Many people start questioning their drinking habits at some point in their lives. Whether it's a concern about how often you drink, how much you consume, or the impact it has on your well-being, understanding your relationship with alcohol is the first step toward taking back control.

Alcohol plays a role in many aspects of life—celebrations, social gatherings, and even as a way to unwind after a stressful day. But when does drinking shift from being a casual habit to something that affects your health, emotions, and overall lifestyle?

Hypnotherapist Ailsa Frank, founder of the Feel Amazing App, has worked with thousands of people to help them break free from unhealthy drinking patterns. She explains, "Many people drink out of habit rather than choice. Understanding the deeper reasons behind your drinking can be the key to making lasting changes. Hypnotherapy allows you to tap into the subconscious mind and reprogram the associations you have with alcohol, making it easier to regain control."

Why Do People Drink?

Drinking habits often develop over time, influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and social conditioning. Some of the most common reasons people turn to alcohol include:

Stress Relief

After a long day, a drink can feel like a quick way to relax. However, alcohol only provides temporary relief. It doesn’t remove the source of stress and can actually increase anxiety over time.

Social Confidence

For some, alcohol acts as a social lubricant, making interactions feel easier. But relying on alcohol to feel comfortable in social settings can lead to dependency, making it harder to feel at ease without a drink.

Emotional Escape

Difficult emotions like loneliness, sadness, or frustration can push people toward drinking. Alcohol may numb these feelings for a while, but they often return more intensely once the effects wear off.

Habit and Routine

Drinking can become part of a daily or weekend ritual, something you do automatically without much thought. A glass of wine while cooking dinner, beers while watching TV, or drinks at every social gathering can become ingrained habits.

Cultural and Social Norms

Alcohol is deeply embedded in social traditions. From weddings to work functions, it's often expected. This makes it difficult for individuals to step back and evaluate whether their drinking habits align with their personal well-being.

The Link Between Alcohol and Mental Health

According to the Mental Health Foundation, alcohol and mental health are closely connected. While people may drink to feel better, alcohol is actually a depressant that disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitters.

  • It initially lowers inhibitions and can create a sense of relaxation.
  • Over time, it increases anxiety, low mood, and irritability.
  • Regular drinking can contribute to depression, stress, and sleep disturbances.
  • If used as a coping mechanism, alcohol can create a cycle where emotional struggles lead to more drinking.

Understanding these effects can help you make informed decisions about your relationship with alcohol.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Change Your Drinking Habits

Many people struggle to cut down or quit drinking because they rely on willpower alone. But habits, especially those tied to emotions and deep-seated beliefs, are controlled by the subconscious mind.

Hypnotherapy works by:

  • Identifying and breaking automatic triggers that make you reach for a drink.
  • Rewiring negative thought patterns around alcohol.
  • Strengthening your confidence to enjoy life without relying on alcohol.
  • Helping you manage stress and emotions in a healthier way.

Ailsa Frank, a leading expert in alcohol reduction hypnotherapy, explains: "Visualise yourself as a non-drinker and see yourself living a calmer, more controlled life. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, having more energy, and making the most of every day without alcohol slowing you down. The more you reinforce this vision, the more achievable it becomes."

Real-Life Success Stories

Many people have successfully changed their drinking habits using hypnotherapy. Here are just a couple of testimonials from individuals who have used the Feel Amazing App:

"Since listening to the hypnosis downloads, I feel in control instead of the alcohol controlling me."

"I only listened to the alcohol recording a few times, and I noticed the suggestions working for me. I feel different, more in control, and less drawn to alcohol. The work you’re doing is truly life-changing—thank you!"

Next Steps: How to Begin Your Journey to Control Alcohol

If you’re ready to regain control over your drinking habits, you don’t need to take drastic steps overnight. Sustainable change comes from small, consistent actions.

Identify Your Triggers and Patterns

Keep a journal for a week and track:

  • When you drink (evenings, weekends, social events)
  • What triggers your drinking (stress, habit, social pressure)
  • How you feel before, during, and after drinking

Recognising these patterns helps you take back control rather than letting alcohol dictate your choices.

Set Clear Intentions

Decide what changes you want to make. Are you reducing your intake, introducing alcohol-free days, or quitting completely? Having a clear intention makes it easier to track progress.

Make Small, Manageable Changes

  • Swap alcohol for non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water or herbal tea.
  • Change your routine—if you always drink while watching TV, replace it with a walk or a new hobby.
  • Be mindful in social settings—start with a water or opt for alcohol-free drinks.

Ailsa Frank advises: "If you are at home, plan activities and hobbies for each evening to keep you busy. Having a plan makes it easier to stick to new habits and avoid alcohol."

Use Hypnotherapy to Strengthen Your Mindset

Willpower alone isn’t enough to break deep-rooted habits. Hypnotherapy reprograms the subconscious mind, making it easier to release old patterns.

Listen to the "Take Control of Alcohol" track in the Feel Amazing App:

  • Reduce cravings and emotional dependency on alcohol.
  • Strengthen confidence in social settings without drinking.
  • Reprogram your mind to crave healthier choices.

Build a Support System

  • Tell a trusted friend about your goals for accountability.
  • Join a sober community online or in-person for motivation.
  • Follow inspiring success stories to remind yourself that transformation is possible.

Celebrate Progress and Be Kind to Yourself

  • Acknowledge small wins, such as choosing a soft drink over alcohol or making it through a social event without drinking.
  • Reward yourself in positive ways, such as treating yourself to a relaxing activity.
  • Remember that change is a process—some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay.

Take Action Today

The best time to start is now. Whether you want to cut back or quit completely, taking action today will set you on the path to long-term success.

  • Download the Feel Amazing App and start listening to ‘Take Control of Alcohol’ today.
  • Make one small change—swap a drink, change your routine, or journal your triggers.
  • Commit to yourself—you deserve a life where alcohol doesn’t control you.

Taking back control of your drinking isn’t about restriction, it’s about gaining freedom and living life on your terms.

FAQ’s:

Q: How do I know if I have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol?
A: If you find yourself drinking more than planned, using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions, or feeling uneasy at the thought of cutting back, it may be time to evaluate your drinking habits. Hypnotherapy can help you gain clarity and control.

Q: Can I reduce my alcohol intake without quitting completely?
A: Absolutely. Many people successfully cut down their drinking by recognising triggers, setting limits, and using tools like hypnotherapy. The Take Control of Alcohol track in the Feel Amazing App helps reinforce healthier drinking habits without the pressure of quitting entirely.

Q: How does hypnotherapy help change drinking habits?
A: Hypnotherapy works by reprogramming subconscious associations with alcohol. Instead of relying on willpower alone, it helps change thought patterns, reduce cravings, and make drinking less appealing, leading to long-term success.

Q: What are some small steps I can take today to start drinking less?
A: Start by identifying your drinking triggers, introducing alcohol-free days, swapping alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic alternatives, and using hypnotherapy for subconscious reinforcement. Planning ahead and creating a new routine can also make a big difference.