The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9

Is alcohol messing with your skin? Let’s find out! You might enjoy a drink to unwind, but alcohol can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and accelerated aging, complicating your skin health. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your skin: How alcohol causes dryness and redness The connection between drinking and skin conditions The benefits of Vitamin B6 and Dihydromyr...

Is alcohol really bad for your health? Let's find out! You might think a glass of wine is good for your heart, but alcohol can also cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, making it more complicated.  In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your heart health: How alcohol affects blood pressure and cholesterol levels The link between drinking and heart rhythm d...

Think alcohol helps you sleep? Think again.  You might feel like alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, but in reality, it’s disrupting your sleep quality, leaving you exhausted and unfocused.  In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: How alcohol messes with your REM sleep and deep rest Why you wake up feeling groggy, even after a full night’s sleep The science behind alcohol-induced sleep fr...

Does alcohol actually shrink your brain? Science says yes . Even small amounts of alcohol can shrink brain volume, impacting memory, decision-making, and learning. New research shows even moderate drinking may speed up cognitive decline .  In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your brain health: What brain scans reveal about alcohol and brain shrinkage How alcohol affec...

Ever wanted to drink less without quitting entirely? Sunnyside is proving that small, sustainable changes can lead to major results. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the science-backed approach that helped over 350,000 people reduce their alcohol intake by 33% in just 12 weeks, without rigid rules or guilt. You'll learn: How Sunnyside’s real-time text coaching keeps you accountable wit...

Ever felt drunk without drinking much? Dr. Jason Kilmer’s research proves it’s possible. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into Dr. Kilmer’s groundbreaking study that reveals: How people got buzzed—without any alcohol at all Why your expectations shape your drinking experience more than you think The real reason alcohol makes you “more social” (hint: it’s not the booze) How subtle factors li...

For years, I was stuck in the cycle—drinking, quitting, slipping, and feeling like I was failing. I thought willpower was the answer, but I learned the hard way that biology plays a huge role in changing drinking habits. In this episode, I’m sharing my full journey—from being a social drinker to a nightly drinker, to finally breaking free from the cycle. I’ll talk about the shame, the setbacks, an...

Ever start the day feeling strong, only to cave by evening? Decision fatigue might be the culprit. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: Why your brain’s fuel (glucose) depletes throughout the day , making self-control harder How alcohol hijacks decision-making , making that “one drink” harder to resist The paradox of choice —why too many options wear you down How cravings intensify when...

Not everyone fits neatly into the categories of “moderate drinker” or “alcoholic.” There’s a huge gray area in between—what Mike Hardenbrook calls "in-between drinking." In this episode, Mike breaks down: What in-between drinking is and why so many people fall into this category Why traditional labels don’t always fit and can make change harder The science behind why it’s tough to cut back , even...

Feeling more anxious after drinking? There’s a reason for that. Alcohol may feel like it calms the nervous system, but behind the scenes, it disrupts brain chemistry , leading to rebound anxiety, sleep issues, and even more stress over time. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the neuroscience of alcohol and anxiety , including: How alcohol alters GABA, glutamate, and dopamine —and why t...

Feeling sluggish after drinking? It’s not just in your head. Alcohol depletes thiamine (Vitamin B1) —a key nutrient for energy, brain function, and metabolism . Even moderate drinking can lead to subclinical deficiencies , causing brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: How alcohol depletes thiamine through gut damage, diuretic effects, and...

Struggling with alcohol cravings? It’s not just about willpower. There’s a biological reason why cutting back on alcohol feels so hard, and it has everything to do with how alcohol affects your brain chemistry and cravings . One supplement that’s been gaining attention? N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the latest research on NAC , including a 2024 clinical trial...

Mindful drinking and moderation aren’t the same—so which one actually works? Most people trying to drink less think they need to rely on willpower or strict rules to succeed. But the truth is, moderation can feel like a battle , while mindful drinking offers a much better path to long-term change. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why moderation often backfires, how mindful drinking re...

Most people think drinking less is about self-control —setting rules, using willpower, and making better choices. But what if I told you your body is working against you ? Alcohol doesn’t just create habits—it changes your brain chemistry and depletes key nutrients that regulate your mood, sleep, and cravings. Many people don’t realize they experience mini withdrawals between drinks, leading to an...