Chapter 1: A New Beginning

It was yet another evening spent with two couples who had become my regular dinner companions. My new husband, Bill, had known them for years, while I was just getting acquainted. Bill and I had rekindled our romance after many years apart, having been high school sweethearts.

As I settled into this new social circle, I couldn’t help but notice how slowly the women were savoring their drinks. It felt like we’d been nursing them for ages, and I struggled to match their leisurely pace. This wasn't the first time I had encountered such a scenario; even with my girlfriends, I often found myself ready for a second cocktail while they were still indulging in their first.

Finally, we ordered our meals, and the wine was served, arriving just in time. During my years as a single parent, Friday nights meant unwinding, often alone at home. I’d drive my boys to their friends’ houses, ensuring they had a safe ride back, then prepare my favorite cocktail—a Black Russian.

One drink was never sufficient; I craved a full experience, one that promised relief from the stresses of daily life. Despite my challenges, I believed I was living a good life, and I thought my drinking was a way to celebrate it. Yet, in the back of my mind lingered a nagging thought: perhaps it was time to quit drinking altogether or, at the very least, cut back.

I had started drinking in my teenage years—not seriously, but still. In my twenties, alcohol was a central part of my social life; we fancied ourselves sophisticated.

In my thirties and forties, while raising my boys, drinking was only absent during pregnancies and nursing. Even when I was busy running my business in my fifties and sixties, I approached drinking cautiously, always considering the next day's responsibilities.

Does any of this resonate with you?

By the time I settled down with Bill and entered retirement, my alcohol consumption escalated. There seemed to be no reason to hold back; after years of hard work and raising children, wasn't it finally time to unwind?

I let go—perhaps too much. While I enjoyed hosting friends, my preferred drinking scenario was at home. I would whip up Cosmos or bourbon Manhattans, while Bill enjoyed his vodka and soda. He would catch up on the news, and I’d retreat to the living room with my journal or a book, seeking that familiar sense of release and relief.

But after five years of heavy daily drinking, I began to notice the toll it was taking on my body. I feared I was harming my organs, particularly my liver, and worried about the health of my brain.

Is this your experience, too?

I realized I didn’t want to spend my remaining years drowning in alcohol, stumbling to bed each night. I yearned to create art, perhaps start a blog, hike the beautiful hills nearby, and even try my hand at pickleball—a sport that was just beginning to gain popularity.

Then I discovered "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace. This book opened my eyes and led me to other resources, including Allen Carr’s "Stop Drinking Now" and Jason Vale’s "Kick the Drink…Easily." These works were pivotal in my journey toward sobriety. I also compiled a list of additional books that inspired me and read voraciously, motivated by the courageous stories of others who realized, as I did, that alcohol was a threat to their existence.

It took two years and two failed attempts before I finally broke free from the alcohol that had burdened me for so long. I incorporated "Your Six Week Plan" by Sarah Turner and Lucy Rocca into my routine, a daily journal with prompts to help me reflect on my desires and the impact of my drinking.

I had convinced myself that alcohol was the release I sought, but in reality, it was holding me back and contributing to my stress. I felt like I was only half alive, often waking in a sweat from regret or starting my mornings with a headache and nausea.

Now, I rise each day with a sense of optimism, having enjoyed restful sleep. I’m writing for various publications and have so much to share. I’ve embraced pickleball for four years, spent more time hiking, and have returned to weightlifting.

I am genuinely enjoying life in this new chapter. My creativity has flourished, and I feel empowered and at peace. Life still presents its challenges, but I now face them with clarity and confidence.

I am approaching six years of sobriety and feel stronger, healthier, and more purposeful than ever. Sobriety has truly restored my life.

If you are seeking support to quit drinking, I encourage you to reach out to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 800–662-HELP (4357).