My story of sobriety started when I stumbled upon a book titled “Alcohol Lied to Me” by Craig Beck. Intrigued by the title and feeling increasingly disillusioned with my nightly wine routine, I downloaded it on a whim. That decision marked the beginning of my journey towards a life I never imagined possible—a life free from the grip of alcohol.

Craig Beck’s approach to tackling alcohol addiction struck a chord with me, big time. Here are the 3 biggest things that helped me quit:

1. Alcohol as an Attractively Packaged Poison: The author’s analogy of alcohol being a poison, attractively packaged and marketed to ensnare us, was a revelation. I’d never considered my elegant glasses of wine in the same category as a bottle of bleach, yet the toxicity to my body was not so different. This shift in perspective was jarring. Every time I reached for a drink, I visualized it as a beautifully wrapped vial of poison. This visualization made it increasingly difficult to justify the casual self-poisoning I was engaging in every night.

2. The Myth of Alcohol Providing Relaxation: Another concept that Beck dismantles is the myth that alcohol relaxes us. He explains how alcohol temporarily numbs the stress but ultimately exacerbates anxiety and depression in the long run. This resonated deeply with me. I had often justified my drinking as a way to unwind, but Beck’s explanation shed light on the vicious cycle I was trapped in. I was using alcohol to soothe the very anxiety it was amplifying. Acknowledging this pattern empowered me to seek healthier relaxation methods. I turned to yoga and meditation, practices that provided genuine relief and relaxation without the detrimental side effects of alcohol.

3. The Power of Choice: Perhaps the most empowering aspect of the book is the emphasis on choice. He advocates for viewing sobriety not as a sacrifice but as a positive, empowering choice towards a healthier, happier life. This reframing of sobriety from deprivation to liberation was transformative. It allowed me to celebrate each alcohol-free day not as a day of missing out, but as a day I chose my health, clarity, and happiness.

Maintaining my sobriety has been a journey of continuous growth and discovery. I’ve integrated regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices into my daily routine. These habits have not only supported my sobriety but have significantly improved my overall well-being. I’ve also found solace in writing, documenting my journey in a blog that connects me with others navigating their path to sobriety.

“Alcohol Lied to Me” was the catalyst for my transformation. It provided me with the knowledge and tools to debunk the myths surrounding alcohol, enabling me to make informed choices about my drinking.

My journey to sobriety is a testament to the power of changing one’s mindset about alcohol, and I’m forever grateful for the truths unveiled in those pages.