Why You Keep Drinking (And How to Finally Stop the Cycle)
Why do you do fine for a bit…then the wheels fall off? This episode breaks down the relapse loop—the trigger, the promise, the rationalization—and shows you how your brain quietly justifies “just one.” You’ll learn practical, science-backed strategies to interrupt cravings, outsmart self-talk, and build a repeatable plan so “doing better” isn’t a phase—it’s your new default.

What you’ll learn

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  The 3-step relapse pattern (trigger → vow → rationalization) and where to break it

  
  


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  Why this isn’t about willpower (hello, brain shortcuts + reward circuitry)

  
  


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  Micro-moves that snap you out of a craving in 90 seconds

  
  


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  A simple Relapse Interrupt Plan you can use anytime, anywhere

  
  


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  How to turn slip-ups into data, not drama

  
  

Chapters

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  00:00 Hook: “Why do I keep doing this?”

  
  


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  01:30 The relapse loop you don’t see forming

  
  


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  06:15 Cognitive traps: “I deserve it,” “Just one,” “I’ve been good”

  
  


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  12:20 Craving toolkit: urge surfing, pattern breaks, 2-call rule

  
  


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  18:40 Build your Relapse Interrupt Plan (RIP)

  
  


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  24:00 From streaks to systems: making progress stick

  
  


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  28:30 Next steps + resources

  
  

Key takeaways

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  You don’t have a willpower problem; you have a pattern problem.

  
  


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  Plan beats mood. Put the steps in writing and rehearse them once a day.

  
  


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  A slip is information. Use it to strengthen your plan, not shame yourself.

  
  

Resources mentioned

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  Soberlink: https://www.soberlink.com/amber

  
  


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  FREE Cheatsheet (Disputing Irrational Beliefs): https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/manifesting-recovery

  
  


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  30-Day Jump Start (Early Recovery): https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/30-day-jump-start

  
  


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  Strength-Based Recovery Coaching: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/invisible-intervention

  
  


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  Rapid Relationship Repair Course: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/rapid-relationship-repair

  
  


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  24/7 Counseling (10% Off): https://www.betterhelp.com/PutTheShovelDown

  
  


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  Streaming tool: StreamYard ($10 off): https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4991328482492416