The Awkward Bits

What if the anxiety you think alcohol is helping is actually being made worse by the booze?Following Monday’s conversation with Millie Gooch about hangxiety, Vic digs into one of the biggest reasons she eventually stopped drinking: panic.For years, Vic thought alcohol was helping her cope with an anxious brain. It switched everything off for a few hours, gave her confidence and offered a bit of relief from all the noise. Unfortunately, the next day her brain would come back online with the volume turned up to eleven.In this episode, Vic looks at the science behind alcohol and anxiety, why that lovely relaxed feeling can be followed by dread, racing thoughts and three o’clock in the morning panic, and why stopping drinking doesn’t always make everything feel better straight away. She also reads something she wrote when her own anxiety was at its worst, back when she genuinely believed she might never feel normal again.But she did.Eight and a half years later, Vic can look back at that frightened version of herself and tell her something she desperately needed to hear: the way you feel right now is not the way you will feel forever.So, If anxiety is one of the reasons you drink, the good news is - it could also become one of the biggest reasons you never go back.Is it time to tune in?💛 Resources & Links📖 Vic & Ulrika want to hear from you!Have you got a story, weird drunk confession or a question for Vic and Ulrika?Email vicandulrika@soberawkward.com Your message could inspire a future episode.📱 Join the Sober Awkward appThe Sober Awkward app is a welcoming space for anyone who is sober, sober-curious or simply rethinking their relationship with alcohol.Search “Sober Awkward” in the Apple App Store or find for all other devices click here📲 Follow usInstagram - Sober Awkward: @soberawkwardFacebook - Sober Awkward Community for WomenRetreat with us🌴 Fancy a sober holiday? Click here to come and drink from coconuts!📰 Media enquiriesContact Kate at hello@soberawkward.comVic's Books📘 A Thousand Wasted Sundays👉 Get A Thousand Wasted Sundays📙 Mumming👉 Get Mumming📘 Get the Sober Awkward GuideA 30-day sobriety kickstart👉 Explore the Sober Awkward Guide🎧 Listen to more Sober AwkwardFind more episodes, books, events and everything Sober Awkward.👉 soberawkward.com🛟 Alcohol Support🇬🇧 United KingdomDrinkline — National Alcohol HelplineFree and confidential support if you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking.Call 0300 123 1110Weekdays: 9am–8pmWeekends: 11am–4pm👉 NHS alcohol supportAlcohol Change UKInformation, practical tools and support.👉 alcoholchange.org.ukWithYouFree, confidential support with alcohol, drugs and mental health.👉 wearewithyou.org.ukIn an emer