Secret Drinking Red Flag Alert: Sneaking a Cheeky Pour to Drinking Home Alone

Not Drinking (Alcohol) Today Podcast

It’s underground. It’s shameful. It’s dangerous and it is happening in households all around us. Many hiding their drinking look great on the outside (for a while, for years even) and many do not know why they are doing it. They want out, but it’s a really hard behaviour to fess up to. It’s very personal, runs deep and very confusing.
In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of secret drinking. We chat about the reasons behind this behaviour and its potential consequences. From using alcohol as a coping mechanism to feeling misunderstood, we uncover the triggers that contribute to hidden drinking at home. Join us as we explore the importance of self-expression and radical honesty, and learn the steps you can take to break free from the burden of secret drinking. Whether you're looking for guidance or simply seeking to understand this silent struggle, this episode offers hope and insight to help you on your journey towards living an authentic and fulfilling life.
Secret drinking… can be as ‘small’ as:
👉 Sneaking an extra cheeky glass without your partner knowing
👉 Drinking a glass or 2 before a party and denying it
👉 Hiding your glass (in the pantry? Behind the toaster?)
and it can turn into:
👉 Hiding a bottle (under the sink? in a drawer?)
👉 Hiding empties (and waiting until bin day)
👉 Drinking in a coffee cup to hide the alcohol
👉 Drinking home alone and denying it
Then grow into something quite serious, like
👉 Drinking in the morning when your partner and kids leave
The list goes on.
Hiding things, being dishonest about your drinking, no matter how small at first, can lead to feelings of emptiness (as no one truly knows who you are and what you are doing - even yourself) which contributes to the cycle.
Sneaky habits around alcohol are of course red flags. So, of course, best to catch this one early.
Please send us any questions or topics you would like us to address,
Meg and Bella xo
MEG
Megan Webb: https://glassfulfilled.com.au
Instagram: @glassfulfilled
Unwined Bookclub: https://www.alcoholfreedom.com.au/unwinedbookclub
Facebook UpsideAF: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168716054214678
BELLA
Isabella Ferguson: https://isabellaferguson.com.au
Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella
November 6-Week Small Group Challenge: Learn more: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/alcoholfreedomchallenge
Free Healthy Holiday Helper Email Series: https://resources.isabellaferguson.com.au/offers/L4fXEtCb/checkout

Luvut

1. Understanding Hidden Drinking and Finding Alternatives (00:00:00)

2. Hidden Drinking Behaviors, Path to Authenticity (00:10:55)

3. Recognizing and Addressing Secret Drinking (00:22:39)