Stacy grew up in a world where alcohol was everywhere—holidays, birthdays, even funerals. It wasn’t just normal; it was expected. So when she started drinking as a teen, she never questioned it. But over the years, her drinking spiraled, leading to blackouts, regret, and a painful moment when she fell and smashed her face. She spent years asking, Why do I always drink too much?—until she found This Naked Mind and finally got the answers she needed.

It Was Just Always There

Alcohol was always a part of my life. Happy occasions, sad ones, a drink to socialize, a drink to wind down. Drinking was as customary and routine as punching the time clock at work. I didn’t even realize that some people didn’t have alcohol in their homes. If I met someone who didn’t drink, I honestly thought they were weird.

It wasn’t until I started dating my husband that I saw the divide between “drinkers” and “non-drinkers.” His family didn’t drink, and I thought they were boring—no fun, total sticks in the mud. Looking back, I realize how deep my conditioning ran. Drinking wasn’t just something I did; it was part of my identity.

From Day One: My Binge Drinking Began Early

I was a binge drinker from the start, though I didn’t recognize it until much later. My first drink was at my confirmation celebration—Seagram’s 7 with ginger ale, courtesy of a well-meaning family member. After that, my friends and I would sneak drinks whenever we could.

By ninth grade, I was drinking more often. It helped me loosen up and fit in. I had blackouts early on, but I assumed everyone did! Losing time, forgetting things I said or did—it was just part of drinking, right? In high school and beyond, I would wake up after a night out, frantically texting friends: “Did I do anything stupid?” It’s wild to think about now.

I kept trying to control my drinking. I’d switch drinks, limit myself, even avoid events entirely. But deep down, I never considered the idea that I could go somewhere and just… not drink. That was unthinkable.

The Breaking Point: Why Do I Always Drink Too Much?

By 2017, I was desperate. I had two young boys, and for years, I had barely drunk at all—pregnancy, nursing, and caring for them kept alcohol at bay. But every so often, I’d overdo it. My drinking started creating tension between my husband and me.

When I had to go back to work, things spiraled. I had a background in social work but took a waitressing job because we couldn’t afford for me to stay home. I resented it. I stayed out drinking after work because, hey, my husband was home with the kids, so why not? It became my escape, my “me time.”

Then came the hangovers, the injuries, the shame. One night, I fell and smashed my face. That was it. I was done. I turned to Google and typed, “Am I an alcoholic?” That search changed everything.

The Path to Freedom: Discovering This Naked Mind

That’s when I found This Naked Mind. First, I read the book. Then I got the audiobook. Then I devoured every single thing Annie Grace had written. I did The Alcohol Experiment, then 100 Days of Lasting Change. I joined the December 2020 Path program for a year—and then I stayed even longer.

Start Reading

Are you ready to stop asking “Why do I drink too much?” and start doing something about it instead? Start your journey with the same book that completely transformed Stacy’s life! Download the first 40 pages of This Naked Mind for free right now!

I have a Master’s in Social Work, and I’ve always been fascinated by the mind and emotions. This Naked Mind didn’t just help me quit drinking; it helped me understand myself. I learned to forgive myself, love myself, and accept my past without shame. It also helped me see how society wires us to drink—and that I didn’t have to be part of that cycle anymore.

Even now, I still listen to the podcasts and use the app. I wanted to go to a live event, and I WILL make it happen one day. I’ve even thought about becoming a coach, but right now, I’m juggling two businesses—maybe someday!

Why Do I Always Drink Too Much? The Answer Was Simpler Than I Thought

Two years alcohol-free, and I can say this with total honesty: alcohol means nothing to me now. It doesn’t trigger me. I can take it or leave it. I had one drink on New Year’s Eve and one at a concert—just to “test the waters.” And you know what? It was completely underwhelming.

I used to think alcohol made life fun. Now, I see that I am fun. I am free. Just being me, without alcohol, is better in every way.

If I could go back and talk to the me who struggled for so long, I would tell her this:

You can do anything without alcohol. You’ll be happier, freer, and so relieved that you never have to drink again. You don’t need to ask, Why do I always drink too much?—because one day, that question won’t even make sense anymore.

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Did our books, the app, the podcasts, or another program at This Naked Mind help you find the answer to why do I always drink too much? We want you to share your story here and inspire others on their journey!