developing the "IQW Freedom Formula" to help women end overthinking drinking and improve their lives Alcohol-free celebrations, like birthdays, are presented as more enjoyable and fulfilling Sarah shares her journey from carefree teenage drinking to problematic adult consumption Initial drinking experiences: relaxation, confidence boost, social connection Evolution to "grey area drinking" in 30s-40s: habit formation, stress relief, emotional regulation Overthinking phase: constant negotiation, guilt, attempts to moderate Liver health concerns increase with age and quantity consumed Hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause) reduce alcohol tolerance Neurochemical effects worsen in 40s-50s Sleep disruption: difficulty achieving deep sleep, leading to more overthinking Not necessarily about quantity, but mental burden and health effects Can last for years (18 years in Sarah's case) Stopping and starting attempts common Affects quality of life even when consumption is relatively low Aims to end overthinking drinking and improve overall life quality Holistic approach: brain rewiring, nutrition, sleep, exercise, coaching, therapy Includes trauma-informed and somatic practices Daily practices to manage cravings Promises better sleep and reduced morning anxiety Sarah celebrates her 15th alcohol-free birthday Reports increased enjoyment of food, company, and overall experience Highlights ability to drive home safely after celebrations Follow Sarah on Instagram @iquitwine_withsarah_ for updates DM or email Sarah with the word "freedom" for early access to the IQW Freedom Formula Watch for the launch of the IQW Freedom Formula to End Overthinking Your Drinking program

    16 min

  8. 08/24/2024

    029 Navigating weddings without wine!

    In this episode, I share insights on navigating social events, particularly weddings, without alcohol. Planning ahead is crucial for successfully attending alcohol-free events, especially regarding drink choices and potential social pressures Non-alcoholic options are becoming more prevalent, with alcohol-free beer sales up nearly 20% in Ireland Many people report enjoying events more without alcohol, particularly appreciating the hangover-free mornings Younger generations (18-25) are drinking 25-35% less, indicating a cultural shift towards reduced alcohol consumption I also speak about my recent personal experiences with being alcohol-free at weddings plus: Challenges of socializing without alcohol Importance of non-alcoholic drink options Strategies for navigating alcohol-free events Shifting cultural attitudes towards alcohol Personal reflections on alcohol-free journey Next Steps: Follow me on Instagram: @iquitwine_with_sarah for more content and engagement Check iQuitWine.com/iQWA for additional resources Consider booking single paid deep dive session with me (contact via Instagram DM or email iqwwithSarah@gmail.com) Stay tuned for future podcast episodes on navigating alcohol-free holidays

    17 min
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Sarah Louise Leather has been working with women for over 30 years and is passionate about helping them to live much better lives. For the past 15 years, she's explored her relationship with alcohol and the effects it has on women, especially in menopause and beyond. She talks about overthinking drinking, brain chemistry and the role of hormones. Sarah is on a transformational health journey and being free from hangovers (waking up clear-headed every day) is a massive part of this. Follow Sarah @ https://www.instagram.com/iquitwine_withsarah/ ; DM her with any questions or comments.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Louise Leather
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Louise Leather

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada