In this episode, we sit down with Jackie, who went from drinking 12–14 beers a day to living in complete freedom from alcohol.

She opens up about how a painful betrayal, years in the restaurant and bar industry, and using alcohol to cope slowly pulled her into a dark place — and how a science-based, brain-based method helped her rewire her relationship with alcohol without shame or labels.

We talk about:

Why writing her own eulogy became a turning point

“Owner vs renter” decisions and taking radical responsibility

How Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey, and Dean Graziosi inspired her shift

What really happens in the brain with alcohol, dopamine, and tolerance

Why she rejects the “alcoholic” label and focuses on addiction to a substance instead

How subconscious beliefs from childhood and family patterns shape our drinking

Post-acute withdrawal (PAWS), healing symptoms, and how long the body can take to reset

Losing friends, changing social circles, and finding people who align with your new life

How she now helps clients get freedom to choose, not just “get sober”

Jackie also shares powerful truths like:

Your brain and body can heal more than you think
The hidden financial cost of alcohol over decades
Why your worth is not defined by a label or your past choices
How freedom feels when you no longer need alcohol to be fun, social, or confident

If you’ve ever thought:

Do I have a problem or am I overreacting?
Why do I keep going back to alcohol even when I don’t want to?
Will I lose friends if I stop or cut back?

This conversation will give you both hope and a practical perspective.


00:00 – Intro: Jackie’s alcohol freedom story
02:10 – From restaurant life to drinking 12–14 beers a day
05:20 – The betrayal that broke her & the dark hole
08:45 – Writing her own eulogy and taking ownership
12:30 – Owner vs renter decisions about life
15:40 – Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey & Dean’s influence
18:50 – One-millimeter shifts & climbing out
22:00 – Crying in the kitchen to “Greatest Love of All
24:30 – Why she rejects the word “alcoholic”
27:10 – Alcohol industry, labels, and blame
30:00 – Tolerance, chasing the buzz & drinking more with age
33:30 – NA beer mistake & how her body reacted
36:10 – Freedom to choose vs being controlled by alcohol
38:10 – Kids, modeling behavior & the teenage drinking culture
41:00 – Healing the body: liver, brain, PAWS & long-term recovery
45:10 – Losing friends, changing values & new circles of influence
48:20 – Dating & a healthy alcohol-free relationship
50:00 – Her coaching approach: shame-free, spectrum-based support
52:00 – How to connect with Jackie & her final message of hope
52:50 – Podcast disclaimer & closing

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered, Do I have a problem with drinking? or Who am I without alcohol? You are not alone, and there is so much more possible for you than shame and labels.

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contact information: https://riseaboveyourstory.com/,
free consultation booking: https://calendly.com/sandracooze/book-your-session?month=2025-11,
Or email: sandra@riseaboveyourstory.com.


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