Guest Colleen Freeland opens up about her 20-year struggle with daily drinking, even while maintaining what looked like a “perfect” high-achieving life. She shares the pivotal moment when she realized alcohol wasn’t the real problem—it was what she believed about herself—and that what she truly needed was to do less, not more.
That insight led her to create a whole new approach to change. In this episode, Colleen explains why emotional sobriety matters more than willpower, why drinking less doesn’t mean giving up joy, and how she helps women cut back by up to 80% with tools that calm the nervous system and rebuild self-trust.
This is not another story about “just quitting.” Colleen shows why emotional sobriety is the missing piece for so many women, how cutting back can feel empowering, and what it really means to get happy, not sober.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in shame, perfectionism, or the belief that alcohol is the only problem—you’ll walk away from this conversation with hope, clarity, and a whole new way to think about change.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
If you want answers and support to help you and your child Sign up for a 45-minute $17 Road to Recovery call with Heather using the link below.
https://heatherrosscoachingcalendar.as.me/RoadtoRecovery
The truth about enabling - If you've ever worried about enabling, this guide is for you!
https://heatherrosscoaching.com/perspective-about-enabling/
Boundaries That Create Connection Masterclass
https://heatherrosscoaching.com/boundaries-that-create-connection-masterclass/
How to leave a podcast review
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5xkPZM8mj-E
Connect with Colleen Freeland
https://emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@hangoverwhisperer
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-about-the-alcohol/id1654335817