How many glasses of wine must one consume to escape memories of trauma? Emily sought the answer to this question for two decades. Following a traumatic experience at age twelve, she turned to alcohol as a means of coping, convinced that it was her sole refuge. While employed at a local bar in her twenties, her alcohol consumption soared to alarming heights—three bottles of wine or an entire bottle of gin nightly. Through programs like This Naked Mind and The Path, Emily ultimately discovered that her younger self needed understanding and healing, not another drink.
The Beginning of It All
I never paid much attention to alcohol until I entered into my first serious relationship at twelve. Twelve. He was eighteen. In hindsight, it was quite tumultuous. That relationship forced me to mature rapidly (I’ll spare you the gruesome details), and my childhood faded away. That’s when alcohol entered the picture. It helped numb my emotions and manage those turbulent years. It was like a crutch, preventing me from addressing my trauma. The pain lingered, haunting me throughout my adulthood.
Isn’t it bizarre that we resort to drinking to mask childhood trauma? As if it could magically erase our past. But that’s just a myth.
Back in those days, everyone around me thought drinking was acceptable. And I was eager to please, wanting to fit in and be liked. Alcohol became my closest ally, my ever-present companion. Despite knowing it often led me into perilous situations, I couldn’t stop. I convinced myself I didn’t have a problem… not yet.
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The Despair of Drinking Alone
Life changed when I moved out on my own in my twenties. Suddenly, alcohol lost its charm. Responsibilities replaced carefree nights out. To afford my bills, I took a second job at a pub. Ironically, that was when my drinking took a nosedive. I was surrounded by alcohol and often drank by myself.
That was a grim chapter in my life. There were countless instances waking up in a hospital, with only fuzzy recollections of yet another suicide attempt. I recall screaming at my parents in the emergency room, pleading for them to leave me alone. The shame was suffocating.
In retrospect, it’s evident I continued drinking to avoid childhood trauma. Instead of healing, alcohol exacerbated my issues.
The Unending Cycle of Quitting
I sought help numerous times. I consulted doctors, attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and had consistent check-ups with the local alcohol service. Each week, I reported my drinking habits; they suggested moderation and warned me about potential risks. The same cycle repeated itself. No one grasped the depth of my struggles, and honestly, I didn’t fully understand it either.
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It was in that abyss, realizing I had nothing left to lose and everything to gain, that I decided to take action. This was my final opportunity. I enrolled in a 5-day challenge offered by This Naked Mind, which eventually led me to The PATH.
Embark on Your Own Challenge
Have you been relying on alcohol to cope with childhood trauma? Are you ready to discover healthier coping mechanisms that don’t leave you feeling worse? Join our Control Alcohol Challenge and reclaim your freedom, just as Emily did!
Discovering This Naked Mind and a Supportive Community
I had no idea how life-changing that decision would be. The Path provided me with a community—a group of individuals who embraced me, cared for me, and wished the best for me. It became a safe, judgment-free environment where I could truly be myself. For the first time, I felt genuinely seen and respected.
Through The Path and the principles of “This Naked Mind,” I’ve gained insights into myself and the dynamics of addiction. I no longer succumb to the negative narratives that once tormented me, those thoughts that would send me spiraling down. I realize now that using alcohol to cope with childhood trauma was a misguided strategy to alleviate the pain. But the blame was never mine. Alcohol is inherently addictive, designed to ensnare you.
I’m extremely thankful for this newfound clarity and my ability to view alcohol for what it truly represents. I now envision a future filled with possibilities. I’m leaving The Path with the conviction that one day, I will achieve sobriety. I believe this wholeheartedly.
And to the younger me, the one who felt lost and in pain: I’m sincerely sorry for what you went through. But drinking alcohol won’t ease that suffering. There’s a better path forward, one toward healing and liberation. Continue to seek, continue to fight.
Share Your Journey
Have you discovered healthier alternatives to drinking to cope with childhood trauma through our books, the app, the podcasts, or other resources from This Naked Mind? We would love for you to share your experience here to inspire others on their path!