Episode
How to Stay Close When Your Drinking Starts Changing w/ Dr. Darcy Sterling
- Published
- Jun 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2716
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/c831c0ec
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Summary
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Darcy Sterling, relationship expert, licensed clinical social worker, and host of We Need to Talk. We talk about what happens when one person in a relationship starts drinking less, especially when alcohol has become part of how a couple connects. For many couples, drinking is woven into date night, vacations, and reconnecting at the end of the day. So when one person starts wanting less of it, the other partner may feel judged, confused, or afraid the relationship is changing. Dr. Darcy explains why alcohol can sometimes become like a third person in the relationship, how to bring up drinking less without creating defensiveness, why support can turn into policing, and how couples can build new ways to stay close. This is a practical conversation about communication, resentment, support, and what it looks like to grow without leaving your partner behind. RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG: How Naltrexone Can Change Your Approach to Social Drinking Drinking On Naltrexone? Here's What You Need To Know Naltrexone vs. Acamprosate: Which Medication Fits Your Drinking Goals? CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE: Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/ Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnyside ABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol health app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focu…