The Science Behind Why Quitting Alcohol Is So Hard: University of Cambridge’s Prof. David Belin (Part I)

In this eye-opening episode, James Swanwick dives into the many reasons why alcohol is more than just a harmless indulgence — it’s a nuisance that affects nearly every aspect of our lives. From its impact on our health, relationships, and productivity to its subtle yet pervasive influence on our mental well-being, James breaks down how alcohol quietly undermines our potential and happiness.  Drawing on personal experience and years of coaching others to live alcohol-free, he reveals the hidden costs of drinking that most people overlook. Tune in to discover how cutting out alcohol can free you from its burdens, help you reclaim your energy, and allow you to thrive in ways you never imagined possible.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

Have you ever found yourself romanticizing past drinking days, remembering only the good times while conveniently forgetting the hangovers and regrets? This is the power of the Fading Effect Bias, a cognitive phenomenon that distorts our memories, making the past seem rosier than it was.  In this episode, we are joined by Victoria English, an expert in addiction psychology, to explain how Fading Effect Bias can impact your alcohol-free journey. Learn how this bias tricks you into longing for a drink and why understanding it is key to staying committed to sobriety. Victoria shares tools to challenge these distorted memories and strategies to keep you focused on the benefits of a life without alcohol. Tune in to uncover how your mind plays tricks and how you can outsmart it to stay on the path of positive change.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

In this episode, we dive deep into a question many face on their alcohol-free journey: "Why do sober activities often feel boring?" Joined by Victoria English, a renowned expert in addiction recovery and mental wellness, we explore the psychology behind boredom when transitioning to a sober lifestyle. Discover how alcohol changes our brain chemistry and why returning to simple pleasures can initially feel underwhelming. Victoria shares practical strategies to find joy in everyday experiences, rewire your brain for authentic fun, and cultivate a life that feels fulfilling without relying on alcohol. Tune in to learn how to embrace a vibrant, sober life and rediscover what truly brings you joy.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

After finding freedom from alcohol through Project 90, Karen Grundhofer and fellow members decided to team up and make a difference in today's alcoholcentric society. They created Awake: Alcohol Exposed, a nonprofit organization on a mission is to provide information and resources for individuals to make informed decisions about their relationship with alcohol. Whether taking on Big Alcohol lobbyists, sharing their favorite quit-lit or fostering collaborations with others in the sober-curious movement, this is a group that will inspire you. Make sure to check out the show notes to find out more.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

From living in a million-dollar home to hitting rock bottom on the streets of Manchester due to alcohol addiction, Dr. Robb Kelly's journey of recovery is both inspiring and eye-opening. Now a leading addiction recovery coach in the U.S., Dr. Robb shares how he transformed his life against all odds. Discover his unconventional strategies for beating addiction, including surprising foods that can curb cravings and other unique, holistic methods to reclaim control over your life.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

What is the general time frame to see the brain recover for long term AUD? What impact does nutrition and exercise have on the recovery process? Are there specific strategies known to hasten healing? What is your view on the supposed correlation between trauma and AUD? Today, we delve into these questions with Prof. David Belin, a leading expert in Behavioral Neuroscience at Cambridge University. Specializing in impulsive and compulsive disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction, stress, and anxiety, Prof. Belin sheds light on the complex relationship between alcohol and the brain. Don’t miss this insightful first episode in a two-part series.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

Why do some people develop alcohol use disorders while others don’t? Why are some of us more sensitive to alcohol’s effects, and how does it impact our dopamine levels? Today, we delve into these questions with Prof. David Belin, a leading expert in Behavioral Neuroscience at Cambridge University. Specializing in impulsive and compulsive disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction, stress, and anxiety, Prof. Belin sheds light on the complex relationship between alcohol and the brain. Learn how the American Psychiatric Association diagnoses alcohol use disorder and discover the science behind why quitting can be so challenging. Don’t miss this insightful first episode in a two-part series.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

Do you find yourself worrying about what others will think if you announce you've quit drinking? Are you concerned they'll label you an alcoholic? Why do we care so much about others' opinions on our drinking habits? Host James Swanwick traveled to the University of Cambridge to uncover the answers. In this episode, he sits down with Prof. Johnny Lawson, a leading expert in psychology and behavioral science at Cambridge, to explore why we’re so preoccupied with others’ thoughts. Dive into famous social psychology experiments, including those by Sigmund Freud, Solomon Asch, and Leon Festinger, to understand the deep-rooted fears that drive our need for approval. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the psychology behind social anxiety and how to break free from it.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

Can alcohol cravings really be defeated with just food and supplements? Julia Ross, a pioneering expert in mood, cravings, and addiction, thinks so. In this episode, she unveils the five essential amino acids that could revolutionize addiction treatment. Discover how these nutrients, found in everyday foods and supplements, can help you break free from cravings without the need for 12-step programs or rehab. Tune in to learn how nutritional therapy could be the key to a life free from addiction.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule

Meet Don Drury, the 67-year-old who defied the odds and shattered a five-decade drinking habit. With 44 years of marriage, two daughters, and a grandson in tow, Don made a monumental shift at an age when most people think change is impossible. Now, 20 pounds lighter, bursting with energy, and 15 months alcohol-free, Don is living proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. How did he break free from a lifetime of alcohol dependency and embrace a mindset of lasting change? Get ready for an inspiring tale of transformation, renewal, and a promise: “I’ll never drink again.” You won't want to miss this.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule