We talked about alcohol and its effects, emphasizing that it is a separate issue from us - a substance and not a personal characteristic or part of our being. A story was shared about bingeing on crisps realising it was the same behaviour as alcohol and the importance of recognizing unmet needs and emotions rather than turning to substances. The conversation touched on the challenges of dealing with difficult situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Unmet needs are hard to identify and give challenges around self-care and recovery. We need self acceptance to feel comfortable to explore unmet needs

It is these unmet needs and underlying issues we have to focus on, alongside the thoughts about alcohol reduction.

Examples being

  • struggle with negative thinking patterns

  • the pressure to be productive

  • feeling worse after quitting alcohol despite being more aware of needs.

  • loneliness and finding fulfillment without relying on external factors like relationships or substances.
    The conversation finished looking at the complex dynamics of friendships during periods of personal change and balancing self-care with re-establishing connections.
    ”Recovery” is not about counting days but rather be kind over set backs and focusing on progress-% improvements.