Have you ever wondered if your relationship with alcohol has crossed a line? Helen, a successful single mother, found herself asking this very question. It can be a slow, creeping realization, but understanding the signs you might be drinking more than you should is the first step towards a healthier path. Helen’s story is a powerful example of how these signs can manifest and what happens when you finally address them.
You Always Want What You Can’t Have
Growing up, alcohol was kind of a mystery to me. My parents, due to their religion, never touched the stuff. And, as often happens when something is “forbidden,” it just made it seem all the more intriguing and attractive as I got older. It was like this secret, exciting world I couldn’t wait to explore.
When I finally became aware of alcohol, it truly felt like the “elixir of life,” just as described in Annie Grace’s book, This Naked Mind. Seriously, I genuinely believed it made every single moment more fun, more vibrant, more something. Whether it was a casual get-together or a stressful day, a glass of wine felt like the perfect accompaniment, smoothing out the edges and amplifying the good times. Looking back, that belief was a powerful driver in my early drinking habits. I associated alcohol with joy, relaxation, and an enhanced experience of life.
The Moment I Knew Something Was Off
The shift from “elixir of life” to “problem” happened around my mid-thirties. I was a single mom with a very young son, and life was, well, a lot. It was around this time that I started drinking every single night. Not just a glass here and there, but consistently. There are some incidents from that period that I’m still incredibly ashamed to admit. I mean, I didn’t physically hurt anyone, but that was purely due to luck. I did drive while impaired on more than one occasion, and the thought of what could have happened still makes my stomach churn.
Beyond those frightening moments, there were the smaller, more insidious signs. I ruined no less than three, maybe even four, laptops over the years by spilling wine on them. How? Because I’d fallen asleep on the couch with a glass in one hand and my computer in my lap. It became a regular occurrence, a testament to how much I was drinking and how easily I’d pass out.
But the truly painful moments, the ones that hit me hardest, involved my son. When he was around ten years old, he started to express his concern. He’d tell me he wished I wouldn’t drink so much because, as he put it, I “started to talk funny” after too much wine. Imagine hearing that from your child. It’s heartbreaking. Later, as a teenager, he told me he wanted me to stop because he could see it made me sad. Even with those direct pleas from the person I loved most in the world, I still “couldn’t” seem to stop. The feeling of being trapped was overwhelming. There were so many more incidents, but I won’t write a novel here. These were clear signs you might be drinking more than you should, and I was seeing them all around me.
Trying to Take Back Control (and Failing)
Before I found a real solution, my attempts to control my drinking were mostly fueled by sheer willpower. I’d wake up in the morning, filled with resolve, telling myself, “Today’s the day. I won’t drink.” And sometimes, that resolve would last for a few hours, or even a day. But eventually, the evening would roll around, the stresses of being a single mom would pile up, and I’d reach for that glass of wine again.
I also tried various methods, including Allan Carr’s “Easy Way.” I actually had a brief moment of hope with that one – it worked for about a week! But then, something would trigger me, or I’d find an excuse, and I’d be right back where I started. It felt like a constant battle, and frankly, I was exhausted from fighting myself every single day. The cycle of trying, failing, and feeling immense guilt was incredibly draining. It felt like I was stuck in a loop, and I couldn’t see a way out. This constant battle was another one of the undeniable signs you might be drinking more than you should.
My Turning Point: Desperation and a Kindle Book
My journey to finding a lasting solution began with pure desperation. I was scouring the internet, searching for anything that could help me. I kept seeing people mention Annie Grace’s book, This Naked Mind, in various forums. People were raving about it, saying it had genuinely helped them. So, I did what anyone desperate would do – I bought it on Kindle.
And then I let it sit there. For something like two years. Can you believe it? The first time I finally opened it up, I read a sentence where she mentioned Allan Carr’s method, and my immediate reaction was, “Oh no, this won’t work… I’ve already tried that.” And just like that, I closed the book and put it back down.
It wasn’t until I reached a truly desperate point, when the internal and external pressures of my drinking felt unbearable, that I decided to give it another try. I kept seeing those testimonials in forums, those quiet whispers from strangers saying, “Her book helped me.” That persistence, that consistent positive feedback, finally pushed me to pick it up again. Thank goodness I did!
The Simple Shift That Changed Everything
Honestly, it sounds almost too simple to be true, but all I truly had to do was read Annie Grace’s book, This Naked Mind. I also took some time to write out my thoughts around what she shared. There were a few very key things that stood out to me, fundamental concepts that made it profoundly different from anything else I had tried before. It wasn’t about willpower or deprivation; it was about understanding the true nature of alcohol and why we drink it.
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And the most incredible part? I literally quit drinking just from reading that book. It wasn’t a slow taper, it wasn’t a painful struggle, it was a profound shift in perspective. And not only did I quit, but I was (and still am!) so incredibly happy about it. It’s been over four years now, and I can honestly say it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, second only to my son. The freedom and joy I feel are almost indescribable.
My Life Now: A Transformation I Never Imagined
My life today is truly unrecognizable in the best possible way. The changes that have taken place since I stopped drinking are astounding. For starters, I lost about 40 pounds. I probably look ten years younger, and my blood pressure returned to normal. Beyond the physical, the internal changes have been even more profound. I enjoy amazing, deep sleep every single night. My brain functions like it should – no more fogginess or memory lapses. I love being able to remember every conversation I have, every precious moment with my loved ones.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been showing my son what transformation looks like. He’s so incredibly happy for me and was instantly on board with the change four years ago. The relief in his eyes was palpable. Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about being an alcohol-free grandma someday. That thought fills me with immense joy.
I also have so much more mental capacity and energy every day for my business. Before, I used to spend eighty percent of my life either drinking or recovering from it. Now, that energy is channeled into productive and fulfilling work. I talk about this transformation with my clients all the time, using it as a powerful example of what’s possible with human potential. It’s a testament to the power of belief and the ability to change ingrained habits.
I honestly cannot express how grateful I am to be a joyful non-drinker. I truly feel for people who are trapped by drinking – I know exactly what that feels like. And I am so incredibly proud that I get to choose to be free of it every single day. If I could go back and tell my old self one thing, one simple piece of advice, it would be this: “Don’t let anyone tell you that drinking poison is normal.”
This journey has shown me that true freedom comes from within, and sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you finally allow yourself to explore a different path. If any part of my story resonates with you, know that change is possible, and a life of genuine joy and freedom awaits.
Are You Seeing Signs You Might Be Drinking More Than You Should?
Are you ready to take control over alcohol and create lasting change in your life? Annie Grace’s free Control Alcohol Challenge is a great first step. In this free 5-day class, you’ll learn how to break free from alcohol’s grip and start dealing with stress and emotions in a healthier way. Sign up today and take the first step toward your freedom!
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