145: The REAL Reason Why Most People Fail Quitting Alcohol | James Swanwick

2026-02-03

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You don’t need to hit rock bottom to change everything.In this episode, I sit down with James Swanwick for a grounded, honest conversation about alcohol-free living and why so many thoughtful, high-functioning people are quietly questioning their drinking. We talk about the cultural moment we’re in, the limits of traditional recovery models, and why white-knuckling never leads to freedom.I share my own path away from social drinking and what surprised me most about the shift.Mindful sobriety ...

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to change everything.

In this episode, I sit down with James Swanwick for a grounded, honest conversation about alcohol-free living and why so many thoughtful, high-functioning people are quietly questioning their drinking. We talk about the cultural moment we’re in, the limits of traditional recovery models, and why white-knuckling never leads to freedom.

I share my own path away from social drinking and what surprised me most about the shift.

Mindful sobriety isn’t about deprivation; it’s about choosing a life that actually feels good to live.

This episode is for anyone who is sober-curious, questioning the role of alcohol in their life, or looking for a more humane, sustainable approach to change. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way, without labels, shame, or rock bottom, this conversation opens up a new perspective.

Learn more about his programs here.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[06:02] Why addiction often runs on a push-pull dynamic that quietly drains energy and agency

[09:38] How the cultural shift away from alcohol is emerging first in younger generations

[11:54] What happens when “normal” drinking erodes health and relationships

[12:47] The moment a casual drinker realizes alcohol is costing more than it gives

[28:10] Why traditional recovery models often miss high-functioning, gray-area drinkers

[30:45] How identity labels can freeze growth instead of supporting real change

[46:12] Why focusing on desire creates more lasting change than focusing on restraint

[56:58] How an alcohol-free life can feel expansive rather than restrictive

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Resources Mentioned:

Clear by James Swanwick | Book or Audiobook

The Sober Truth by Lance Dodes | Book or Audiobook

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders | Website

Rat Park: How a rat paradise changed the narrative of addiction. by Gage, S. H., & Sumnall, H. R. | Article

Randomized controlled trial of harm reduction treatment for alcohol (HaRTA) for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder by Susan E. et al. | Article

Connect with James:

Alcohol Free Lifestyle | Website

Swanwick Sleep | Website

James Swanwick | Wikipedia

James Swanwick | Instagram

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Website: kellybroganmd.com

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