Uncorking the Truth: How Alcohol Masks Anxiety and What to Do About It

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Colleen Kachman. Colleen is a real-life superhero helping women conquer their pasts and build brighter futures.

She opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and how she used alcohol as a crutch to cope. We talk about how booze might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it actually makes things worse in the long run and how it can leave you feeling lost and disconnected.

But don't worry, Colleen shares her wisdom on mindful drinking and the power of self-awareness.

Join us as we explore the tricky relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and self-connection.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

______________________________

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:01 - Realization of Underlying Issues 

02:50 - Connection Between Chaos and Anxiety

04:06 - Self-Perception and External Validation

05:11 - Understanding Alcohol's Role

12:18 - The Biphasic Nature of Alcohol

17:01 - The Challenge of Overcoming Urges

19:01 - Current Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption

20:17 - The Risks of Alcohol

21:41 - Humor in Alcohol Discussion

22:12 - Understanding Emesis

23:31 - Emotional Resilience and Mental Health

24:36 - Managing Anxiety and Trauma

25:27 - Connection with Self

26:35 - Facing the Alarm

28:27 - Cold Plunges as Metaphor

29:39 - Avoiding Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

33:24 - Mindful Drinking Practices

36:22 - Challenging Traditional Views on Alcoholism 

38:45 - The Role of Trauma in Alcohol Use 

39:27 - Understanding Self-Referential Thought

40:28 - Feeling Your Way Out of Addiction

41:57 - Grounding in the Body

42:33 - Cognitive Strategies Post-Grounding

43:12 - Recognizing Cravings as Notifications

44:20 - Thoughts vs. Bodily Sensations

45:17 - The Power of Breathwork

46:33 - Sensation Without Explanation

47:30 - Staying with Uncomfortable Sensations

49:02 - Creating a Safe Space in the Body

51:36 - Connecting with the Younger Self

53:04 - Healing at a Feeling Level 

55:57 - Misconceptions About Drinking Problems