How many times have you seen memes joking that the kids drive me to drink? For Janet, this common social media joke became a dangerous reality. After having children, she found herself turning to alcohol more and more frequently to cope with the stress of motherhood. One morning, when her young son noticed her hands trembling during storytime, she knew something had to change. Through This Naked Mind’s program, Janet discovered a path to breaking free from alcohol and found a clearer, more present way of living.

Alcohol Was Always There

Growing up, alcohol was always around. My parents drank – not excessively at first, but it was a constant presence at the end of each day, during weekend gatherings, and at every celebration. Without realizing it, I learned early that alcohol was synonymous with “fun” and relaxation.

When The Kids Drive Me to Drink Became My Daily Mantra

The real turning point came after having children. Everyone joked about how “kids drive me to drink,” and I found myself living that reality. Parenthood brought a level of stress I hadn’t experienced before, and wine became my nightly numbing ritual. What started as an occasional glass turned into an everyday habit.

I was drinking more and more, trying to convince myself it was normal. After all, who hasn’t felt like your kids drive you to drink sometimes? But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. The scary part? I started experiencing blackouts, though I wouldn’t call them that at the time.

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The Wake-Up Calls That Changed Everything

One morning, my daughter burst into my room, excited about finding her “lovie” we’d supposedly searched for the night before. I had zero recollection of helping her look for her favorite stuffed animal. Another morning, my young son, barely 4 years old, noticed my hands trembling as we read together.

These moments shook me. I tried every trick in the book to control my drinking: limiting myself to certain days, switching to only white wine, avoiding craft beers, alternating with water, setting specific drinking times. In the morning, these rules seemed foolproof, but by evening, all my good intentions crumbled.

Finding a New Path Forward

Everything changed when I stumbled across Annie’s program during a Dry January attempt. The book’s scientific approach and positive methodology resonated with me deeply. I devoured the podcasts during my commute home – traditionally my toughest time of day – and found pieces of my story in every episode.

Today, the transformation amazes me. The mental clarity is incredible – I have space to think and focus on things beyond my next drink. I’m present for my kids in ways I never was before, both physically and emotionally. The thought that the kids drive me to drink never crosses my mind anymore! Life has opened up in unexpected ways: I’ve completed triathlons, organized community events, and gotten involved with environmental causes.

To my old self, I’d say this: Don’t be afraid to swim upstream. The rewards of an alcohol-free life far outweigh what you think you’re giving up. I used to think I just wanted to stop drinking, but now I understand it was about gaining an entirely new life.

Share Your Story

Did our books, the app, the podcasts, or another program at This Naked Mind help stop telling yourself that the kids drive me to drink and start living free from alcohol instead? We want you to share your story here and inspire others on their journey!