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This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life?
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42 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
You wrote that so well, I felt it. Or I felt it because I lived it, too. Different story, of course, but same this:
>for some reason I still want to keep drinking. I NEED to stop but I don’t want to. I don’t know what’s wrong with me or how to have a change of attitude.
I am not the voice of experience by any means, but I'm responding because like you, I put the time in on this sub while I was still drinking. I lurked and I read and I wondered what was wrong with me that I didn't want to quit when it seemed like all of these good people did want to bury the alcohol drinking habit.
Then I picked up a book, This Naked Mind, by Annie Grace (if you don't like to read, there is an audio version). I couldn't put the book down. It spoke to me. ME! And there was the impetus for change that I desperately needed. From there, I read one book after another (they call it "quit lit" here) and I learned SO much about the human mind and this freaking alcohol thing that was wrapped around mine.
I'll be thinking about you and wishing you the best. You are already on this journey, so full speed ahead, my friend!
IWNDWYT- 171 Days
Get her a copy of the book “This Naked Mind” - audiobook is awesome or physical copy. This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537236/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_9076FbM6A82X4
Additionally, introduce her to r/stopdrinking if she is a redditor. Great community!
For you, I would look up codependency and al-anon groups. You can’t control anyone else’s behaviors, not even with love and all the best intentions in the world.
Hey, firstly, props to you for being such a supportive friend. That alone is so helpful in its own way. I’d recommend checking out This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. I’ll link that on amazon at the bottom of this post. I read that in my first week, and it helped me immensely. Plus, you mentioned that you’re four hours away from your friend, so you could easily have this shipped to them! You could even pick up a copy yourself and read and discuss it with them.
Otherwise, maybe you could pick up a hobby together to help them focus their downtime on healthier things. Otherwise, I’d point them in the way of this subreddit—it can be really helpful to post anonymously.
Best wishes.
This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537236/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9hUhFbRMJR6ZZ
I haven't read it recently, but I found 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace to be tremendously helpful.
If there's one thing I took away from that book it's that having and holding a proper attitude towards alcohol is crucial to your success. This book really helped me, and a lot of others around here.
Best wishes on your journey. IWNDWYT.
Most people do. But as you respond "I like drinking" on a post where you detail the shame and suffering from your latest experience drinking that sounds like it left you in a fairly unsafe position (glad to hear you're ok, btw), I'm inclined to either ask why you still like it, or ask if drinking likes you back.
I know someone just saying "stop drinking" usually doesn't land well, so I won't say that, but I'd like to share a book recommendation instead: This Naked Mind. It's an easy read, it's not any sort of tough love deal (very gentle toward the reader), and I was able to find it in my local library - yours may have it too. It's an eye-opening look at drinking culture, not a fire and brimstone criticism of people who drink or anything.
Learned something new - IWNDWYT - nice! It's been over three years for me. This book helped better than anything
This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537236?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Lays out some of the untold truths about alcohol and how our society accepts and promotes it despite its toxicity.
I might have to give it another read actually.
This is truth. It's not about the frequency as much as the combative inebriation.
I just want to add that with enough time consistently drinking, anyone (rats included) can become addicted to alcohol - some quicker than others, which seems to be the case with your husbands genetics. I hope you have a serious conversation and change his trajectory.
I suggest calling this out before it gets worse because it surely will continue until you do.
There is a great easy to understand and well-written book on the science of alcohol, how dependency sets in, and overall awareness at what it means to have that drink: https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness/dp/0525537236
Read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and you'll find that your subconscious mind is the bastard that tells you alcohol is 'fun'. Great book that explains the truth about alcohol and how to recognize and deal with those thoughts.
For what it's worth, this book [This Naked Mind by Annie Grace] was a huge help in my recovery. Would he consider getting better? Most alcoholics hate the way they are but feel like there's no way out.
