How to Know If You Have a Drinking Problem — Real Recovery Tools That Work

Do you have a good relationship with alcohol — or are you just used to it? In this episode of ShameOver, the podcast about drinking less and living on purpose, Erica Mallery continues her conversation with Alex Clapp, founder of Claritee Circle, digging into the practical, day-to-day tools that actually support long-term sobriety and behavior change.Alex shares the simple self-assessment question he asks anyone questioning their drinking, why "wanting" to change and "committing" to change are two completely different things, and how his all-or-nothing personality nearly worked against his own recovery. You'll hear how he built sustainable non-negotiables (without setting himself up to fail), what actually helped him manage cravings and unexpected triggers, and why acceptance — not willpower alone — became the foundation of staying sober.This episode also takes a surprising turn into phone and technology addiction, and why avoiding discomfort — whether it's alcohol, scrolling, or snacking — is one of the biggest hidden struggles of modern life.Whether you're sober curious, actively working on drinking less, or supporting someone in recovery, this episode is full of real, usable tools for building a healthier relationship with alcohol and yourself.In this episode, you'll learn:A simple self-assessment for evaluating your relationship with alcoholThe real difference between wanting to change and committing to changeHow to build sustainable habits instead of all-or-nothing rulesTools for managing sobriety triggers and unexpected cravingsWhy phone and technology addiction mirrors substance addictionHow avoiding discomfort keeps unhealthy patterns aliveListen, subscribe, and follow ShameOver for more real, judgment-free conversations about drinking less and living with intention.Connect with Alex and Claritee Circle: http://www.clariteegroup.co.ukwww.claritee-group.cirlce.soConnect with Erica + ShameOver:https://stan.store/ShameOver/p/selftember-gy3shl2cTake the What Type of Drinker Are You? Quiz here:https://shameover.me/quiz*This episode is #2 of a 3-Part Series.As always, today's conversation is educational in nature and should not replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider.