How I Stopped Drinking: My Journey to Quitting Alcohol and Finding Freedom

Alcohol: It’s Time We Had a Talk

I wanted to share a journal entry I wrote at the start of my sober journey five years ago. Back then, I was struggling to separate myself from alcohol. I wasn’t ready to admit it was my problem, so I tried to see it as something separate, something outside of me. By doing that, it made the problem a lot easier to see clearly. It wasn’t part of my identity—it was just something I needed to deal with. Looking at it this way helped me take the steps I needed to get sober.

This is my first blog, and I have to admit—breaking up with alcohol wasn’t easy. I was the girl who was always out late, loving how alcohol made everything feel lighter, like nothing else mattered. But I started questioning it all. What about the morning after?

I would wake up with a dry mouth, a pounding headache, and the inevitable wave of anxiety. I’d reach for the glass of water I left by my bed—at least I was prepared. But even as the water went down, there was no relief. My mouth still felt gross, like it had been drained of every drop of moisture. My body ached, my lips were chapped, and I reeked of sweat and alcohol.

Then, the dreaded moment: I’d spot my phone on the nightstand. Sure, I didn’t lose it, but that relief was short-lived. Who did I text last night? Who did I call? I didn’t even want to know. Embarrassing flashbacks started creeping in, making me feel sick. Did I really say those things? Did I act that way? All I wanted to do was hide under the blankets and disappear. The sun was peeking in, but I wasn’t ready to face the day. Today, I just wanted to vanish.

As awful as those mornings felt, they helped me see the problem for what it was—something separate from who I am. That clarity was the first step toward figuring out how to live without alcohol. It wasn’t just about quitting; it was about taking back control of my life. It’s been a tough journey, but it’s one I’m proud to share. If you’re on a similar path, know that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.