Does drinking still serve me?

| Welcome

Hi everyone 👋

I'm so glad you're here.

I know talking about our drinking can feel uncomfortable, even scary. Many of us have spent years keeping it private. We look around and assume everyone else is "drinking normally" while wondering what's wrong with us. We worry about losing friends, feeling left out, or not knowing what to do on weekends if alcohol isn't part of the picture. So we keep pushing through, hoping no one notices how much energy we're spending trying to manage it.

Maybe you've found yourself saying, "Not today." And then somehow it's 5 PM and you're pouring a drink anyway.

If you've ever wondered, "Why do I keep doing this when I genuinely want something different?" you're not alone.

The book we'll be discussing explains the science and biology behind alcohol use in a way that's practical, accessible, and easy to understand. It helped change my relationship with alcohol and, perhaps even more importantly, my relationship with myself. I completed my Alcohol Freedom Coach certification through Annie Grace's program in March 2025, and I'm excited to explore these concepts with you.

Before We Begin

I'll open the room at 5:00 PM, but if you can't arrive exactly at 5, that's perfectly okay. Join when you can.

Please enter with your microphone muted. You're welcome to listen, share, and participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Cameras are optional, though I encourage you to turn yours on if you're willing. It helps create a sense of connection and community.

What We Talk About Here

We all arrive with different questions.

Maybe you're trying to understand why you continue returning to alcohol after periods of cutting back.

Maybe you've already stopped drinking but still find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, loneliness, or old thought patterns.

Maybe you're wondering whether alcohol is affecting your sleep, relationships, emotions, health, or menopause symptoms.

Maybe you're learning how to socialize, date, travel, or connect with loved ones without relying on alcohol.

Whatever brings you here, you're welcome.

How Coaching Works in This Group

From time to time, I may coach participants during our discussions.

My role is not to tell you what to do, give advice, or provide all the answers. Instead, I'll often ask questions designed to spark curiosity and self-reflection. These aren't questions that require immediate answers. Some of the most meaningful insights come from simply sitting with a question and noticing what unfolds over time.

If multiple things are coming up for you, I may redirect the conversation or pause a topic so we can make the best use of everyone's time. That's not meant to dismiss anyone's experience. It's simply part of facilitating a group where everyone has an opportunity to learn and participate.

I want these meetings to be enjoyable, engaging, and even fun. At the same time, I recognize that someone joining this group may be doing so during one of the most difficult moments of their life. Because of that, it's important that we conduct ourselves with kindness, patience, and respect.

What This Group Is (and Isn't)

This group is educational and coaching-oriented.

It is not therapy, counseling, medical treatment, or crisis support.

While many meaningful conversations happen here, coaching and therapy are different. My role is to facilitate learning, ask thought-provoking questions, and help participants explore their own experiences and perspectives.

For those interested in more personalized support, private one-on-one coaching is available through my website. Information about scheduling and fees can be found there. There is absolutely no expectation that group members work with me privately. The group itself is intended to be a valuable resource whether or not you ever choose to pursue individual coaching.

Group Expectations

By participating in this group, you agree to maintain confidentiality. What is shared here stays here.

To keep this space safe and productive:

Be respectful of all participants.
No harassment, bullying, insults, or personal attacks.
No derogatory or discriminatory comments.
Please allow others to speak without interruption.
I am the only coach in the group. Please do not advise, diagnose, coach, debate with, or attempt to "fix" another participant.
Listen with curiosity rather than judgment.
You do not need to be sober outside of these meetings.
You do not need to be committed to quitting drinking to attend.

However, participants are expected to attend meetings sober and free from alcohol or other mind-altering substances during the call. This includes cannabis and other substances that may impair participation. This expectation exists solely to help create the safest, most connected, and most productive environment possible for everyone.

Respect for Different Recovery Paths

People in this group come from many different backgrounds and experiences.

Some participants may be exploring moderation. Others may be pursuing sobriety. Some may have experience with AA, SMART Recovery, coaching, therapy, faith-based recovery programs, or other approaches.

This group is not a place to debate which recovery method is "best."

Thoughtful questions and respectful discussion are always welcome.

If you're curious about how this methodology differs from another approach, I'm happy to discuss that. However, attending meetings for the purpose of arguing, criticizing, recruiting for another program, or disrupting the group's ability to learn and grow will not be tolerated.

You're welcome to be skeptical.

You're welcome to ask questions.

You're welcome to decide for yourself what resonates with you.

What you're not welcome to do is interfere with someone else's opportunity to explore, learn, and be supported.

Thank you for helping create a space where people can safely explore their relationship with alcohol, themselves, and the possibility of change.

I'm grateful you're here and look forward to getting to know you.

Carol Miller

| Alcohol Freedom Coach |
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