Uncorking the Truth: How Alcohol Masks Anxiety and What to Do About It

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Colleen Kachman. Colleen is a real-life superhero helping women conquer their pasts and build brighter futures. She opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and how she used alcohol as a crutch to cope. We talk about how booze might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it actually makes things worse in the long run and how it can leave you feeling lost and disconnected. But don't worry, Colleen shares her wisdom on mindful drinking and the power of self-awareness. Join us as we explore the tricky relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and self-connection. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - Realization of Underlying Issues  02:50 - Connection Between Chaos and Anxiety 04:06 - Self-Perception and External Validation 05:11 - Understanding Alcohol's Role 12:18 - The Biphasic Nature of Alcohol 17:01 - The Challenge of Overcoming Urges 19:01 - Current Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption 20:17 - The Risks of Alcohol 21:41 - Humor in Alcohol Discussion 22:12 - Understanding Emesis 23:31 - Emotional Resilience and Mental Health 24:36 - Managing Anxiety and Trauma 25:27 - Connection with Self 26:35 - Facing the Alarm 28:27 - Cold Plunges as Metaphor 29:39 - Avoiding Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism 33:24 - Mindful Drinking Practices 36:22 - Challenging Traditional Views on Alcoholism  38:45 - The Role of Trauma in Alcohol Use  39:27 - Understanding Self-Referential Thought 40:28 - Feeling Your Way Out of Addiction 41:57 - Grounding in the Body 42:33 - Cognitive Strategies Post-Grounding 43:12 - Recognizing Cravings as Notifications 44:20 - Thoughts vs. Bodily Sensations 45:17 - The Power of Breathwork 46:33 - Sensation Without Explanation 47:30 - Staying with Uncomfortable Sensations 49:02 - Creating a Safe Space in the Body 51:36 - Connecting with the Younger Self 53:04 - Healing at a Feeling Level  55:57 - Misconceptions About Drinking Problems