Why does December make every drink feel “earned”?
In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology behind holiday drinking — why stress, nostalgia, expectations, and end-of-year pressure make alcohol feel like a reward, even when your body’s already running on fumes. You’ll learn:
How December stress tricks your brain into craving “reward” drinks
Why holiday culture normalizes daily or heavier drinking
How exhaustion, cortisol, and emotional overload amplify cravings
What’s really going on when you feel like you “deserve” a drink
How ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (found in Daily Restore) can support stress and help your brain unwind — without leaning on alcohol
🎧 Tap play to understand why December drinking feels so justified — and how to break the cycle while still enjoying the season.
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.