Greetings Midlifers! Welcome to this sobering (pun intended) episode of the midlife mommas. Colleen's story may resonate with you...in parts or in it's entirely. We are SO excited to have her on the show!   Colleen's story is not an unusual one. She talks about drinking in the context that it's most familiar, in casual and social settings. Many of us have used alcohol to 'take the edge off'. But when is it too much? How is alcohol affecting your health? Your decision making? Your sleep? Your mental health? I know you're going to love Colleen as much as we do! 00:02:43 Withdrawal effects, ignorance, and alcohol addiction. 00:04:06 Alcohol's impact on adulthood and menopause. 00:06:53 Hiding alcohol addiction with clever deception. 00:11:05 AA philosophy: brain programmed, belief control, not science; pursue happiness, not sobriety. 00:14:25 Dopamine depletion leads to lightweight alcohol effects. 00:19:32 Delaying start time, controlling wine consumption. 00:22:28 Enjoy wine mindfully, not unconsciously drinking. 00:25:59 Tools for repairing dopamine levels after substance abuse. 00:29:21 Embrace authenticity, be powerful, live authentically. 00:30:38 Admitting not okay, being seen, powerful. 00:34:13 Fixed mindset: "I'm an alcoholic and can't control myself." Growth mindset: Learn to change thoughts & neuroplasticity. Colleen Kachmann, MSc, CPRC, Sober-ish Recovery Coach Free Masterclass: Change Your Thinking About Drinking Podcast: https://recoverwithcolleen.com/podcast Instagram and Facebook: @RecoverwithColleen 3 Stay Connected! Amelia Website: https://www.thehelpfulplate.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thehelpfulplate/ Cam Website: https://www.camoyler.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heymomma_cam/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heymomma_cam Midlife Mommas IG: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.mommas/ Please share, rate, and review the podcast. We appreciate you! ❤️