Graduation Tales | Sober-curiosity and perceptions of ‘mindful drinking’

This week, Pratiksha Rajopadhyaya is graduating from the University of South Wales (USW) with top marks in a masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Pratiksha is from Nepal and was awarded a Chevening Scholarship for outstanding students to study in the UK.

With a Social Work degree and mental healthcare experience under her belt, Pratiksha knew that she wanted to learn more about how mental health disorders and to make an impact with her dissertation research. After some consideration, it was the topic of alcohol use that inspired her.

Many people embark on Dry January after the excess of Christmas, but Pratiksha was particularly interested in the practice of ‘mindful drinking’, where drinkers are always aware of their choices when they drink alcohol. She said: “I had watched a TV show about a character suffering from alcoholism and it made me think about sobriety and how that might not work for everyone.

“Drinking is a big part of our society and men and women have very different experiences with alcohol. I was fortunate to work within the USW Addictions Research Group and partnered with leading alcohol charity, Alcohol Change UK. I decided to focus on women’s drinking habits, what had shaped those habits, and for them to consider ‘mindful drinking’.”

“In practical terms, ‘mindful drinking’ is being aware of your relationship with alcohol and being in control of the decisions you make, related to your alcohol use, rather than letting somebody else control or the situation make decisions for you. For example, arranging drinking occasions well in advance and planning exactly how much you will drink.”

Several themes arose from the discussions with the participating women including, alcoholism in the family, feeling safe whilst drinking, parenthood, peer pressure, and health risks.

“Some participants had children and they wanted to drink less and be more present for their families, and some had alcoholic relatives and worried about history repeating itself.” said Pratiksha.

“It was really interesting to learn about different experiences and discuss the perceptions and motivations towards ‘mindful drinking’.”

Pratiksha now works as a mental health support worker, with people who have alcohol related brain damage, helping them with daily care and psychological support. She said: “This work is incredibly interesting and rewarding but in the future I would love to continue my studies to a doctorate.”

Dr Deborah Lancastle, Course Leader, said: “Pratiksha was a pleasure to have as a student on the MSc Clinical Psychology course. We are always delighted to welcome international students on this course as they bring a wide range of experience and enthusiasm for learning that benefits everyone. I wish Pratiksha all the very best for the future.”