If you haven't read it yet go here and click on the actual book and read the first couple of pages. It's kind of intriguing and a different take of things. I haven't been able to afford it yet but I hope to be able to buy it soon. Good luck!
disappointing right?? the exact opposite of what you expect to feel. I broke my ankle last month and was unable to drink anymore because of being on pain meds but it was a blessing in disguise because i knew i had a problem but couldn't stop myself from picking up that bottle everyday. This injury has been like rehab for me so yeah it sucks but something had to happen. Also this book helped https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness/dp/0525537236/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+naked+mind&qid=1575650385&sr=8-1
Thank you!
Awesome that you're recommiting and inviting your family in.
I found the book on Amazon, but I believe there might be a pdf floating around the internet.
Here's the Amazon link: This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537236/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uQSuAbH5RM23S
Someone posted about the books This Naked Mind and Alcohol Lied to Me. I decided to get them on audible and listen to them while working. They're both really amazing books and are changing my perspective on alcohol immensely. Actually attempting sobriety myself again. Only 24 hours sober atm though. Mild confusion and anxiety from withdrawals (drinking 12-14 beers a night for 5 years straight will do that to you) but I still don't want a drink. Went a week sober a month ago but caved. That was before listening to these books. You only fail getting sober once you quit trying though
Tried it, didn't work for me. I used it for about a month, and it seemed to just make things worse. Instead of trying to keep things reigned in, I would allow myself to drink pretty much uninhibited, expecting the medication to kill my desire to continue, but it never seemed to.
There were also nights I didn't necessarily intend to drink, but wanted the option to. Since you have to take it in advance of your first drink, I'd take one just in case. Then of course I would always exercise the option, because I didn't want to "waste" a Naltrexone.
I eventually reached the point where I woke up one day, said enough is enough (again), and then fortunately stumbled on this post that same day. Among the comments was the advice to read This Naked Mind, which I started the very next day. It was life changing. I have not drank since.
Good for you. Should you wish to explore alcohol, I'd recommend a couple of books:
This Naked Mind - by Annie Grace - a great read that I credit to helping me realize I no longer needed booze in my life (5 years ago).
Alcohol Explained - by William Porter - this book dives into the science behind what ethanol does to the human body. It's fascinating and super helpful.
Best of luck to you.
Many, many people have been there. I was there. You can do this. The key to making it work is to genuinely internalise that there is nothing wrong with you, you’ve just taken to much of a poisonous drug, and you’re trying to fight the programming it has put into your subconscious. Read this book, it will really help, or if you’re more of a hard core science kind of person, this one is good too. You need to understand what’s going on inside your brain to be successful. I believe in, as does everyone in this sub.
Good decision man. I'm working on 5 years booze free myself. Two books that really helped me out I linked below. The first one really helps to understand that there is more to life beyond alcohol and a path forward for leaving it behind. The William Porter book is a sort of scientific explanation on what booze does to the brain and body. It's a real eye opener.
This Naked Mind- By Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained - By William Porter
The best thing is, punk shows are way more memorable and inspirational now. I have seen hundreds of bands in the last 25 years and probably can only remember half of them, which sucks, but at least moving forward, I'll remember and thoroughly enjoy all of the shows I attend. :)
Best of luck to you!
I also decided to make a change after I got a new job. I quickly realized I wasn't going to last in the position if I kept up my old habits. After 20+ years of drinking, it was time to end that chapter in my life. 4 years later I'm thriving in the position and couldn't be happier.
I always recommend the following two books which really helped me kick drinking for good:
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Best of luck to you!
For some home reading, two books that were super beneficial to me when I quit drinking (4 years ago) were:
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained by William Porter
r/stopdrinking has been a great resource as well, there are a lot of people out there going through the same struggles willing to help.
Best of luck to you in your recovery journey.
This book helped me so much!
This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537236/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_2N7ENW9P3ZVPR5R293B2
I was where you are 4 years ago. I decided enough was enough, I needed to step up and take control of my life. Booze was no longer bringing me the joy it once did and only causing harm and destruction in my life. It wasn't easy because my entire life revolved around alcohol but I can tell you now, life is so much better.
