Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot once you’ve taken a break from drinking—this idea of “maybe I can just have one now and then.”

In this episode of The Shannon McCabe Show, I’m diving into the slippery truth about moderation—what it really means, why it’s so hard to maintain, and how the brain and body respond once alcohol re-enters the picture. I’ll share my personal reflections and the science behind why moderation can feel like such a mental tug-of-war. From decision fatigue to chemical cravings to the way alcohol hijacks your brain’s reward system, we’ll unpack why “just one” rarely stays “just one” for long.

Here’s what we cover: 💭 The emotional and mental drain of trying to moderate 🧠 What’s actually happening in your brain when you drink again after a break 💔 Why moderation can reignite cravings and old patterns 🌱 The peace that comes from full abstinence—and letting go of the exhausting mental math 💛 How to accept the truth about your relationship with alcohol without shame

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if moderation could work “this time,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing both the science and the soul behind what makes moderation such a slippery slope and why full freedom often comes from choosing peace over control.

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