Saturday May 10, 2025

How we get hooked on Alcohol

This week I'm doing a solo episode on the science behind alcohol dependency which underlines the importance of taking a break.

If you'd like a copy of our free ebook which will help you to take a break then drop me a line at janet@tribesober.com

In this Episode

In our 20's and 30's we tend to be social drinkers - then some of us start using alcohol to cope with stress or loneliness
As we get into our 40's or 50's we discover that just how bad alcohol is for us - so we try to cut down or stop
We discover that this is not so easy to do
The harsh truth is that after 20 years of drinking we are almost certain to develop a dependency on alcohol
When we drink we create an endorphin spike (the buzz) but our brain produces dynorphin to calm it down
So we drink more to prolong the buzz but over time this means that we have to drink more and more to get the same result
Three things are happening when we drink - we get an endorphin spike and a dopamine hit
Apart from making you feel good dopamine is the "learning" molecule and will create triggers
Eventually your brain will "pre-empt" the trigger and produce dynorphin
This will make you feel low and you will need the drink, just to feel normal
Eventually our bodies get so reliant on alcohol so alcohol that we don't produce dopamine naturally any more
The result is that we will lose interest in everyday pleasures - the only thing we enjoy is the artificial boost we get from alcohol
That's the definition of an alcoholic - let us help you get off the slippery slope

Episode Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today - here is the link.

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How we get hooked on Alcohol

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