Why So Many Moms Use Alcohol to Shut Off with Elani Engelken (Part 1)

What if alcohol isn’t actually the problem… but the support system you’ve been relying on when real support is missing?In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with depth psychotherapist and somatic practitioner Elani Engelken to talk about what somatic healing actually is, why so many women use alcohol as a shut-off valve, and how motherhood, overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation all play a much bigger role than most people realize.This episode goes way beyond “just drink less.” We get into the deeper why behind drinking, especially for women and moms who are carrying a lot, giving a lot, and often don’t have enough support themselves.If you’ve ever felt like that evening drink is the first time all day you get to exhale… this conversation is going to hit.In this episode, we talk about:what somatic work actually means and why it’s become such a buzzwordthe difference between top-down healing and body-based healingwhy so many women use alcohol to “shut off”how alcohol can become a stand-in for support, soothing, and regulationthe role of motherhood, caregiving, and overwhelm in drinking habitswhy co-regulation matters so much more than we’ve been taughthow Western culture disconnects us from our bodieswhy community can be one of the most healing parts of the journeyFavorite takeaway:Alcohol often isn’t just about the alcohol.For so many women, it has become the support system where support is lacking everywhere else.About Elani:Elani Engelken is a depth psychotherapist and somatic healer whose work sits at the intersection of nervous system science, depth psychology, and embodied healing. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups to explore the patterns that live beneath the surface, in the body, in the lineage, and in relationship. She is particularly drawn to the places where psychology and the sacred meet.Learn more at elaninicole.com or check out her podcast A Little Bit Psychic🚀 READY TO ACTUALLY CHANGE YOUR DRINKING?This is exactly why I created my Drinking Reset — to help you get back to the basics, understand your patterns, and uncover what’s really driving your habits.Not a sobriety program.Not restriction.Just real awareness, real tools, and real change.👉 Join the reset here.***Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects personal opinions and lived experience. It is not medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional about your specific situation before making changes to your drinking, medications, or treatment.***