In this episode, we acknowledge alcohol as the nation's favourite coping mechanism and uncover its true effects on our well-being. Anna Donaghey, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with our guest, William Porter, a former paratrooper turned lawyer and author of "Alcohol Explained" and "Alcohol Explained 2". Together, they candidly discuss their personal experiences, confronting the impact of alcohol on sleep, mental health, and our ability to cope. From their own journeys to understanding the addictive nature of alcohol and its effects, this episode provides valuable insights into rethinking our relationship with alcohol. Join us as we uncover the truths about alcohol and discover new coping strategies to lead a more fulfilling and vibrant life. Here are the highlights: 06:36 Science and personal experiences lead to addiction.13:29 The brain maintains a chemical balance; alcohol disrupts it.17:44 Struggled with cravings but found analysing helpful.25:47 Take a month off from alcohol and continue life.36:46 Adopt good sleep habits to promote natural, restorative sleep.38:10 Consuming alcohol affects sleep and natural sedatives.43:54 Alcohol, exhaustion and anxiety55:28 Alcohol disrupted sleep, and impacted family life.01:00 Drinking once seemed essential, but life is now so much better. About William Porter: William Porter brings a unique and refreshingly pragmatic approach to drinking and addiction. His first book, ‘Alcohol Explained: Understand Why You Drink And How to Stop’ was published in 2015 and is considered by many to be the seminal work on understanding alcohol dependency. His second book ‘Alcohol Explained 2: Tools for a Stronger Sobriety’ offers brilliant advice for those wanting to take control of their drinking.  An ex-British Army paratrooper who served in Iraq, he now lives with his wife and two sons in West London. Connect with William: Website: alcoholexplained.com Books: ‘Alcohol Explained – Understand Why You Drink And How to Stop’, ‘Alcohol Explained 2 – Tools for a Stronger Sobriety’ About the host Anna: Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna: Website: thebeliefscoach.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey Facebook: facebook.com/thebeliefscoach Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink Produced by winteraudio.co.uk