Dr Fiona Dowman, a clinical psychologist and addiction specialist, joins Cess and Ollie and shares many illuminating insights for Upper Bottoms – and those who have dropped lower.

What are the signs of addiction? Are some people more predisposed to addiction than others? What are drinkers hoping to gain from boozing hard? And what are the tools and tips to gain better control over one's "relationship with alcohol", as Fiona, Founder of Purple Bridge Psychology, calls it?

These puzzlers and more are answered. You'll also discover the benefits of establishing personal values, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy. This episode is packed with great, timely advice, given we are nearing the start of the indulgent festive season.

Booze News items:

London Review of Books: La Chasse au Pinard (https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n21/julian-barnes/la-chasse-au-pinard)

Good Housekeeping (via MSN): "We're a 'half sober' couple - I drink but my husband doesn't" (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/foodanddrink/news/we-re-a-half-sober-couple-i-drink-but-my-husband-doesn-t/ar-AA1tJC7P)

Psychology Today: Reframe Addiction: Why Sobriety Is Not Just Recovery (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sober-curiosity/202411/reframe-addiction-why-sobriety-is-not-just-recovery)

Lad Bible: Man breaks sobriety after 18 months and shares 'surprising' impact it had on him (https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/what-happens-to-the-body-when-you-break-sobriety-958032-20241114)

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