Episode Title: 🎙️ Are You Drinking to Numb Emotional Pain?With Dr Fiona Dowman, Clinical Psychologist, UKEpisode Summary: Do you find yourself reaching for a drink after a stressful day, an argument, or when you’re just feeling… off? You're not alone. In this episode, I unpack emotional drinking—why it happens, how emotions work, and what to do if alcohol has become your go-to coping mechanism.I explore the emotional drinking cycle and how difficult feelings like stress, shame, or anxiety can trigger a pattern of drinking → self-criticism → more discomfort → more drinking. I’ll walk you through why our brains turn to alcohol for relief, the real cost of this short-term fix, and how to begin responding to emotions in a healthier, more sustainable way.This episode includes a grounding mindfulness practice to help you pause, notice what you’re feeling, and create space between your emotions and your actions.What You’ll Learn:Why emotional discomfort often leads to drinkingWhat emotions actually are and why we experience themThe common emotional drinking cycle (with a relatable example)The “quicksand metaphor” for why struggling with emotions makes things worseA simple exercise to help you pause and respond to feelings mindfully🔗 Resources Mentioned: 🎧 Free 20-minute Mindful Drinking Audio Guide: www.purplebridgepsychology.co.uk/free-mindful-drinking-guide 📬 Questions or thoughts? Email me at: [email protected] 📲 Or connect on Instagram: @purplebridgepsychologyIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit.As always, this podcast is not a substitute for personalised support. If you’re concerned about alcohol dependence, please speak to your GP or local alcohol service.Share your feedback and Connect with me on Instagram @purplebridgepsychology or Facebook

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