In this week's episode, Han is joined by Orlagh Reid. Orlagh is a qualified coach, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience in complementary health, psychology and coaching. Orla specialises in women’s health, alcohol freedom, and clinical sexology.

Orlagh joins Han to discuss the often-overlooked relationship between alcohol use disorder and disordered eating, exploring the complexities and shared behaviours between the two.

This week, we discuss:

• How alcohol is often used to self-soothe or replace food
• The cultural normalisation of alcohol and how it affects recovery
• The similarities between eating disorder and alcohol recovery journeys
• How neurodivergence and menopause in alcohol misuse
• The shift toward alcohol freedom, and what that truly means
• The importance of curiosity and awareness in your relationship with alcohol and food

Timestamps:

• 01:00 – The culture of alcohol in Ireland
• 05:00 – How alcohol became part of Orlagh's work
• 08:30 – The all-or-nothing mindset in both EDs and alcohol use
• 13:40 – Neurodivergence, diet neglect, and alcohol patterns
• 20:00 – Social pressures and the reward cycle
• 26:00 – Alcohol and menopause
• 32:00 – Orthorexia, wellness extremes & personal reflection

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating. Please check in with yourself before listening. Support is available via charities such as Beat and First Steps.

Resources & Links:

• Orlagh's website

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating.

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Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