How I quit alcohol

Understanding the Action Stage of Change
In today’s episode we continue our Change Is Not Linear series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.
This episode explores the action stage, the stage where change becomes visible.
Action is where people begin actively changing behaviours, creating new routines, interrupting old patterns, and practising a different way of living.
But while action can look exciting from the outside, it is often one of the most emotionally vulnerable stages of change.
In this episode we explore:
Why action is more vulnerable than many people expect
The emotional intensity that often comes with early change
Nervous system responses during behaviour change
The difference between stopping a behaviour and building a new life
Identity shifts and becoming someone new
Relationship changes and social discomfort
Why consistency matters more than perfection
The “pink cloud” and what happens when motivation fades
Self compassion during the change process
Why sustainable change is built through repetition and support
We also talk about how healing is not about becoming a completely different person overnight, but about practising a new relationship with yourself one choice at a time.
This episode is an invitation to honour the courage it takes to take action — especially when change feels uncomfortable, emotional, and uncertain.

Journal Prompts & Reflection
What new way of being am I currently practising in my life?
Am I expecting perfection instead of progress?
What support structures help me stay connected to the version of myself I’m becoming?
What old coping mechanisms am I still grieving?
Where do I need more compassion for myself in the change process?
What would it look like to trust that small consistent actions matter more than dramatic transformation?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding the Preparation Stage of Change
This episode explores the preparation stage, the stage where change begins becoming intentional.
This is the stage where someone may still look the same from the outside, but internally something has shifted. Awareness has deepened, willingness is growing, and a person is beginning to imagine that another way of living might actually be possible.
Key topics
Preparation as a crucial stage in change
Supporting the nervous system during change
Building support networks and resources
The importance of planning and small wins
The importance of community
creating a road map for how you are going to deal with situations
Journal Prompts
What changes have I already started to prepare for?
What support might help me?
What tiny step could I take this week to start me on the path of change?
What would it look like for me to build change slowly and not dramatically?

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to
www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stages of Change Mini Series
Understanding the Contemplation Stage of Change
In today’s episode we continue our series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.
This episode explores the contemplation stage, the stage where awareness has begun, but change has not yet fully happened.
The part of us that wants change… and the part that is still afraid of it.
In this episode we explore:
Why awareness and action are not the same thing
The emotional exhaustion of living between two worlds
Why people stay stuck in patterns they know are hurting them
The hidden benefits behaviours can still provide
Fear, identity, belonging, and nervous system safety
Why familiar pain can feel safer than uncertainty
The grief that can come with change
Supporting someone who is in contemplation without pushing or shaming them

We also talk about how contemplation is often a deeply vulnerable stage because once awareness begins, it becomes difficult to fully “unsee” the impact of our behaviours.
This episode is an invitation to meet inner conflict with honesty instead of judgement, and to understand that questioning a behaviour is already movement.

Journal prompts or reflection:
What behaviour or pattern am I currently questioning in my life?
What do I fear I might lose if I change?
What is this behaviour helping me avoid, numb, regulate, or cope with?
How can I best support my nervous system through this?

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to
www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cycles of change mini series.
Understanding the Precontemplation Stage of Change
In today’s episode we begin a mini series exploring the Stages of Change model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente.
This series is for anyone navigating recovery, behaviour change, healing, nervous system work, or simply trying to understand themselves — or someone they love — with more compassion.
In Episode 1 we explore the precontemplation stage: the stage where a person either does not yet recognise the behaviour as a problem, or they are not ready to change.
We talk about:
Why people stay attached to behaviours that hurt them
The protective role coping mechanisms can play
Why shame rarely creates sustainable change
The nervous system’s role in resistance and defensiveness
Supporting someone without enabling them
The difference between compassion and rescuing
Why readiness cannot be forced
How curiosity can create more change than criticism
This episode is an invitation to soften judgement, both toward ourselves and others, and begin understanding behaviour through the lens of protection, safety, and human survival.

JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR REFLECTION
Is there an area of my life where I’m defending a behaviour instead of examining it?
What might this behaviour be doing for me emotionally, socially, or psychologically?
Is there something I’ve been minimising because I’m afraid of what change might require?
Have I confused shame with motivation?
What would it look like to approach myself with honesty and compassion at the same time?

And if you’re supporting someone else:
Am I trying to force change, or create safety for honesty?

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to
www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.

If you need help supporting a family member or loved on in addiction consider reaching out to https://al-anon.org.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Men's Empowerment coach, Ben Lowe shares his remarkable journey from a chaotic youth and drug addiction to sobriety and personal transformation. Discover how childhood wounds, risky behaviours, and law encounters shaped his path and the lessons learned along the way. Ben shares his powerful journey from addiction and chaos to sobriety and leadership. Discover how he transformed his life through self-awareness, routine, and purpose, and learn practical insights for overcoming self-worth issues, building integrity, and leading with authenticity.

Please use your discretion when listening to this episode. Trigger warning: this conversation mentions drug use and violence.

For more resources such as coaching or to join the next HIQA challenge go to
www.iquitalcohol.com.au

Follow HIQA insta @howiquitalcohol

Music for Podcast intro and outro written by Danni Carr performed by Mr Cassidy

If you are struggling with physical dependancy on alcohol consider contacting a local AA meeting or a drug and alcohol therapist. Always consult a GP before stopping alcohol.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.