The Power of Beliefs
Beliefs shape our behavior. And when it comes to alcohol, what we believe about drinking influences how often, when, and why we drink.
Some beliefs are harmless, but others keep us stuck in cycles we want to break.
That’s why I created the Belief Bucket series. To examine common beliefs about alcohol and see whether they hold up to reality. Each article in this series takes one belief and puts it to the test, revealing how it might be misleading us.
10 Myths in One Place
Myth #1 – Relaxation (Alcohol helps me relax)
Alcohol may feel like it relaxes us, but that’s a chemical illusion. True relaxation comes naturally once we remove alcohol from the equation.
Read full article →
Myth #2 – Happiness (Alcohol makes me happy)
That brief lift we feel is temporary and often followed by regret, anxiety, or a low mood. Real happiness doesn’t come from a bottle.
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Myth #3 – Reward (Alcohol is my reward)
We’ve been conditioned to see alcohol as a treat for hard work or success. In reality, it robs us of health, energy, and joy.
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Myth #4 – The Rosy Effect (Remember the good times)
We romanticize our drinking past and forget the pain that came with it, making alcohol seem more appealing than it really was.
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Myth #5 – Taste (Alcohol tastes amazing)
We often convince ourselves we love the taste, but most people drink for the effect, not the flavor.
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Myth #6 – Social Ally (Alcohol helps me socially)
Alcohol doesn’t create stronger friendships or make us better company, it often creates shallow connections and awkward memories.
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Myth #7 – Sleep (Alcohol helps me sleep)
Alcohol may knock us out, but it disrupts natural sleep cycles, leaving us tired and unrested.
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Myth #8 – Moderate Drinking (Our obsession)
Moderation sounds appealing, but for most drinkers struggling with control, it’s a frustrating illusion that keeps us stuck.
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Myth #9 – Boredom (Alcohol solves boredom)
Alcohol doesn’t solve boredom, it just numbs it. Real fulfillment comes from rediscovering natural sources of joy.
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Myth #10 – The Buzz (Alcohol feels amazing)
The buzz is just a chemical trick that comes with a heavy cost. Real pleasure doesn’t leave you feeling worse the next day.
Read full article →
Why Beliefs Change Everything
The beliefs we hold onto about alcohol, influence every decision we make around drinking. When those beliefs are based on illusions, and false promises such as relaxation, happiness, or social ease, what happens is they keep us stuck.
By challenging these beliefs and replacing them with reality, we change how we see alcohol, and that changes everything.
Where to Go From Here
- Haven’t read the introduction yet? Start here →
- Want to dig deeper? Explore each myth and see which ones resonate most with you.
- Ready for change? Use these insights to build your own beliefs around freedom, clarity, and true well-being.
When we stop believing alcohol’s lies, we stop giving it power.
— Brent