Did you know stress can turn a harmless habit into a nightly crutch? That’s exactly what happened to Susan, who found herself drinking a bottle of wine every night after caring for her son during his leukemia treatment. Despite countless attempts to cut back, she couldn’t break the cycle. Reading This Naked Mind sparked a change, and joining The Path gave her the tools and support to finally say, “I’m ready to quit my wine habit.” Today, Susan is embracing a life free from alcohol with hope and excitement.

Wandering Into Drinking

Growing up in a Christian Scientist household, alcohol wasn’t part of my life. My parents didn’t drink, and neither did anyone in our home. But that changed when I turned 16 and started drinking at parties with friends. Back then, it didn’t seem like a big deal. All my friends were doing it, and I didn’t give it much thought.

I’ll never forget my 16th birthday, though. I drank a can of Colt 45—my first real experience with alcohol—and my friends had to walk me around the block several times in the rain, wearing white slacks no less, before I finally stumbled back home. Looking back, it’s hard not to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but it was just the beginning of a journey I never anticipated.

Stress, Family, and the Start of My Wine Habit

About ten years ago, my relationship with alcohol began to change. My husband and I were selling our family business, which was incredibly stressful. Most nights, we’d eat out, and the evening always started with a few drinks at the bar. Before I knew it, drinking wine every night became my way of coping. It felt harmless at first, but it quickly became a habit I couldn’t shake.

Three years ago, things took another turn. My son was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia at the age of 40. He had a wife, a young son, and an overwhelming battle ahead. When he asked me to be his caregiver, I didn’t hesitate. I moved into housing close to his hospital to support him during his treatment. But the stress of caregiving was immense. Every night after he went to bed, I turned to a bottle of wine to help me unwind. It was my crutch, my escape, my way of coping with the unimaginable.

Over time, I tried cutting back. I knew my wine habit wasn’t serving me, but I just couldn’t seem to break free.

Discovering a New Path to Freedom

A year ago, I stumbled upon This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. The book opened my eyes to a different way of looking at alcohol. My sister had been sober for 20 years through AA, but I always felt that path wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to label myself as “hopeless.” I wanted to approach this change with curiosity and compassion, not shame or judgment.

Reading the book made me curious, but I wasn’t quite ready to quit my wine habit just yet. In January 2023, I dabbled in The Alcohol Experiment, and while it was helpful, I didn’t fully commit. Then, in August 2024, everything shifted. I participated in Annie’s 5-Day Challenge, which gave me the motivation and tools I needed to take the next step. By September 2024, I joined The Path program, and that’s where everything truly began to change.

Looking to Control Alcohol?

Quitting her wine habit went from a dream to reality for Susan with the Control Alcohol Challenge! You can gain control over alcohol too! Click the button below to get started right now!

Ready to Quit My Wine Habit: Finding Freedom Through The Path

Through The Path program, I found guidance, support, and a community of people who understood what I was going through. It wasn’t about willpower or forcing myself to change. It was about understanding my relationship with alcohol and discovering a natural way to let go of it. For the first time, I felt truly ready to quit my wine habit and embrace a life free from alcohol.

The changes have been profound. I’ve already cut back on drinking in a way that feels effortless, and the idea of complete freedom from alcohol no longer feels daunting. Instead, it feels exciting. I’m part of an incredible community that lifts me up and reminds me why this journey is worth it.

Eye-Opening Moments and Lessons Learned

This past Thanksgiving was a turning point for me. In the past, holidays were a minefield of stress and triggers, but this year was different. The only moment I thought about alcohol was at 11:00 am when I was knee-deep in cooking chaos. But the urge passed quickly, and the day unfolded beautifully. It was harmonious, filled with laughter, family, and even grand-doggies. That night, I went to bed sober and fell asleep peacefully—no wine needed.

Looking back, I wish I could tell my younger self a few things. First, love yourself. Truly and deeply. Second, question yourself lovingly. Why are you reaching for that glass of wine? What are you trying to escape or numb? And most importantly, remind yourself that there’s always a better way.

What Lies Ahead

As I continue this journey, I’m filled with hope and excitement. I’m not just ready to quit my wine habit; I’m ready to embrace all the joy, freedom, and clarity that comes with it. There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m grateful for every step of the way.

If you’re reading this and wondering if you’re ready to quit your wine habit, know that it’s never too late to start. Whether it’s through a book, a program, or simply a moment of reflection, the path to freedom is there for you. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Take it one step at a time, and trust that you’re capable of so much more than you realize.

Share Your Story

Did our books, the app, the podcasts, or another program at This Naked Mind help you quit your wine habit? We want you to share your story here and inspire others on their journey!