145: The REAL Reason Why Most People Fail Quitting Alcohol | James Swanwick
Tue Feb 03 2026
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to change everything.
In this episode, I sit down with James Swanwick for a grounded, honest conversation about alcohol-free living and why so many thoughtful, high-functioning people are quietly questioning their drinking. We talk about the cultural moment we’re in, the limits of traditional recovery models, and why white-knuckling never leads to freedom.
I share my own path away from social drinking and what surprised me most about the shift.
Mindful sobriety isn’t about deprivation; it’s about choosing a life that actually feels good to live.
This episode is for anyone who is sober-curious, questioning the role of alcohol in their life, or looking for a more humane, sustainable approach to change. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way, without labels, shame, or rock bottom, this conversation opens up a new perspective.
Learn more about his programs here.
You’ll Learn:
[00:00] Introduction
[06:02] Why addiction often runs on a push-pull dynamic that quietly drains energy and agency
[09:38] How the cultural shift away from alcohol is emerging first in younger generations
[11:54] What happens when “normal” drinking erodes health and relationships
[12:47] The moment a casual drinker realizes alcohol is costing more than it gives
[28:10] Why traditional recovery models often miss high-functioning, gray-area drinkers
[30:45] How identity labels can freeze growth instead of supporting real change
[46:12] Why focusing on desire creates more lasting change than focusing on restraint
[56:58] How an alcohol-free life can feel expansive rather than restrictive
👉🏻 Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
Resources Mentioned:
Clear by James Swanwick | Book or Audiobook
The Sober Truth by Lance Dodes | Book or Audiobook
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders | Website
Rat Park: How a rat paradise changed the narrative of addiction. by Gage, S. H., & Sumnall, H. R. | Article
Randomized controlled trial of harm reduction treatment for alcohol (HaRTA) for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder by Susan E. et al. | Article
Connect with James:
Alcohol Free Lifestyle | Website
Swanwick Sleep | Website
James Swanwick | Wikipedia
James Swanwick | Instagram
Find more from Kelly:
YouTube: Reclamation Radio with Kelly Brogan, MD
Instagram: @kellybroganmd
Website: kellybroganmd.com
Join Kelly's monthly membership, Vital Life Project here.
Get Kelly’s new book The Reclaimed Woman here.
You can head to lotuswei.com and use the code Kelly15 for 15% off.
Go to juvent.com and use code KELLY300 at checkout to get $300 off your purchase.
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You don’t need to hit rock bottom to change everything. In this episode, I sit down with James Swanwick for a grounded, honest conversation about alcohol-free living and why so many thoughtful, high-functioning people are quietly questioning their drinking. We talk about the cultural moment we’re in, the limits of traditional recovery models, and why white-knuckling never leads to freedom. I share my own path away from social drinking and what surprised me most about the shift. Mindful sobriety isn’t about deprivation; it’s about choosing a life that actually feels good to live. This episode is for anyone who is sober-curious, questioning the role of alcohol in their life, or looking for a more humane, sustainable approach to change. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way, without labels, shame, or rock bottom, this conversation opens up a new perspective. Learn more about his programs here. You’ll Learn: [00:00] Introduction [06:02] Why addiction often runs on a push-pull dynamic that quietly drains energy and agency [09:38] How the cultural shift away from alcohol is emerging first in younger generations [11:54] What happens when “normal” drinking erodes health and relationships [12:47] The moment a casual drinker realizes alcohol is costing more than it gives [28:10] Why traditional recovery models often miss high-functioning, gray-area drinkers [30:45] How identity labels can freeze growth instead of supporting real change [46:12] Why focusing on desire creates more lasting change than focusing on restraint [56:58] How an alcohol-free life can feel expansive rather than restrictive 👉🏻 Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here. Resources Mentioned: Clear by James Swanwick | Book or Audiobook The Sober Truth by Lance Dodes | Book or Audiobook The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders | Website Rat Park: How a rat paradise changed the narrative of addiction. by Gage, S. H., & Sumnall, H. R. | Article Randomized controlled trial of harm reduction treatment for alcohol (HaRTA) for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder by Susan E. et al. | Article Connect with James: Alcohol Free Lifestyle | Website Swanwick Sleep | Website James Swanwick | Wikipedia James Swanwick | Instagram Find more from Kelly: YouTube: Reclamation Radio with Kelly Brogan, MD Instagram: @kellybroganmd Website: kellybroganmd.com Join Kelly's monthly membership, Vital Life Project here. Get Kelly’s new book The Reclaimed Woman here. You can head to lotuswei.com and use the code Kelly15 for 15% off. Go to juvent.com and use code KELLY300 at checkout to get $300 off your purchase.