It’s a tough question, but one that midlife often makes impossible to ignore.
In this episode, Dr. Amy Lindsey takes a candid, compassionate look at how alcohol use can quietly shift from casual to concerning. What begins as a glass of wine to unwind can evolve into a nightly ritual… and before we know it, dependence hides behind the label of “self-care.”
Dr. Amy explores why midlife is often the tipping point for hidden alcoholism - from declining dopamine and chronic stress to social normalization and post-pandemic habits. With zero shame and full-hearted honesty, she unpacks how to tell when enjoyment turns into escape, and how to start finding balance again.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why midlife increases vulnerability to alcohol dependence
How declining dopamine levels drive the “wine o’clock” habit
The difference between moderation and masking
The science behind alcohol, sleep disruption, and fatigue
How to recognize your “crossover points” and what to do next
The mindset and tools to begin healing your relationship with alcohol
Reminder: Nothing in this podcast is a substitute for medical or professional advice. Always consult your own doctor.
KEY MOMENTS:
00:45 — Midlife and the rise of hidden alcoholism
05:40 — The biochemical link between dopamine decline and drinking
08:57 — The false sense of relaxation: alcohol’s real impact on sleep and stress
11:52 — The short-term and long-term “crossover” into alcoholism
15:15 — Signs you’ve crossed the line and how to start taking your power back
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