How I quit alcohol

Episode 6 — Returning Without ShameUnderstanding the Relapse Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we conclude our Change Is Not Linear series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This episode explores the relapse stage, or what is often referred to as “recycling” through the stages of change.Relapse is one of the most misunderstood and shame-filled parts of behaviour change, yet it is also one of the most human.In this episode we explore:Why relapse does not mean failureThe cyclical nature of healing and behaviour changeHow shame can keep people stuck longer than the behaviour itselfNervous system responses and returning to familiar coping strategiesThe emotional build-up that often happens before relapseWhy relapse rarely begins with the behaviour itselfAll-or-nothing thinking and shame spiralsThe importance of compassion, honesty, and supportHow relapse can provide important insight and informationReturning to yourself without self abandonmentWe also talk about how relapse does not erase growth, awareness, healing, or progress, and why many people move through the stages of change multiple times before long-term transformation becomes sustainable.This episode is an invitation to view setbacks with compassion instead of self punishment, and to remember that healing doesn't equal perfection but an opportunity to return to yourself again and again.Journal Prompts & ReflectionWhere in my life do I still equate struggle with failure?What usually happens emotionally before I abandon myself or return to old patterns?How do I speak to myself after mistakes or setbacks?What would change if I viewed relapse as information instead of proof that I’m broken?What support helps me return to myself when I’m struggling?Can I believe that healing is still possible, even when the journey is imperfect?In This SeriesEpisode 1 — Protecting the BehaviourEpisode 2 — Living Between Two WorldsEpisode 3 — Imagining Another LifeEpisode 4 — Practising a New Way of BeingEpisode 5 — The Practice of StayingEpisode 6 — Returning Without ShameIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that setbacks do not erase progress, and that healing can still continue after difficult moments.

Episode 5 The Practice of Staying on TrackUnderstanding the Maintenance Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we continue exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This episode explores the maintenance stage, the stage where change is sustained and gradually integrated into everyday life.Maintenance is often misunderstood as the point where things become easy, but in reality it is an ongoing practice of continuing to show up for yourself long after the excitement of change fades.In this episode we explore:Why maintenance is an active and ongoing stage of changeThe myth of “arriving” in healing and recoveryWhy peace and stability can sometimes feel unfamiliarLearning how to live without old coping mechanismsNervous system regulation and sustainable healingIdentity shifts and building long-term self trustRomanticising old behaviours and coping strategiesSocial pressure, relationships, and changing environmentsWhy maintenance is about consistency, not perfectionDaily practices that help support long-term changeWe also talk about how maintenance is less about becoming perfect and more about learning how to remain connected to yourself through all seasons of being human.This episode is an invitation to explore what it means to build a life you no longer need to constantly escape from.Journal Prompts & ReflectionWhat practices genuinely help me stay connected to myself?What environments or relationships make it harder to maintain the changes I’ve made?Where am I romanticising old coping mechanisms instead of remembering the full picture?What does support look like for me in this season of life?Am I expecting myself to never struggle instead of learning how to support myself through struggle?What would it look like to build a life I don’t constantly need to escape from?

Understanding the Action Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we continue our Change Is Not Linear series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This episode explores the action stage, the stage where change becomes visible.Action is where people begin actively changing behaviours, creating new routines, interrupting old patterns, and practising a different way of living.But while action can look exciting from the outside, it is often one of the most emotionally vulnerable stages of change.In this episode we explore:Why action is more vulnerable than many people expectThe emotional intensity that often comes with early changeNervous system responses during behaviour changeThe difference between stopping a behaviour and building a new lifeIdentity shifts and becoming someone newRelationship changes and social discomfortWhy consistency matters more than perfectionThe “pink cloud” and what happens when motivation fadesSelf compassion during the change processWhy sustainable change is built through repetition and supportWe also talk about how healing is not about becoming a completely different person overnight, but about practising a new relationship with yourself one choice at a time.This episode is an invitation to honour the courage it takes to take action — especially when change feels uncomfortable, emotional, and uncertain.Journal Prompts & ReflectionWhat new way of being am I currently practising in my life?Am I expecting perfection instead of progress?What support structures help me stay connected to the version of myself I’m becoming?What old coping mechanisms am I still grieving?Where do I need more compassion for myself in the change process?What would it look like to trust that small consistent actions matter more than dramatic transformation?

