These 5 Eye-Opening Books Changed My Life and Helped Me Sober Up

They can help you, too, as it’s easier when we have guidance along the way to sobriety.

Another hangover yet again? Uh oh. Could this be a sign I have a drinking problem?

I had to take a deeper look.

Shortly after retiring, I realized my cocktail hour was getting earlier and earlier. I finally admitted it was time to quit drinking.

I’d tried “moderation” before and was unsuccessful. Plan B and the only other option was to quit drinking wholeheartedly and never look back.

Still, I had choices. Go it alone or get help?

There’s always the well-established Alcoholics Anonymous that serves millions worldwide. AA was not a viable choice for me as one of the requirements was to declare out loud in a room full of strangers that I am an alcoholic.

Yet, alcohol had power over me since, often; one drink was not enough.

I need to take responsibility for my actions.

Did I pray to my God for help quitting? You bet I did, but on my terms, not AAs.

Another choice could have been a rehab facility; however, I determined this was too severe for a problem drinker.

Finally, I decided this was a DIY job.

Several years before committing to abstinence, I danced around sobriety.

The following five books were the stimulus and inspiration that helped me quit and set me on the road to sobriety.

The First Three Were My Dance Partners During This Time

This Naked Mind

This was the first I read when I decided to quit drinking. I love, love, love this book! The author, Annie Grace, is a former successful marketing executive who also struggled with drinking. Annie tells us the book will:

“Change your perception by showing you why you drink, both psychologically and neurologically.”

The ideas in this text access our subconscious mind. The advice may seem repetitious, but that’s the point. The more our brain absorbs a concept, the easier it is to make the suggested changes. You will feel in control to implement inspired, fact-based adjustments with alcohol.

Stop Drinking Now

Thousands of people worldwide overcame their various addictions with the suggestions in Allen Carr’s books. Annie Grace credits Mr. Carr’s book for the idea that one must reach the subconscious mind to quit drinking.

Mr. Carr based this book on his successful addiction recovery clinics using the process the therapists utilized. I love this book, too.

He stresses we must quit now, as there is never a perfect time. He calls our urge or desire to drink the Little Monster, making it seem outside our body.

As Mr. Carr writes:

“Alcohol is an addictive poison that will eventually destroy you, physically and mentally.”

Kick the Drink…Easily!

This book by Jason Vale follows the same premise as both Allen Carr’s and Annie Grace’s books — that the subconscious mind will help you quit drinking efficiently and permanently.

“By stopping drinking, you are breaking free and achieving something that most drinkers would love. Have fun, rejoice in your freedom and enjoy letting that disease starve to death.” — Jason Vale.

Ms. Grace also credits her success in refraining from alcohol to Jason Vale.

Are you beginning to see a theme here? The repetition that you can and will stop drinking does create the belief that you can do this! And do it you will, provided you use your courage and tenacity to abstain.

No, I didn’t immediately dump the alcohol down the drain after reading these books.

I read these two years before I finally quit. I would turn to them often during this period of getting ready to be ready.

Your journey will look different from mine — no need to take two years.

“Drunkenness is nothing more than voluntary madness.” — Seneca, Roman Philosopher.

The books, without a doubt, were the foundation leading to my sobriety — after I decided I’d had enough.

The following are two books I read after I was on the road to recovery that reinforced my determination to stay sober.

Nothing Good Can Come from This

Kristi Coulter, a freelance writer and an executive with one of the nation’s largest employers, tells her tale with a sense of humor that had me laughing, wincing, and reminiscing from beginning to end.

Ms. Coulter is an inspiring writer and, with a sharp wit, aptly describes the lure of alcohol.

“I’m newly sober and dog-paddling through the booze all around me. At first, I tried to avoid it by skipping parties and happy hours and dinners out. But even a social recluse has to buy food and go to work, and it turns out those places are now danger zones, too. Whole Foods has planted Rose’ throughout the store. Rose’ is great with fish! And strawberries! And vegan protein powder!” — Kristi Coulter.

Reading stories of others who have triumphed over their addiction is reassuring. I could identify with Kristi’s experience; perhaps you will, too.

The Sober Diaries — How One Woman Stopped Drinking and Started Living

Clare Pooley was in the advertising field in London before becoming a full-time homemaker. This book is her hilarious and often agonizing tale of her battle with her best friend — wine.

An ace at hiding her addiction to alcohol from her husband, friends, and family, she became overweight and depressed.

This story is a wake-up call to anyone thinking they might have a slight problem with the drink.

“I feel terrible about what I’ve put my body through for so long and feel it’s now time to show it some respect. So I’m listening.” — Clare Pooley.

Since I quit drinking, my life has been infinitely better in every way imaginable. I am back to creating art and have taken up writing: something I had never thought of doing.

The road to sobriety may not be easy; however, the bumps are part of the journey. It is a ride worth taking.