The Mindset of a Drinker: Alcohol Explained with Author William Porter
William is an ex-drinker and author, he joins Dan in this episode to talk about his first book, Alcohol Explained, a no-nonsense and practical explanation of alcohol; what it is, what it does and why we drink. As well as William’s book, Dan and William discuss their journeys to sobriety, their experiences of drinking and anxiety as well as the mindset of someone who is alcohol dependent.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
William was inspired to create his book Alcohol Explained, after reading the practical and pragmatic style in Alan Carrs book Easy way to Stop Smoking. William started drinking at 14 but it was after signing up to the Army that his drinking really accelerated. Another thing that further escalated William’s drinking was the pressure he felt after having children. Drinking alcohol is culturally normalised. It’s the only ‘drug’ that is legal and seen as ok to take. The sedative nature of alcohol is one of the reasons people reach for it first to help self-soothe. This is often where addiction starts. Alcohol affects our brain chemistry in a whole host of ways, this is one of the reasons we experience anxiety and depression. It also impacts sleep which again, can cause many mental problems and well as physical. The positives of stopping alcohol accrue over time, it can be hard to see the longer-term benefits when you first stop, especially as it’s been such a big part of your life. Williams's book explains the mindset of someone who is alcohol dependent, so it can and has been useful for those who don’t have a problem to read to understand people close to them who do.BEST MOMENTS
“I think everyone drinks more as years go by but there were a couple of things that accelerated my drinking”
“You focus heavily on the things that are wrong the next day”
“The information is there but people, like you say, don’t want to hear it”
“If you feel really awful and you have a way to feel better, why is it irrational to take that?”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
CONTACT METHOD
ABOUT THE GUEST
William Porter
After quitting I started to realise that what allowed me to quit was the knowledge I had, so I (eventually!) wrote it all down. That was Alcohol Explained. After this I continued to ponder the subject and wrote regularly in my blog, that eventually became Alcohol Explained 2.
I started drinking and smoking when I was around 14 years old. In my late teens, in an attempt to stop smoking, I read Allen Carr’s Easyway. I was fascinated by his pragmatic and practical approach to what was a confusing and complicated subject.
Over the years my drinking steadily increased but I continued to take a common sense analysis of what it was doing to me, coupled with a technical analysis of the chemical, physiological and psychological factors at play.
This continued for over a quarter of a century, during which I joined the 4th (Reserve) Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, served a 6 month tour of Iraq, qualified as a lawyer, started a career in the Financial Services sector of the City of London, got married, and had children.
My drinking continued to increase until, in February 2014, I finally stopped for good. I now live with my wife and two children in West London, and continue to work as a lawyer.
The link to the website is www.alcoholexplained.com
ABOUT THE HOST
Daniel O’Reilly
Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
Daniel O'Reilly's newest venture sees the creation of his Menace 2 Sobriety podcast, a series of relaxed and open conversations with different guests and varied experiences.
After recently being diagnosed with severe ADHD and beginning his sobriety again, Daniel also set up a page on Facebook and Instagram called 'Men And Their Emotions' (M.A.T.E) an accessible, open and supportive group for MEN to post their feelings, thoughts and current life issues. Upon seeing the responses from men around the world to some of the posts on the group he was blown away and continues to be touched by the kindness and support offered by strangers. This all led to Daniel wanting to start up his own podcast and invite guests to join him in opening up about past experiences and talk about all things mental health, family & sobriety.
The podcast will see Daniel and his interesting guests' sharing their personal stories and learning experiences that they hope will help other people; whether it encourages one person to ask for help, talk to family about their struggles with getting sober/clean, or realise that they aren't alone. The Menace 2 Sobriety podcast has been created by Daniel to help people fight their own gremlins.
