# Ep 107: What if Drinking Isn’t the Issue? | Rethinking Alcohol |

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/ep-107-what-if-drinking-isn-t-the-issue-rethinking-alcohol
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/ep-107-what-if-drinking-isn-t-the-issue-rethinking-alcohol.md
Podcast: [The Big Drink Rethink](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442)
Published: 2026-01-29T01:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com/podcast
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e46124b9-100f-4344-a4fb-f49e450d94c6.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-big-drink-rethink-6691442/episodes/ep-107-what-if-drinking-isn-t-the-issue-rethinking-alcohol
Duration seconds: 618

## Resource

Is it possible that drinking isn’t really the problem or at least, not the whole story? In this episode, Anna asks you to rethink your relationship with alcohol by shifting the focus away from simply how much or how often you drink, to what deeper needs might be driving the habit in the first place. Anna explores why we treat alcohol as the main issue, and how it’s often just the “smoke, not the fire.” Instead of fixating on willpower or self-control, she dives into the real desires beneath drinking: rest, relief, connection, pleasure, escape. You'll learn how putting alcohol in context, and being gently curious about your own needs rather than harshly judging yourself can open up new possibilities for change. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to The Big Drink Rethink 01:13 What if drinking isn’t actually the issue? 01:41 Drinking is often the visible symptom, not the deeper cause 02:18 Ask: “What am I actually thirsty for?” 02:53 Meeting your real needs weakens drinking’s grip 03:39 Alcohol shows up inside busy, pressured, complex lives 04:03 What role has alcohol been playing for you? 04:15 Reframing drinking as a response, not a moral failing 04:46 Calm, informed choices are possible when alcohol is explained 05:11 A new question: “What would actually support me here?” 06:01 Shifting from control to care, from shame to curiosity 06:38 Change happens gradually, not with a dramatic declaration 06:57 If something feels off, you don’t need to have a plan yet 07:36 Staying curious, not judgmental 08:21 Your feedback drives future episodes! Anna’s book "What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and The Life You Want", is now out in the world for you to buy! Order your copy, access her free tools and explore her coaching programmes at : https://thebigdrinkrethink.c…

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## Transcript

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