# Why does drinking less feel SO hard… even when you genuinely want to change?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/why-does-drinking-less-feel-so-hard-even-when-you-genuinely-want-to-change
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/why-does-drinking-less-feel-so-hard-even-when-you-genuinely-want-to-change.md
Podcast: [ShameOver - The Drink Less Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327)
Published: 2026-05-18T17:36:46+00:00
Episode link: https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/5d4348509d4d04f18cb2c2da45aedf2adc98f25b4a8b9a63984b9baf38876732/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIyMjA5MDE5MS1lNWMyLTRhMjAtOTYzNy03OGU5YTM2M2E1OTQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzOTNiMTlkMi1hZjAwLTQ1NmYtYjBkZS0yNjM2Njc2YWRlZTQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OGQ1N2M1ZDhkMGQyOTBiMWY5ZWNkNjEiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwYjM3NWRhNjhjNTVmYWM5MGI4N2UyL2VyaWNhLWFuZC1zaGFtZW92ZXJzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtMThfXzE3LTU5LTI1Lm1wMyJ9.mp3
Audio file: https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/5d4348509d4d04f18cb2c2da45aedf2adc98f25b4a8b9a63984b9baf38876732/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIyMjA5MDE5MS1lNWMyLTRhMjAtOTYzNy03OGU5YTM2M2E1OTQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzOTNiMTlkMi1hZjAwLTQ1NmYtYjBkZS0yNjM2Njc2YWRlZTQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OGQ1N2M1ZDhkMGQyOTBiMWY5ZWNkNjEiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwYjM3NWRhNjhjNTVmYWM5MGI4N2UyL2VyaWNhLWFuZC1zaGFtZW92ZXJzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtMThfXzE3LTU5LTI1Lm1wMyJ9.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/episodes/why-does-drinking-less-feel-so-hard-even-when-you-genuinely-want-to-change
Duration seconds: 796

## Resource

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with licensed psychotherapist Merrilee Burke, LMFT, to unpack what’s really going on underneath overdrinking, urges, self-sabotage, and the “why can’t I just stop at one?” cycle. Spoiler: it’s not because you’re weak, broken, or lacking willpower. We dive into: Why “sober or bust” messaging keeps so many people stuck The truth about mindful drinking + moderation How rebellion and people-pleasing can show up in your drinking The surprising role childhood conditioning can play Why tracking your drinking is awareness — not punishment The simple mindset shifts that can completely change your relationship with alcohol If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you KNOW you want to drink less… but part of you still keeps reaching for the wine anyway… this episode is for you. This is Part 1 of a 3-part conversation. Connect with Merrilee Burke, LMFT: Website: merrileeburke.com If this episode helped you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss Part 2 next week — where we dive into alcohol, identity, fun, creativity, and why so many women feel like they forgot how to play without wine. And remember: You do not need more shame. You need support, awareness, and tools that actually work in real life. Want that support? Join my cohort starting June 1 ! Learn more at https://www.ericamallery.com/group-coaching

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/episodes/why-does-drinking-less-feel-so-hard-even-when-you-genuinely-want-to-change/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/why-does-drinking-less-feel-so-hard-even-when-you-genuinely-want-to-change.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.