Alcoholism & the High Achievement Mindset: Somatic Interventions & Rehab Support

Client Background

Jill, a 40-year-old single Caucasian mother of twins, embodied the “high achiever” mindset. Despite enduring a high-conflict divorce, raising a child on the autism spectrum, and balancing a demanding senior role at work, she maintained a façade of strength.

But behind closed doors, she coped by drinking heavily — almost 1.5 bottles of wine daily. A high performer at work and a loving mother, Jill rarely discussed her struggles, preferring to keep her “weaknesses” private. Her own health suffered: minimal hydration, skipped meals, and reliance on frozen or fast food. Though she fed her children better, nourishment was still compromised.

When Jill reached out, she wasn’t just seeking help with alcohol — she wanted to rebuild her life holistically.

Initial Visit

We began with foundational assessments — the VIA Strengths Survey, IPEC Values Assessment, and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI).

The ELI revealed Jill’s dominant Level 4 energy: a “service lens” where she constantly gave to others — being the best mother, best colleague, best ex-wife. But this outward service came at the cost of self-neglect.

Together, we identified the gremlin of “I am never enough”, rooted in early family dysfunction. This belief system fueled her burnout and dependence on alcohol.

As an immediate intervention, I introduced the TIPP protocol (from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) to delay drinking urges. While effective in the short term, it became clear that Jill’s level of consumption required specialized AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) rehabilitation. With her consent, I referred her to an online CBT-based rehab program while continuing holistic coaching alongside.

Subsequent Sessions

While rehab provided structured addiction support, my work with Jill focused on somatic, nutritional, and psycho-spiritual interventions:

• Nutritional Coaching: Identified gut dysbiosis, worsened by years of PPIs (acid reflux medication). Educated Jill on the gut-brain axis: how 85% of gut bacteria regulate digestion, mood, and immunity; how leaky gut and molecular mimicry fuel inflammation and autoimmune risk. She began eating whole foods, hydrating well, and improving not just her health but also her children’s.

• Somatic & Yoga Psychology: Taught her about interoception, neuroception, and non-dual awareness. Introduced pranayama, mindful movement, and grounding practices to regulate emotions and reconnect her to her body.

• Energy Leadership Coaching: Supported her shift toward Level 5 energy — from “I serve, you win” to “I win and so do you.” This empowered her to set boundaries, find joy in service, and extend compassion to herself.

Over time, Jill found greater resilience, less self-judgment, and more acceptance of her child’s neurodiversity.

Results

• Jill went 40 days alcohol-free (the first time in 8 years). Though she occasionally relapsed, she had broken the cycle of helplessness.

• She developed a consistent nutrition and hydration routine that nourished her body and mind.

• Her children benefited from healthier meals and a calmer, more present mother.

• Most importantly, she began to live from Level 5 energy — seeing opportunities instead of obstacles, and embracing self-compassion alongside responsibility.
  

Key Learning

No one becomes an alcoholic for joy. Behind every addiction lies an unmet need, unspoken grief, or overwhelming responsibility.

As the Buddha said: “Just as I want happiness and do not want suffering, so too does every other being.”

The path forward is not blame or shame, but compassionate recognition that while pain is inevitable, suffering is not. Through somatic practices, nourishment, and holistic support, Jill is learning to transform survival into thriving.