Understanding the Preparation Stage of ChangeThis episode explores the preparation stage, the stage where change begins becoming intentional.This is the stage where someone may still look the same from the outside, but internally something has shifted. Awareness has deepened, willingness is growing, and a person is beginning to imagine that another way of living might actually be possible.Key topics Preparation as a crucial stage in changeSupporting the nervous system during changeBuilding support networks and resourcesThe importance of planning and small winsThe importance of communitycreating a road map for how you are going to deal with situationsJournal PromptsWhat changes have I already started to prepare for?What support might help me?What tiny step could I take this week to start me on the path of change?What would it look like for me to build change slowly and not dramatically?For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

The Stages of Change Mini SeriesUnderstanding the Contemplation Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we continue our series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This episode explores the contemplation stage, the stage where awareness has begun, but change has not yet fully happened.The part of us that wants change… and the part that is still afraid of it.In this episode we explore:Why awareness and action are not the same thingThe emotional exhaustion of living between two worldsWhy people stay stuck in patterns they know are hurting themThe hidden benefits behaviours can still provideFear, identity, belonging, and nervous system safetyWhy familiar pain can feel safer than uncertaintyThe grief that can come with changeSupporting someone who is in contemplation without pushing or shaming themWe also talk about how contemplation is often a deeply vulnerable stage because once awareness begins, it becomes difficult to fully “unsee” the impact of our behaviours.This episode is an invitation to meet inner conflict with honesty instead of judgement, and to understand that questioning a behaviour is already movement.Journal prompts or reflection:What behaviour or pattern am I currently questioning in my life?What do I fear I might lose if I change?What is this behaviour helping me avoid, numb, regulate, or cope with?How can I best support my nervous system through this?For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

The cycles of change mini series. Understanding the Precontemplation Stage of ChangeIn today’s episode we begin a mini series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.This series is for anyone navigating recovery, behaviour change, healing, nervous system work, or simply trying to understand themselves — or someone they love — with more compassion.In Episode 1 we explore the precontemplation stage: the stage where a person either does not yet recognise the behaviour as a problem, or they are not ready to change.We talk about:Why people stay attached to behaviours that hurt themThe protective role coping mechanisms can playWhy shame rarely creates sustainable changeThe nervous system’s role in resistance and defensivenessSupporting someone without enabling themThe difference between compassion and rescuingWhy readiness cannot be forcedHow curiosity can create more change than criticismThis episode is an invitation to soften judgement, both toward ourselves and others, and begin understanding behaviour through the lens of protection, safety, and human survival.JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR REFLECTIONIs there an area of my life where I’m defending a behaviour instead of examining it?What might this behaviour be doing for me emotionally, socially, or psychologically?Is there something I’ve been minimising because I’m afraid of what change might require?Have I confused shame with motivation?What would it look like to approach myself with honesty and compassion at the same time?And if you’re supporting someone else:Am I trying to force change, or create safety for honesty?For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. If you need help supporting a family member or loved on in addiction consider reaching out to https://al-anon.org.au/

Men's Empowerment coach, Ben Lowe shares his remarkable journey from a chaotic youth and drug addiction to sobriety and personal transformation. Discover how childhood wounds, risky behaviours, and law encounters shaped his path and the lessons learned along the way. Ben shares his powerful journey from addiction and chaos to sobriety and leadership. Discover how he transformed his life through self-awareness, routine, and purpose, and learn practical insights for overcoming self-worth issues, building integrity, and leading with authenticity. Please use your discretion when listening to this episode. Trigger warning: this conversation mentions drug use and violence.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Join us as Tyrone shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, overcoming triggers, and building a resilient identity. Discover practical insights on managing cravings, the power of consistency, and creating a life aligned with your true self.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr CassidyIf you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol. 

Join Danni Carr and Mark Purser as they celebrate 365 episodes of the 'How I Quit Alcohol' podcast, exploring the transformative power of yoga, breathwork, and meditation in achieving sobriety, joy, and personal growth. Discover practical insights on discernment, detachment, and living an elegant, mindful life.To find out more about Mark and Danni's upcoming retreat go tohttps://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/products/a-beautiful-life-bali-retreat-june