Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t another “just drink less” conversation. Because if it were that simple, you would’ve solved it already. In this raw, honest, and slightly uncomfortable episode, Nicole sits down with intuitive drinking coach Colleen Freeland—host of the It’s Not About the Alcohol podcast and a former high-functioning overdrinker herself—to unpack what’s really behind overdrinking, especially for high-achieving women who “have it all together”… on paper.  It’s not about willpower. It’s not about discipline. And it’s definitely not just about alcohol. It’s about what you’re trying to escape. Colleen breaks down why alcohol is often just the symptom—not the problem—and how coping mechanisms like perfectionism, overworking, and even “healthy habits” can be just as numbing if we don’t address the root cause. What We Talk About: Why alcohol isn’t the problem—it’s the signal The real reason high-achieving women overdrink (hint: it’s not lack of discipline) Why removing alcohol doesn’t fix the issue—it just replaces it Nervous system regulation: the skill no one taught you (but you desperately need) How to rebuild self-trust after patterns you’re not proud of Why feeling better starts with admitting you don’t feel okay This conversation flips the script on everything we’ve been taught about drinking, self-control, and “fixing” ourselves. Because the goal may not be to eliminate the coping mechanism… maybe the goal is to build a life you don’t constantly need to escape from. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they’re working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/woman  Connect with Colleen: Website: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thehangoverwhisperer/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hangoverwhisperer  Podcast: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/podcast  Related Podcast Episodes Stop Saying “I’m Fine”: Nervous System Regulation for High-Achieving Women with Michelle Grosser | 372 How Our Dysregulated Nervous Systems Are Impacting Us with Victoria Albina | 244 Sober Curious with Amanda Kuda | 270 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube This episode breaks down why overdrinking isn’t about alcohol—it’s about emotional regulation, stress, and self-connection, giving high-achieving women a smarter, deeper way to change their habits for good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices