The day I picked up “Alcohol Explained” by William Porter was the day the scales fell from my eyes.

My journey with alcohol, much like many others, had been a tumultuous one. It eventually became a crutch for every emotion I experienced. Happiness, sadness, boredom—each was a cue for a drink.

What struck me most profoundly about Porter’s book was his discussion on the physiological effects of alcohol, particularly the concept of alcohol creating an artificial need within the body and mind—a need it then pretends to fill. It is a vicious cycle, one that I had been unknowingly trapped in for years.

Porter explains how alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry, increasing the release of dopamine and endorphins, chemicals that signal pleasure and reward. Initially, this creates a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and well-being. However, as this process is repeated, the brain starts to associate alcohol with pleasure and reward, creating a dependency. This dependency is not just psychological but physiological, as the body starts to require alcohol to produce these feel-good chemicals, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

This was my “aha” moment.

I recognized this cycle in my own life. Every time I felt stressed or down, I reached for a bottle, seeking the temporary relief it offered. But with each drink, I was deepening my dependency, making it harder to experience joy or relaxation without alcohol.

It was a sobering realization (pun intended) to recognize that what I thought was a source of relief was actually the root of my anxiety and depression.

Armed with this new understanding, I embarked on my journey to sobriety. It was far from easy. The first few weeks were marked by intense cravings, mood swings, and moments of doubt. I had to relearn how to navigate life’s ups and downs without alcohol.

I found solace in exercise, meditation, and reconnecting with long-neglected hobbies. Each sober day was a victory, a step toward breaking free from alcohol’s grasp.

The true test came during a particularly stressful week at work. In the past, I would have drowned my stress in a sea of alcohol, but this time was different. I remembered the book’s words about the artificial need created by alcohol. Instead of reaching for a drink, I went for a long run, allowing the natural endorphins to ease my stress.

A year into my sobriety, the contrast in my life is stark. The fog of anxiety and depression has lifted, replaced by clarity and a newfound joy in the simple things. My relationships have deepened, my health has improved, and I’ve discovered a resilience I never knew I had.

To those still struggling, know this: the illusion of relief that alcohol provides is just that—an illusion.

The path to true happiness and freedom lies in breaking the cycle of dependency. It’s not an easy journey, but it is undoubtedly worth it. “Alcohol Explained” was my guide out of the darkness, and I recommend you read it too.