What happens when you realise alcohol has become more than just a social habit?

In this episode of One for the Road, Harriet shares her powerful journey to six months sober, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her relationship with alcohol and the decision to embrace an alcohol-free life. From a childhood marked by family illness and divorce to becoming a mother while navigating postpartum depression, Harriet speaks openly about the emotional challenges that led her to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life helped her understand years of masking, overwhelm and drinking to fit in.

Together, Dave and Harriet explore how motherhood, mental health, and the normalisation of mummy wine culture can make it difficult to recognise when drinking has become a problem. They also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced unhealthy drinking habits and why building a supportive recovery community has been essential to Harriet's sobriety.

Whether you're sober curious, thinking about giving up alcohol, supporting someone in recovery, or simply interested in honest conversations about addiction and mental health, this episode offers hope, encouragement and practical insight.

In This Episode

Harriet's journey to six months of sobriety

Growing up with childhood adversity

Living with undiagnosed ADHD

Alcohol as a coping mechanism

Motherhood, postpartum depression and isolation

The reality of mummy drinking culture

How COVID-19 changed drinking habits

Why stopping drinking transformed Harriet's life

Building confidence without alcohol

Finding purpose through recovery

What You'll Learn

This conversation explores:

Why alcohol problems often develop gradually rather than overnight.

The connection between ADHD and alcohol use.

How social expectations can influence drinking behaviour.

The impact of postpartum mental health on substance use.

The importance of self-awareness in recovery.

Why community support plays a vital role in long-term sobriety.

How life can improve after choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle

This episode is for anyone interested in:

Sobriety and alcohol recovery

Women's recovery journeys

Mental health and wellbeing

ADHD in adults

Motherhood and alcohol

Sober curiosity

Addiction recovery stories

Personal development and resilience

Harriet reminds us that recovery isn't about perfection—it's about understanding yourself and making choices that support your wellbeing.

One for the Road is a podcast exploring sobriety, alcohol recovery, mental health and the real stories behind giving up drinking. Through honest conversations with guests from all walks of life, the podcast challenges drinking culture while sharing practical advice, lived experiences and inspiration for anyone seeking a healthier relationship with alcohol.

If you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on the instahandle @Soberdave https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/

or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/

Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services

https://nacoa.org.uk/

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