Two books I always recommend that were super beneficial to me when I got started on my road to recovery were: "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace and "Alcohol Explained" by William Porter.
I ran across this also that I like to share, which really resonated with me. It made me realize that I am the one in control of my destiny. I can choose the path of self healing or self destruction.
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.
walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down another street.
Wow man, I could have wrote this myself.
Quitting booze wasn't easy but I can tell you it was the best decision I made for myself and my family. I became a better husband, dad and an all around better person.
I picked up the book "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace as well as the book "Alcohol Explained" by William Porter. Together these books sealed the deal for me. I had a problem and it was time I took charge of my life to fix it.
I'd also recommend seeking therapy. It was so very helpful in my first year of sobriety. I didn't know how to live without turning to booze. Stressed? Drink. Happy? Drink. I had to learn to deal with emotions without alcohol. Believe me, it wasn't easy but I did it.
I'm approaching my 4th year of being booze free after 25+ years of almost daily self destruction. It gets way easier, to the point you don't really think about drinking anymore. I lost some friends and don't do all of the same things I used to but life is so much better these days.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey. This sub is a great support system, do keep us posted on how you're doing, ok?
Congrats on coming to this realization. It took me over 25 years to come to the realization that alcohol was slowly killing me, my relationships and my career. I'm 4 years alcohol free and while it hasn't been easy, I can definitely say that life is SO much better without booze.
I'm a former (home) brewer as well, so my entire life focused on beer. I ran a local club, my garage was a full fledged brewery with a bar and several beers on tap. All of my friends were heavy drinkers. It was challenging and painful to break from that life but so worth it in the end.
You may have already been recommended these two books, but both sealed the deal for me that I will never return to drinking:
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained by William Porter
If there was one piece of advice that has stuck with me it was the "play the tape forward" thought process. In the early days after quitting when I'd think about alcohol all of the time, I'd play it forward - one drink will obviously lead to 10, and then I'll probably say something stupid, do something stupid and wake up feeling awful. Thinking this through each time was helpful.
Another helpful piece of information I'll leave you with that helped me understand my addiction:
>Autobiography in five short chapters:
>
>I.
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
II.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I still don't see it. I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
It isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there, I still fall in.
It's habit. It's my fault. I know where I am.
I get out immediately.
IV.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V.
I walk down a different street.
​
Best of luck to you in your recovery journey. You got this!
That is correct. Here.
I always recommend two books:
This Naked Mind- by Annie Grace
Alcohol Explained - by William Porter
This Naked Mind is a really good book that helps you get to the root of why you drink. It allows you to understand why you subconsciously continue to drink. For me this book was a game changer.
Alcohol Explained breaks down how poisonous booze is to your body and all of the terrible issues it can cause. Reading this after the other really solidified my decision.
If you're doing research on anything, please do some research on the booze you're putting into your system. Alcohol is likely a big cause of anxiety. Taking something on top of it is pointless. If you're struggling, seek medical attention. Doctors can assist with the transition.
I was definitely not consuming out of want for 25 years. I would have a beer in my hand on the way home from work even though I didn't really want to drink, let alone be drinking in my car. It was a vicious cycle.
Quitting wasn't easy. I've been alcohol free for 4 years now and it has been a lot of work. I still listen to addiction podcasts and read books about it. It's a journey that I'm so glad I started on. The health benefits and mental clarity of no longer having booze constantly cycling through the body is SO worth it.
I wish you the best of luck.
This Naked Mind - By Annie Grace <--- Read this book!
When I quit drinking my running improved tenfold. Almost 4 years off the booze and will never go back. The body wasn't meant to ingest ethanol. A couple of good books I always recommend include:
Everyone can obviously do what they want and assume any sort of risk they think is acceptable.
