Episode 63: The Truth Set Dupe Witherick Alcohol Free
Podcast host, author, and coach Dupe Witherick describes herself as a “normal drinker.” Unlike common stereotypes, her relationship with alcohol didn’t involve a dramatic rock bottom—instead, she had seamlessly woven drinking into her daily life and identity. Dupe joins Ray to share how alcohol shaped her university years, professional life, and social interactions. It wasn’t until a personal loss and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic that she began to question her reliance on alcohol. What started as a 21-day alcohol-free challenge blossomed into nearly five years of sobriety, renewed well-being, and a deep connection to faith and a higher power.
Dupe’s Toolkit:
Pause and reflect on why you’re drinking
Ask yourself what emotion you’re feeling
Replace drinking with productive activities
Embrace new activities
Believe in yourself
Find supportive communities
Have faith or believe in a higher power
Pursue new passions and dreams
Self-worth is critical
Listen to your intuition
Peer Pressure and the Normalization of Alcohol
Dupe opens up about how alcohol has been normalized in society, especially in social circles where drinking is often seen as a rite of passage. She reflects on how powerful peer pressure can be, saying, "In so many settings, alcohol is almost expected, and it becomes part of the social fabric." For Dupe, this normalization made it harder to resist the pull of drinking, as it felt like an unspoken requirement to fit in. She acknowledges how pervasive these social cues are, whether at gatherings, Mummy Wine Nights, celebrations, or even work functions, where drinking can often be treated as just another way to bond. This pressure, combined with the idea that alcohol is essential to having fun or connecting with others, makes it a challenge for many to rethink their relationship with it. It wasn’t until she joined alcohol-free communities that Dupe started seeing people living authentically without the pressures to drink or the idea that you can’t have a good time without alcohol.
The Power of Faith and Intuition in Sobriety
Dupe’s journey through sobriety is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about connecting with something greater than herself. Before she became sober, she heard a voice telling her “the truth will set you free.” At the time she didn’t know what that meant. She shares, “When you stop drinking, you can actually hear... you get those intuitive voices, which you probably weren’t hearing before.” Giving up alcohol created space for clearer intuition, allowing her to reconnect with her faith and start new passions. This shift has helped her build a stronger sense of purpose and calm, which continues to guide her life and business endeavors.
Facing Adversity with Peace and Purpose
Despite a health scare that left her in and out of the hospital for months, Dupe found peace in the midst of uncertainty. She explains, “I had this real sense of peace because at the beginning they didn’t know what it was… whatever happens, I’m going to be fine.” This sense of peace came from her deepened faith and her perspective that life is about what happens for you, not to you. Even when faced with the possibility of a chronic illness, Dupe focused on what she could control—her mindset and the clarity that came from her reflections during that time.
Living a Legacy for Others to Follow
Ray and Dupe really connect on the idea of leaving a legacy. Dupe lost her brother at a young age. The gravity of that moment and life became very real. Dupe’s legacy is one of empowerment, not just for herself, but for her daughter and other women who feel trapped in unfulfilling roles. She shares how her daughter views her accomplishments as “normal,” saying, “She thinks it’s normal that I’ve got a podcast… written a book… run two marathons.” Dupe's determination to live a life of inspiration is rooted in showing her daughter—and other women—that they can do anything, regardless of age or circumstances. She wants to be a catalyst for others to take leaps of faith in their own lives, especially those who feel stuck in their careers or unsure of their passions.
Dupe’s details
Instagram: @thrivealcoholfree
TikTok: @thrivealcoholfree
Thrive Alcohol Free Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/thrive-alcohol-free/id1707202708
Thrive Alcohol Free: https://www.thrivealcoholfree.com/
Book - A Cocktail of Clarity: How to Ditch Drinking, Embody a Joyful New Identity and Thrive Alcohol Free: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3MNVZQS