Clinical psychology is an evolving, evidence-based science dedicated to understanding the complex relationship between cognitive processes, emotional states and human behaviour. When applied to alcohol recovery, therapy offers a structured yet personalized framework for lasting change.

The word "cue" sounds technical, but in behavioural science it simply means any signal, internal or external, that has become associated with an action. A beer advertisement, an internal feeling or a familiar routine such as preparing food may act as a cue, depending on the person and their learned associations.

Neurodivergent individuals can initially turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. For people with ADHD, alcohol can temporarily quieten a hyperactive mind, ease restlessness, dampen social anxiety or slow racing thoughts at night to assist with sleep. For autistic individuals, alcohol can dampen sensory input in overstimulating environments, reduce social fatigue or lower the effort required for "masking" - the suppression of autistic traits to fit in with neurotypical