Welcome to The Wholesome Path Blog, a positive health and alcohol freedom blog for women in Ireland (and beyond) who want to feel better, live well and make more intentional choices about their health, lifestyle, happiness and relationship with alcohol. Whether you are ready to cut down or cut out alcohol, the wholesome path blog will have simple realistic and useful insights and ideas to keep you motivated.
You might like to read…[Why So Many Midlife Women Are Choosing to Cut Down and Cut Out Alcohol]
Choosing a wholesome path forward, and changing your relationship with alcohol while boosting your overall health is a journey that could not just change your life – but reshape your future.
I’m Orlagh Reid, an IACP-accredited psychotherapist, addiction counsellor and coach based in Kildare, Ireland. The Wholesome Path Blog has grown from my professional experience working with in particular women around alcohol, addiction, recovery, health and wellbeing. What I have learned over the years and also as a woman and mother myself, is that women have different needs, demands, challenges and health concerns compared with men.
Take a read of my health blog which as lots of articles written for you about alcohol, alcohol freedom, women's health and wellbeing. You can also search for 'orlagh reid' on SPOTIFY and your favourite podcast platform for recent podcast episodes for women about alcohol and alcohol freedom and sobriety. Visit the podcast page for related podcast interviews on the No More Booze Podcast, The Jessica Cooke Podcast plus more.
I notice in Ireland, that there is an absence in positive health related articles and support which focus on alcohol freedom and wellbeing which is not specifically addiction treatment and sobriety related. Similarly, many addiction treatment models and self-help groups which are excellent and important in their own right, do unfortunately overlook the positive health aspect of recovery and wellbeing. This wholesome path blog aims to bridge that gap for women of all ages providing useful, insightful and information who are cutting down or cutting out alcohol – shamefree.
“Women are quite literally waking up to the negative impact alcohol is having on their lives, health, wellbeing, even parenting and performance. Once you realise you can take control of your relationship to alcohol – everything changes.”
At the heart of The Wholesome Path are two different but connected approaches to alcohol and alcohol use disorder.
Cutting Down, Moderating & Drinking More Mindfully
For some women, the goal is not to stop drinking completely. It is to change the way they drink.
This might mean cutting down, becoming a more mindful and intentional drinker, moving away from habitual or automatic drinking and staying within the low-risk alcohol guidelines. It can also mean taking prolonged breaks from alcohol and discovering what life feels like without drinking regularly.
This is about moving away from drinking because it is Friday, because everyone else is drinking, because you have had a difficult day, or simply because it has become part of the routine — and towards making conscious choices about whether, when and how much you drink. It is about changing attitudes to alcohol, socialising and health and incorporating and introducing new ways to blow off steam and wind down after a busy week.
Choosing Alcohol Freedom
For other women, the decision is to become alcohol-free. For some, alcohol sobriety is the only healthy realistic option. If you have tried to moderate and failed over and over again, this is the best more realistic successful option for you.
That might mean taking an extended break that eventually becomes a permanent choice, establishing sobriety in early or active recovery, or simply recognising that life is better without alcohol in it.
Alcohol freedom is not just about eliminating alcohol from your diet. It is about creating a life, lifestyle and mindset that isn’t centred around alcohol.
It is about finding new ways to enjoy weekends, socialise, relax, celebrate, manage stress and have fun. It is about waking up feeling good, having more energy and clarity, and discovering what becomes possible when alcohol is no longer part of the equation.
The Bigger Picture: Positive Health
But The Wholesome Path is about more than alcohol.
Alcohol is one part of the bigger picture of our health and wellbeing.
The blog explores the many things that can contribute to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life — including mental health, physical health, nutrition, sleep, movement, relationships, stress, self-care, recovery, confidence, connection and creating positive habits that support the woman you want to become.
Whether you are questioning your drinking, looking for a healthier relationship with alcohol, experimenting with moderation, taking a prolonged alcohol-free break, or choosing sobriety, there is a place for you here.
And you don’t have to be changing your relationship with alcohol at all. You might simply be interested in positive health and wellbeing and finding more wholesome ways to live. Women are quite literally waking up to the negative impact alcohol is having on their lives, health, wellbeing, even parenting and performance. Once you realise you can take control of your relationship to alcohol – everything changes.
The Wholesome Path is about moving towards health rather than simply moving away from alcohol. It is about choice, intention, wellbeing and creating a life that feels good to be present for.
Welcome to your Wholesome Path.
RECENT RELATED ARTICLES BY ORLAGH REID
Why So Many Midlife Women Are Choosing to Cut Down and Cut Out Alcohol
‘Mommy Wine Culture’ Episode on the No More Booze Podcast with Orlagh Reid
Mama, That Alcohol Is Keeping You Burned Out & Holding You Back
Starting Your Alcohol Freedom Journey: A Gentle Guide for Wornout Mothers
Alcohol Freedom Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Alcohol Sobriety
How to Start Socialising in a Positive Way Alcohol Free
The Number One Mistake People Make When Trying to Get Sober
7 Simple Ways to Replenish Your Nutrition After Quitting Alcohol
Rebuilding and replenishing your body after long-term alcohol consumption, with a focus on nutrition, health and recovery.
30 Powerful Books to Support Alcohol Freedom, Sobriety & Recovery in Ireland
A curated collection of books exploring alcohol freedom, sobriety, recovery, neuroscience, mindset and changing your relationship with alcohol.
Navigating the Festive Season Alcohol-Free and Without Feeling Awkward About It
Practical ideas for managing parties, family gatherings and social occasions when you have decided not to drink.
Alcohol and Menopause: A Vital Conversation for Women’s Health
Exploring the relationship between alcohol, perimenopause, menopause and women’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Women, Wine and Loneliness: Do These Voices Resonate With You?
A look at habitual drinking, loneliness and the particular pressures that can contribute to women’s relationship with wine and alcohol.
Sober Curious? Good Self-Help Reads About Alcohol and Sobriety for Women
A selection of books for women who are sober curious, considering cutting down, taking a break or exploring alcohol-free living.
10 Great Books About Giving Up Alcohol and Positive Sobriety
Reading recommendations for changing your mindset around alcohol, exploring sobriety and creating a healthier lifestyle.
Water, Hydration and Brain Power for Alcohol Recovery
Why hydration matters in alcohol recovery, early sobriety and rebuilding your physical wellbeing.
Your Guide to Addiction Recovery Self-Help Support Groups in Ireland
A practical guide to finding community, connection and support when beginning addiction recovery.
Preparing for Your First Addiction Counselling Therapy Session with Tips
What to expect when taking the first step towards professional support and recovery.
Podcasts: The Jessica Cooke Podcast: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Habits
A conversation about changing unwanted behaviours, unhealthy habits and alcohol use.
Festive & Free: Surviving and Thriving Alcohol-Free This December
Practical support for women choosing a low- or no-alcohol lifestyle, including women in early sobriety and those exploring alcohol freedom.
