'Grey area' drinking: 'Grey area' drinking can often be overlooked by health professionals due to excessive drinking being normalised in Australian culture. Taking a break from alcohol can help you discover what life feels like without it and how it may be impacting your sleep, energy, and motivation, particularly if you're questioning your relationship with alcohol.

Maintaining recovery: For maintained recovery, it's important to address the root cause of your drinking and make other changes in your life to support yourself. Sarah's book, 'Beyond Booze', encourages individuals to redefine their life without alcohol, from reflecting on meaningful connection to one's life purpose. 

The impact of stress: Stress plays a significant role in alcohol use - managing stress and regulating the nervous system are crucial for maintained recovery. Practices like yin yoga, meditation, breath work, and sound healing can help regulate the nervous system and create a sense of calm and safety. 

How hormonal changes interact with alcohol: Women's hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can worsen the negative effects of alcohol, leading to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and other physical and mental health issues.

The role of targeted advertising by the alcohol industry: The alcohol industry deliberately targets women, perpetuating the idea that alcohol is a solution to stress and parenting, and contributing to the rising rates of alcohol use disorder among women.