If you’ve ever promised yourself you wouldn’t drink and then found yourself reaching for alcohol anyway, there may be more happening beneath the behavior than willpower. Christy Osborne and neuroscience expert Leanne Ellington explore drinking, the nervous system, brain patterns, neuroplasticity, faith, and lasting behavior change.

Leanne shares her own journey from decades of struggling with food and body image to discovering the nervous system, neuroplasticity, and eventually a relationship with God. Her story helps explain why knowing what you should do doesn’t always translate into being able to do it—and why lasting change requires more than simply trying harder.

Christy and Leanne unpack what happens in the brain when behaviors are repeated and why the patterns we practice can become automatic. They explore the connection between nervous system regulation, subconscious beliefs, self-image, identity, and drinking, along with what “renewing your mind” can look like through the lens of neuroplasticity.

They also talk about faith and behavior change, including why prayer and action were designed to work together. And when you drink after deciding you wouldn't? Instead of turning that moment into more shame, Leanne encourages a different approach: separate the data from the drama, learn from what happened, and use the experience as information for what comes next.

If You’ve Ever Thought…

“I know I don’t want to drink, so why do I keep doing it?”

“I know what God says about me, but I don’t actually feel like I believe it.”

“Why can’t I just pray harder and make this desire go away?”

“I’ve broken so many promises to myself that I don’t trust myself anymore.”

Then this episode is for you. 🩷

What You’ll Learn

• Why reaching for alcohol automatically can be a brain pattern, not a character flaw

• How repeated behaviors create and strengthen neural pathways

• How your nervous system, subconscious beliefs, self-image, and drinking can be connected

• Why knowing what God says about you isn't always the same as believing it

• What “renewing your mind” can look like through the lens of neuroplasticity

• Why prayer and practicing new patterns can work together in behavior change

• How to separate the data from the drama after drinking when you hadn't planned to

• How a drinking moment can become a growth point instead of evidence that you've failed

• Why lasting change involves asking not only “What should I do differently?” but also “Who am I becoming?”

Connect with Leanne

leanneellington.com 

Instagram @leanneellington

 Join the October 40-Day Fast 

https://lovelifesober.co.uk/october-fast

📖 Order Christy's Book: Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book

📲 Follow Love Life Sober on Instagram
@lovelifesoberwithchristy

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube — Come hang out with us!


https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book

Disclaimer

The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober Podcast are not healthcare practitioners and do not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. The content of this podcast and all Love Life Sober communications is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Views and opinions expressed by guests, or in any resources referenced, do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team.

 

