Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop you can’t escape? Debe knows that feeling all too well. She was caught in a downward spiral—binge drinking on weekends, feeling ashamed, and telling herself she’d change tomorrow. It wasn’t until her son asked her to stop drinking around her grandkids that she realized she needed help. Through This Naked Mind and the support of The Alcohol Experiment, Debe learned how to rewire her thinking and escape the cycle for good. Now, she’s living proof that life is beautiful without alcohol and wants others to see that as well.

I Never Expected This

If you had told me a few years ago that my life would be beautiful without alcohol, I would have laughed in your face. Or maybe cried. It depended on the time of day and how much wine I’d already had. You see, I never thought I’d end up following in my father’s footsteps—he struggled with alcohol for years before getting sober. Yet there I was, stuck in my own cycle, hating myself but unable to break free.

Understanding the Loop of Addiction

For a long time, I couldn’t figure out why I was stuck in this loop. I was disciplined in so many other areas of my life! But alcohol was my downfall. I’d tell myself I’d only have one or two drinks, and before I knew it, I was drinking all day and night. I’d vow to change tomorrow, only to find myself making the same promises the next day.

It wasn’t just about the drinking, though. It was how I felt about myself. My son asked me not to drink around my grandkids (they were only toddlers at the time), and I was so discouraged. I hated myself for not being able to stop. I started drinking earlier and earlier—first after 5 p.m., then noon, and eventually, I rationalized red beers at 7:30 a.m. because, hey, they’re basically breakfast, right? Spoiler alert: they’re not.

Finding the Tools to Break Free

I was desperate. I’d try to quit for a week or two, only to binge for another two weeks. It was an endless, terrible cycle. But then I discovered the 21-Day Reset through Sober Sisters. I tried it a few times and found it helpful, but the real game-changer was Annie Grace’s book This Naked Mind. For the first time, I understood why I was stuck in the loop. It wasn’t just about willpower—it was about the way alcohol rewires your brain.

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The book was a revelation. I could see how I’d been feeding the monster and why it felt like I couldn’t function without drinking. After finishing the book, I joined The Alcohol Experiment (TAE) and dove into its community and resources. I also read Alcohol Explained by William Porter, which added even more clarity. Between the books, podcasts, and supportive groups, I finally felt equipped to take control of my life.

My Life is Beautiful Without Alcohol

On September 18, I celebrated one year alcohol-free (AF). Yes, yes, yes! I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for this journey. Life is beautiful without alcohol in ways I never could have imagined. I’m truly present for myself and my family. I’ve grown as a person, and I’ve found a peace and strength I didn’t know I had.

Let me tell you, being sober has its perks. For one, I’m no longer daydreaming about what my life could be like. I’m living it. I’m embracing the journey, soaking in the precious moments I used to miss while lost in a haze. I’ve even met my soulmate through The Alcohol Experiment and the This Naked Mind Companion App. He’s sober too, and together we’re building a future that’s brighter than I ever thought possible.

Embracing Sobriety and Looking Forward

If I could go back and talk to the old Debe, I’d tell her one thing: “It’s not you. It’s the poison you’re ingesting. Stop feeding the monster.” I know now that life is beautiful without alcohol. The clarity, joy, and connection I’ve gained are worth every moment of struggle it took to get here.

I won’t paint you a picture that isn’t true though. The early days were hard. Breaking the cycle felt impossible at times. There were moments when I thought, “Maybe I’m just destined to be this way.” But with the right tools and support, I proved myself wrong.

Practical Tips for Starting Your Journey

If you’re reading this and thinking about quitting alcohol, here are a few things that helped me:

1. Educate Yourself: Books like This Naked Mind and Alcohol Explained were invaluable. Understanding the science behind addiction gave me a new perspective.
2. Find Community: Joining The Alcohol Experiment connected me with others who were on the same journey. Their support and encouragement made all the difference.
3. Take it One Day at a Time: It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the future. Focus on today and celebrate small wins.

Share Your Story

Have you found that life is beautiful without alcohol through our books, the app, the podcasts, or another program at This Naked Mind? We want you to share your story here and inspire others on their journey!