More Than a Knock-Off Drink
Originally published in the July 2026 edition of In the Coal Face Magazine
I was honoured to contribute to the July 2026 edition of In the Coal Face Magazine, writing about a topic I discuss with clients every day in counselling: our relationship with alcohol.
As an Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor, I believe meaningful change starts with curiosity rather than judgement. Before we can change a behaviour, we first need to understand it.
The article was originally published in In the Coal Face Magazine and explores these ideas in more detail.
Read the Original Article - https://thecoalface.net.au/editions/
Looking Beyond the Knock-Off Drink
One of the questions I often ask clients is not "How much are you drinking?" but "What purpose is alcohol serving in your life?"
That simple shift opens a different conversation.
Alcohol can become intertwined with the end of a workday, social connection, winding down after stress or creating a sense of reward. These patterns often develop gradually and without conscious awareness.
When we begin to recognise the situations, emotions, people and environments associated with drinking, we create an opportunity to make intentional choices instead of relying on automatic habits. For some people, that means reducing their drinking. For others, it may involve taking a break from alcohol or choosing sobriety. There is no single path, only the one that aligns with your goals and values.
Understanding your relationship with alcohol isn't about judgement. It's about awareness, choice and creating a life that feels more intentional.
If This Article Resonated With You
Many people seek counselling not because they've reached crisis point, but because they're curious about the role alcohol is playing in their lives.
Counselling provides a confidential, supportive space to better understand your drinking patterns, explore what may be driving them and decide whether any changes feel right for you.
If More Than a Knock-Off Drink has prompted you to reflect on your own relationship with alcohol, Steady Seas Counselling offers evidence-informed online alcohol counselling for adults across Australia.
About the Author
Carly is the founder of Steady Seas Counselling and an Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor based in Perth, Western Australia. She supports adults across Australia to better understand their relationship with alcohol and other substances through compassionate, evidence-informed online counselling.