If you&rsquo;ve ever promised yourself you wouldn&rsquo;t drink and then found yourself reaching for alcohol anyway, there may be more happening beneath the behavior than willpower. Christy Osborne and neuroscience expert Leanne Ellington explore drinking, the nervous system, brain patterns, neuroplasticity, faith, and lasting behavior change.
Leanne shares her own journey from decades of struggling with food and body image to discovering the nervous system, neuroplasticity, and eventually a relationship with God. Her story helps explain why knowing what you should do doesn&rsquo;t always translate into being able to do it&mdash;and why lasting change requires more than simply trying harder.
Christy and Leanne unpack what happens in the brain when behaviors are repeated and why the patterns we practice can become automatic. They explore the connection between nervous system regulation, subconscious beliefs, self-image, identity, and drinking, along with what &ldquo;renewing your mind&rdquo; can look like through the lens of neuroplasticity.
They also talk about faith and behavior change, including why prayer and action were designed to work together. And when you drink after deciding you wouldn't? Instead of turning that moment into more shame, Leanne encourages a different approach: separate the data from the drama, learn from what happened, and use the experience as information for what comes next.
If You&rsquo;ve Ever Thought&hellip;
&ldquo;I know I don&rsquo;t want to drink, so why do I keep doing it?&rdquo;
&ldquo;I know what God says about me, but I don&rsquo;t actually feel like I believe it.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Why can&rsquo;t I just pray harder and make this desire go away?&rdquo;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve broken so many promises to myself that I don&rsquo;t trust myself anymore.&rdquo;
Then this episode is for you. 🩷
What You&rsquo;ll Learn
&bull; Why reaching for alcohol automatically can be a brain pattern, not a character flaw
&bull; How repeated behaviors create and strengthen neural pathways
&bull; How your nervous system, subconscious beliefs, self-image, and drinking can be connected
&bull; Why knowing what God says about you isn't always the same as believing it
&bull; What &ldquo;renewing your mind&rdquo; can look like through the lens of neuroplasticity
&bull; Why prayer and practicing new patterns can work together in behavior change
&bull; How to separate the data from the drama after drinking when you hadn't planned to
&bull; How a drinking moment can become a growth point instead of evidence that you've failed
&bull; Why lasting change involves asking not only &ldquo;What should I do differently?&rdquo; but also &ldquo;Who am I becoming?&rdquo;
Connect with Leanne
<a href="http://leanneellington.com">leanneellington.com&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">Instagram @leanneellington</a>
&nbsp;Join the October 40-Day Fast&nbsp;
<a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/october-fast">https://lovelifesober.co.uk/october-fast</a>
📖 Order Christy's Book: Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind <a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book">https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book</a>
📲 Follow Love Life Sober on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelifesoberwithchristy/?hl=en">@lovelifesoberwithchristy</a>
🎥 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLifeSober">Subscribe on YouTube</a> &mdash; Come hang out with us! 
<a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book">https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book</a>
Disclaimer
The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober Podcast are not healthcare practitioners and do not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. The content of this podcast and all Love Life Sober communications is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Views and opinions expressed by guests, or in any resources referenced, do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team.
&nbsp;

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.

Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?

Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.

Hosted by Christian sobriety coach and author Christy Osborne, author of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, this podcast blends Scripture, neuroscience, and practical coaching to help you understand what’s happening in your brain, your nervous system, and your heart, and how lasting freedom from alcohol is actually possible.

You’ll hear expert conversations and powerful testimonies for women exploring Christian sobriety, faith-based recovery, mindful drinking, and alcohol-free living. Each episode gently invites you to step away from wine and toward deeper connection with God, without shame, pressure, or the need to decide forever.

At the heart of Love Life Sober is a simple truth. Love, joy, peace, and connection were never meant to be found in a wine bottle. They are found in Jesus.

This is a grace-filled, shame-free space for women seeking freedom from alcohol through faith, neuroscience, and compassionate coaching. You don’t have to hit rock bottom. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through sobriety. And you don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re ready to loosen alcohol’s grip and live the life God is inviting you into, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to Love Life Sober. Want more? Visit lovelifesober.com. 

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.
Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?
Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.
Hosted by Christian sobriety coach and author Christy Osborne, author of <a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book">Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind</a>, this podcast blends Scripture, neuroscience, and practical coaching to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in your brain, your nervous system, and your heart, and how lasting freedom from alcohol is actually possible.
You&rsquo;ll hear expert conversations and powerful testimonies for women exploring Christian sobriety, faith-based recovery, mindful drinking, and alcohol-free living. Each episode gently invites you to step away from wine and toward deeper connection with God, without shame, pressure, or the need to decide forever.
At the heart of Love Life Sober is a simple truth. Love, joy, peace, and connection were never meant to be found in a wine bottle. They are found in Jesus.
This is a grace-filled, shame-free space for women seeking freedom from alcohol through faith, neuroscience, and compassionate coaching. You don&rsquo;t have to hit rock bottom. You don&rsquo;t have to white-knuckle your way through sobriety. And you don&rsquo;t have to do this alone.
If you&rsquo;re ready to loosen alcohol&rsquo;s grip and live the life God is inviting you into, you&rsquo;re in the right place. Welcome to Love Life Sober. Want more? Visit <a href="https://lovelifesober.com/">lovelifesober.com</a>.&nbsp;

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.  Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?  Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.

Love Life Sober

Why You Keep Drinking: The Connection to Your Nervous System | Leanne Ellington

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/0df65d81-d37e-4139-ae93-b4cb00faac10/transcript