Have you ever found yourself halfway through a glass of wine before you even realized you poured it? Or have you ever said “yes” to a drink at a party out of habit rather than because you actually wanted it? You’re not alone, and it’s not a lack of willpower. It’s your unconscious mind running the show. In this article, let’s explore how this hidden part of you influences your relationship with alcohol and how you can gently direct it towards freedom.
Your Mind as a System: Conscious vs. Unconscious
Imagine this, that your mind is a smartphone. Your conscious mind is the screen. It’s the part that you actively use to make decisions like “I’m going to skip the wine tonight”. Your unconscious mind is the operating system. It handles the vast majority of your responses, your feelings and your habits, like reaching for a beer when your stressed for example.
I like what Carl Jung said. He said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” Which means those autopilot moments with alcohol. They’re not random. They’re learned shortcuts your mind uses to navigate the world.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you have had a rough day, the boss has been giving you a hard time, and the commute to and from work has been awful. You finally get home, and you pour yourself a drink. Your mind notices: “Hmm, stress + wine = calm.” Then you repeat this, and you do it enough times that your unconscious mind files it under “Solutions for a Hard Day.” And before long, the craving hits before you even feel stressed, like a reflex!
And this isn’t a “you problem.” It’s neuroscience. Your mind loves efficiency, and it turns repeated actions into habits to save energy. So, you can see the downside, right? Old habits can stick around long after they’ve stopped serving you.
Changing the Track: Rewriting the Pattern
Here’s the good news! Your unconscious is not set in stone. Think of it like a playlist. The track “Drink = Relief” might currently be on repeat. However, you can select a different track and choose a new healthier association that ultimately becomes your default.
Because hypnotherapy is like a mental edit button. It helps you to tweak that playlist and change those tracks. And over time your mind starts to believe it so eventually even if things around you are stressful, inside you feel calm and able to cope without needing any alcohol.
You can also use journaling to access thoughts and feelings that are currently out of your awareness. If you have a moment, grab a pen and paper and ask yourself a question like “What did I really feel before, during, and after that drink?” You then shine a light on unconscious patterns, which makes them easier to change.
From Awareness to Empowerment
Awareness is power. When you understand why you reach for a drink, you’re no longer at the mercy of old habits. You are in the director’s chair. Because your unconscious mind is a loyal assistant, it’s been following old instructions for years. Now, you can hand it a new script. One where freedom isn’t about saying “no” to alcohol. It’s about saying “yes” to the life you really want.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, by the way! Because small tweaks to the unconscious can lead to big changes.
Maybe you are ready now to explore your inner landscape of your mind…