The Moderation Myth: My Journey to True Freedom from Alcohol

My Story with Alcohol

For decades, I relied on alcohol as my go-to at the end of a workday. Initially, I adhered to the traditional 5:30 happy hour, but as the years progressed, the witching hour started arriving earlier. We affectionately called it "4: Thirsty”, a lighthearted name for a growing dependency. As stress intensified, I would cook dinner earlier just to justify that first glass of wine. Then, what began with the intention of a couple glasses to unwind in the evening, would often escalate into an entire bottle by night's end.

The Struggle with Moderation

To control my drinking, I would set rigid rules for myself: only drink at certain times, limit myself to specific amounts, or reserve alcohol consumption for weekends and special occasions. These rules would work for a while and provide me with promising glimpses of who I could be without alcohol. But even during extended periods of alcohol-free living, the thought of alcohol always lingered nearby. I spent years of my life either looking forward to my next drink or trying to build up enough mental stamina to refrain from the temptation altogether.

You see, when someone is unhappy with their relationship with alcohol and looks to moderation as a tool, it very well may help them lessen their intake. However, alcohol has still taken up residence in their mind and will continually remind them of its presence. There are always decisions to be made, and often while under social pressure or in a moment of temptation.

Alcohol also doesn’t care if it is 11am on a Tuesday, but your rule is no drinks until after 5pm on Fridays. Moderation gives alcohol the opportunity to come knocking on your door anyway. You must maintain enough willpower to withstand the constant mental negotiations. Add in the fact that alcohol, by its very nature, affects our ability to make sound decisions, and it is easy to see how the lines we draw for ourselves can get blurred and crossed.

Is Moderation Ever Possible?

Moderation seems to be most successful when alcohol is not very important to the person to begin with. They feel as if they can truly take it or leave it. However, as a word of caution, my colleague Annie Grace frequently shares that, “[Alcohol] is an inherently addictive substance, and with the right level of exposure and in the right circumstances, any person will get addicted to it.” And chances are if you are reading this blog, alcohol is something that you have spent a fair amount of time thinking about. If so, I want to encourage you that you can be free from alcohol not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

True Freedom from Alcohol

True freedom from alcohol, the freedom I have welcomed with immense gratitude, is not about adhering to strict rules. It's about reaching a place where alcohol no longer holds ANY power because it is small and irrelevant. It no longer consumes thoughts or influences actions. The compassion-led, science-based curriculum that I teach my clients focuses on changing the way your brain thinks about alcohol, thus removing the desire to drink altogether. Without desire, there is no temptation. We don’t drink because we can’t, but rather, we don’t drink because we don’t want to.

By embracing this journey with a foundation on scientific principles and a discerning look at the ideas you have accepted as truth, it is possible to break free from the constraints of moderation and the constant battle with cravings. If you're ready to take the first step towards this liberating path, I invite you to explore more about this approach and join our community of individuals who have found peace and freedom from alcohol. If this has piqued your curiosity, let's talk more about it! Schedule a free discovery call to ask me any questions you may have about this unique approach.

Join me in living AFreeLife.