How I quit alcohol

In this episode I chat with Claire McCreedy from the ACT. Claire grew up in an unpredictable and emotionally unsafe environment, with an alcoholic mother and parents who lived quite reclusively. From a young age, her nervous system was wired for survival. Social skills didn’t come naturally, home life was isolating, and by fourteen, alcohol became her tool for managing social situations.As life progressed, Claire found herself in a domestic violence relationship and continued to use alcohol as a way to soothe anxiety and emotional overwhelm. After separating from her partner, the loneliness she felt on weekends without her children became unbearable, she describes those weekends as “one weekend I’m a mother, the next weekend I don’t know who I am.” Alcohol became a numbing mechanism to cope with that disconnection.Her turning point came when a new partner gently but firmly reflected back the reality of her drinking, expressing that he couldn’t have that level of alcohol around his daughter. It sparked a powerful wake-up call.Claire began to educate herself about alcohol and got sober-curious. Today, at 42, she’s over two years sober and thriving. She walks daily, uses breathwork to calm her nervous system, and is creating a life that’s grounded in clarity, health, and self-awareness.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge or retreat 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. 

In this episode, Danni talks to some of the HIQA grads group to hear about how they got through their early days in sobriety. This can be helpful for anyone doing Dry July or for inspiration in early sobriety.

In this solo cast Danni dives into the benefits of trying out Dry July and looking at it as a really empowering choice. Danni offers up some journaling prompts to help support you and also give you clarity to get into Dry July. If 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. 

In this episode, Danni Carr interviews her sister Nat McColl about her journey with alcohol, particularly focusing on her decision to participate in Dry July. They discuss Nat's past drinking habits, the emotional connections to alcohol, and the importance of support systems. Nat shares her plans for Dry July, including healthy alternatives and new hobbies like yoga, emphasising the benefits of taking a break from alcohol and the power of community support.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. --

In this episode Danni chats with Jon from Melbourne. Jon started using alcohol as a social lubricant that gave him confidence and helped him deal with his shyness. After studying law in his mid twenties he started using alcohol to manage stress and anxiety. Massive binge drinking session letting his partner down and drinking to black out regularly but also feeling that was part of the norm. It wasn't until Jon started to realise how his actions were impacting his partner and how much his drinking was hurting her that he started to take an honest look at himself. Now seven months clean and sober Jon shares how he has supported himself through the early stages of sobriety. The one slip he has which he chose not to define him but to keep on going. 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. 

In this episode, Danni shares her experience of attending her best friend's 50th birthday party as the only sober person. She reflects on the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the strategies she employed to stay connected to herself throughout the event. Danni emphasises the significance of preparation, coping mechanisms, and the journey of self-discovery in maintaining sobriety. She encourages listeners to embrace their feelings and develop self-awareness to navigate similar situations successfully.This episode is a good reminder that even after years of sobriety, things can take you by surprise. To find out about challenge group, coaching or retreats head to www.iquitalcohol.com.au

In this episode, Danni shares her experiences from a recent retreat and emphasises the importance of daily practices in maintaining sobriety. She discusses various foundational practices such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, and journaling, explaining how each contributes to self-awareness and nervous system regulation. Danni highlights the significance of mindfulness in decision-making and encourages listeners to view sobriety as an opportunity for self-discovery. She also introduces upcoming challenges and resources for those looking to deepen their practice.Journal prompts suggested in the episode How do I feel right now?What am I grateful for?What can I do today to support my sobriety?The book I mentioned The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice - T.K.V. DesikacharThe meditation I mentioned by Dr Luke Sniewski can be found here https://insighttimer.com/lukesniewski/guided-meditations/breath-awareness-for-centering-and-groundingTo join in on the next challenge go to https://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/products/4-week-sober-and-transformation-challenge-starts-june-1st-2025To find out more about retreats go to https://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/collections/retreatIf 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. 

In this conversation, Danni and Lyndee discuss Lyndee's journey to sobriety, exploring her background, the progression of her drinking habits, and the realisations that led her to quit alcohol. They delve into the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, the importance of support from family and friends, and the reflections on past drinking behaviours. Lyndee shares her experiences of feeling like an enabler and the emotional rewards she found in sobriety, emphasising the significance of gratitude and self-care in her new lifestyle. In this conversation, Lyndee shares her transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional resilience after giving up alcohol. She discusses the challenges of navigating grief, particularly the loss of her former self, and the importance of embracing change. Through journaling, meditation, and support from her coach Danni, Lyndee learns to face her emotions and let go of the past. The conversation also touches on the experience of traveling sober and the newfound clarity and joy it brings. Ultimately, Lyndee's story is one of growth, acceptance, and celebrating the journey of becoming her 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. 

In this conversation, Danni and Nicola explore the journey of sobriety, the impact of COVID-19 on drinking habits, and the importance of compassion in recovery. Nicola shares her personal experiences with alcohol, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and how she found control amidst chaos. They discuss the role of education and personal growth in the recovery process, as well as the emotional triggers that can lead to drinking. The conversation highlights the significance of self-awareness and compassion in navigating the complexities of sobriety and mental health. In this conversation, Nichola and Danni explore the complexities of anxiety, self-perception, and the role of alcohol in social situations. They discuss the importance of establishing a morning routine, the power of positive self-talk, and the significance of understanding one's triggers. The conversation emphasizes the journey of sobriety and the challenges faced, while also highlighting the importance of self-care and resilience in navigating life's difficulties.For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go towww.iquitalcohol.com.auFollow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol If 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.