Why do holiday parties always push you past the limits you swear you set for yourself?
You show up thinking you’ll have one drink… and suddenly you’re three deep, holding a cookie, accepting champagne you don’t remember agreeing to, and wondering how you got here.
In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the real reasons holiday gatherings lead to over-indulging — from social pressure and end-of-year burnout to nostalgia, stress chemistry, and the “free drinks” effect that shuts off your self-control.
You’ll learn:
• The psychology behind why holiday environments make us drink more
• The biological reasons your limits feel weaker in December
• How sugar, stress, and sleep deprivation amplify your cravings
• Why hangovers hit harder during the holiday season
• Simple, science-backed strategies to enjoy the party without paying for it the next day
• How nutrients like Vitamin B12 and NAC (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can support mood, energy, and recovery during peak drinking season
🎧 Hit play to finally understand why holiday parties push you past your limits — and how to stay in control without missing the fun.
What is The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9?
The Alcohol Reset is a science-backed podcast designed to help you reset your habits, health, and relationship with alcohol. Hosted by best-selling author Mike Hardenbrook, each bite-sized episode explores neuroscience, nutrition, and habit formation, delivering practical strategies to help you drink less, sleep better, reduce cravings, and optimize your well-being—without judgment or extremes. It’s time for a reset.