For me, my drinking life is over. That's no longer part of who I am in any respect. Beer and all the things I associate with drinking no longer define me and I don't want them in my life. I've severed ties with all that shit, so why would I want a non-alcoholic beer?
All that being said, that transition didn't happen overnight for me. I spent a good few years feeling like I'm missing out, and not drinking seemed like more of a sacrifice than it did some opportunity to reinvent myself. It wasn't until I started discovering myself outside of drinking that that shift occurred.
The one book that really helped me change my perspective on my relationship with alcohol was a book called The Naked Mind. That book really helped me to stop glamorizing drinking and made me realize that I'm better off without it. After reading it I realized I'm not the problem. Sure, I had a problem drinking, but society's relationship with drinking sucks, and I don't want or need to participate in any way. I highly recommend it. https://www.amazon.com/This-Naked-Mind-Discover-Happiness/dp/0525537236/
So worth it. You will see your life change 180º. You'll lose weight without even trying and your mental state will drastically improve.
I struggled at first with "what will I even do with myself, drinking is all I've ever known." I'll admit at first it is hard, especially if you have surrounded yourself with the party scene, drinking friends, etc. It'll require a step back from social events and hanging out with certain friends.
I'm three years into my sober journey and can't even begin to describe how much of an impact it has had on my life.
A couple of books I recommend that really helped me to solidify my decision to quit alcohol for good: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and Alcohol Explained by William Porter.
Best of luck to you!
Here we are, another beautiful Western NY day! January football continues, and frankly it’s an amazing feeling.
Similarly to last week, I’m not going to go too far into predictions and strategy. Post season is just a time to enjoy the game and be thankful to have arrived. I’m thankful everyday that I’m still clean despite the trials of the past 11 months!
I’m going to reach across the aisle to the Ravens sub since they have been super chill all week. I ask you to be welcoming and cordial but I know you will be. This is one of the nicest subs in all of Reddit!
How are all my sober friends doing? Any big plans tonight? Special NA drinks?
———
Game day check in and sober discussion is always welcome.
As always, if anyone needs immediate outreach please DM myself or u/grinddbass.
LETS GO BUFFALO!!!
Here are the Buffalo area AA meetings
Or, if you’re like me and AA is not your thing but you’re trying to find sobriety or keep it - try my favorite book
It’s been an incredible year and the playoffs feel different than they did in 17 and 19. I hope we can make a deep run and I’m thankful that I’m here for it and my mind is clear.
I’m going to reach across the aisle to the Colts sub since they have been super chill all week. I ask you to be welcoming and cordial but I know you will be. This is one of the nicest subs in all of Reddit!
Just happy to be here, not going to get into much game prediction like I tend to - I might be feeling a little stitous this morning.
———
Game day check in and sober discussion is always welcome.
As always, if anyone needs immediate outreach please DM myself or u/grinddbass.
LETS GO BUFFALO!!!
Here are the Buffalo area AA meetings
Or, if you’re like me and AA is not your thing but you’re trying to find sobriety or keep it - try my favorite book
I think some part of you already knows the answer. I think the edge of the word "alcoholic" is that even a doctor is never going to give you a straight up answer. It's one of those words that take on more and more power the more and more you wonder. But if you're wondering that's a sign of the direction you're headed in. Maybe ask yourself how long it has been a bottle of wine a night. Before asking yourself if you can have a night off - I mean that might not be convenient, timing might be bad, fuck it, whatever y'know. But just try and remember the last few months, or the past year even. How many nights a week usually? And try not to lie, if a number of nights is in question, round upwards, what've you got to lose, you can always estimate a low number later. Brag about it. I got 10 years minimum on the daily, can you beat that? I can round upwards to 15 maybe. Anyway, whatever you say ain't going to scare me is all I'm saying. I mean that sounds bad eh? So if some stranger on the internet told you the same number you come up with, what would call them?
Truthfully, the term "alcoholic" is out of medical vouge.. they've got a sliding scale of "alcohol use order", with eleven points and you're just ranked on a scale. Scroll down to see a chart comparing the old Alcoholic with AUD
For me I think i was doing pretty good with beer, but a diagnosis of gout (which I was all but positive was triggered by the excessive alcohol of sugar of years) had me switch from beer to whisky and shit took on a whole new level. I wanted to keep drinking beer forever because it didn't get me drunk.. so i told myself.. oh fuck i drove drunk with the kids man. jesus eh? what the fuck. but i digress. anyway, I just kept sliding down that honey pot, like a venus fly trap getting sucked in closer
Probably the most helpful book, which get's recommended on /r/stopdrinking (which is an amazing sub by the way, check it out), is This Naked Mind (website ~ Audiobook ~ first 40 pages ~ Amazon). I did the audiobook and it really helped me get a clearer perspective. I think it's got a lot of fascinating things to say about a substance that is advertised everwhere, served everywhere, seen everywhere. I think it deserves as much attention as the place cigarettes did in our society a few years back. go back and watch an 80s move - everyone's smoking. Now nobody smokes. Societal norms impact that and we've got a really big blind spot when it comes to Alcohol. Anyway, so, really really great book and it's not a "quit drinking" alcohol book unless you need it to be. It's about getting control of alcohol in your life which for me was ending it's consumption. I handle alcohol much better when it stays out of my body. Some 15 days in to some stretch of trying to quit (it wouldnt be the first) and I was like "hey this is easy" (it wasn't) "what else should I do to keep it going, maybe I'll read this book all the /r/stopdrinking folks are talking about" So I already knew where I was going, but even if you don't have a problem I think it was really really well done.
Sorry for rambling on but just in case you're kinda close to what I felt like back in the day, I figure you might be okay with me going on a bit.. Anyway, thanks for following me to this comment, that's a pretty big complement. I'm really glad you liked what I wrote. I really liked what you wrote about the cubes on ketamine, that sounds amazing. I'm happy to read anything you want to write back
It’s here, the season opener. I can’t believe we made it!!
It’s been a crazy year so far and a tough one especially on people fighting addiction demons. If anyone needs some outreach please DM me.
Here are the Buffalo area AA meetings
Or, if you’re like me and AA is not your thing but you’re trying to find sobriety or keep it - try my favorite book
This book?
I'm glad it resonated with you. You seem to be well centered, educated and successful. I would add to that list "lucky as hell" that you have not encountered any sort of problems. You guys have been busy when it comes to alcohol! (No judgement - just an observation :)
I (like many others here) have recommended the book This Naked Mind, it almost sounds cliche'. However the recommendation is suggested because of the approach, content and delivery of the information.
If you click on this link and then click on the image of the book, you can read the introduction and maybe even the first chapter. Annie Grace, the author, lays out exactly what the deal is, what the book's purpose is for and the outcome. She definitely leaves it open as to how and what you ultimately decide to do, without judgement.
Personally, for me, there are tons of things I did not know about alcohol and all of the forces at play. She does a very good job of stepping through all a myriad of issues, situations and myths.
If you read it, I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, it seems like you and your wife are on the same page. It might be something that you guys could read and step through together to make a choice for the relationship. Just a thought.
Last thing, I am 6'-0". When I quit drinking 29 days ago, I weighed 185. I weighed myself today. I weigh 170. My blood pressure was on the high side (cant remember exactly what it was prior to quitting but last night at 9:53 it was 119/69 and my heart rate was 59. (yesterday during meditation, my heart rate dropped to 52.) My face and eyes aren't puffy anymore and my skin is different. Kinda hard to describe. I drink between 180 to 200 ounces of water a day. It's helped a lot to flush my system. (Edit: oh, and I am 58.)
The very best to you!!
This is the go to book for drinkers on the quit drinking Reddit:
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Worked for me. I don't miss drinking. I miss wanting to drink now.
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As for the fat. Prime candidate for this big guy:
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Keto is just another way to fuck around and avoid counting calories.
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